The invention relates to a method for utilising wave energy. In the method, the reciprocating movement of a water mass (5) in the vicinity of the bottom (6) of a water basin is adapted to actuate a body (2) or its part attached to the bottom of the water basin, the kinetic energy of the body (2) or its part being recovered into an energy reserve (3), and the energy being transferred from the energy reserve to the object of application. The invention also relates to the apparatus (1) used in the method.