An ocean wave generator includes a buoy for floating on the surface of the ocean. A generator is mounted to the buoy. A pulley is mounted on the generator for turning the generator. An anchor cable has a first end wrapped around the pulley and an anchored second end. Upward movement of the buoy and generator due to a wave causes the cable to unwind from the pulley, which turns the generator. A spring connected to the pulley rewinds the anchor cable when the buoy and generator drop into the trough of a wave.