NOVELTY - The wave energy converter has an elongate spine (1) and blades (2) rotatably mounted on and supported by the spine. Each blade is operable by ocean waves to angularly oscillate and to drive conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.    USE - Wave energy converter for use on ocean.    ADVANTAGE - The pipes of the spine convey pressurized fluid to the turbine, reducing pressure-induced loading of any one pipe by distributing loading more evenly between pipes. Improves energy conversion efficiency by minimizing pressure loss along the pipe. Preferred bending strength and flexural stiffness of the spine may be achieved by providing number of parallel pipes secured together. Local forces and bending moment with the spine are minimized by avoiding additive effects from multiple adjacent blades loaded in phase, and by designing the converter to safely withstand wave forces using inexpensive materials such as plastics or polymer-based components and standard low-cost mooring systems for holding the spine in place. Components such as bearings may be made from low friction polymers such as polyethylene, eliminating requirement for sealed bearings with moving parts of environmentally hazardous grease. The low weight nature of plastics enables the spine and blades to be more buoyant without need for added floats or supports. Plastic-made components ensure that punctures and cracks are less likely to occur, since excellent toughness, fatigue resistance and chemical resistance of plastics prevent localized damage caused by fatigue or pitting corrosion. The plastics components are inexpensively made from recycled material and reused if needed, improving environmental appeal of the converter. The survivability feature preserves operation and maintenance of the converter, and further reducing required strength and cost of components.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a method of installing, maintaining, inspecting or repairing a wave energy converter; and    (2) a method of operating a wave energy converter.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows the perspective view of a wave energy converter.    Spine (1)    Blades (2)    Pipes (3)    Hollow paddles (4)    Hinged connectors (5)