This paper examines the appropriateness of the Fast Fourier Transform for decomposition and reconstruction of wave records taken at fixed locations and transposed to a different temporal and spatial point. In marine renewable energy, advanced control methods based on the future prediction of waves are being developed. These methods are based on the assumption that a forward looking prediction is available and over the years there has been a conjecture that the FFT may perform this role and that the prediction of wave behaviour at any point on the sea surface should be realizable. The validity of this statement is tested using numerical wave records. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.