Free floating wave energy converter having variable buoyancy flexible pipe and enhanced capture width

A free floating wave energy converter including at least one flexible pipe adapted to float at a surface of a body of water, the at least one flexible pipe having an inlet end for receiving alternating slugs of water and air when the at least one flexible pipe is moored facing at an angle to a wave direction in the body of water and having an outlet end in fluid communication with power takeoff and other devices, comprising:

• a plurality of horizontal supports attached to the at least one flexible pipe at spaced apart locations, each of the horizontal supports extending horizontally traverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least one flexible pipe and horizontally outwardly in opposite directions from the at least one flexible pipe;
• and
• at least two inflatable tubes attached to the horizontal supports on opposite sides of the at least one flexible pipe, each of the inflatable tubes extending longitudinally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one flexible pipe, wherein the at least one flexible pipe is raised and lowered relative to the surface of the body of water by respectively inflating and deflating the at least two inflatable tubes with a gas.