FIELD: generation of power. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to renewable sources of hydraulic power and can be used to generate energy from the movement of waves on seas and large lakes. Surface sea wave energy converter comprises multiple hinged pontoons 1 whereon L-shaped levers 2 located outside of the planes thereof on top and on the bottom on the edges of adjacent pontoons are secured in pairs, with underwater and surface pumps 3 secured thereon, the inputs whereof are connected via filters 4 to the intake tubes 5 lowered into the water, and the outlets of the pumps 3 are connected via check valves 6 to a common pipe 7 supplying water to a turbine equipped with an electric generator. Longitudinal through slits of a greater width than the diameter of the pipe 7 are made under the pipe 7 in the plane of the adjacent pontoons 1. EFFECT: creation of an apparatus with high productivity of converting the energy of surface waves. 3 cl, 3 dwg.