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This paper presents a study of the structural response of a point absorber wave energy converter structure made of composite materials under slamming loads. Glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymers combined with a polypropylene sandwich core are adopted for the structure subjected to breaking wave and bottom slamming. Design criteria from a classification society are used in the design of the structure in composite materials. According to the results, the matrix cracking and sandwich yielding criteria are particularly important in the design of the structure. This paper also highlights the importance of initial geometrical imperfections on the buckling strength which revealed a severe reduction compared to the linear buckling analysis. • The buckling strength of a wave energy converter structure made of composite materials under slamming load is assessed. • Glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymers combined with a polypropylene sandwich core make the structure. • Design criteria from a classification society are used in the design of the structure in composite materials. • The structure was considered subjected to breaking wave and bottom slamming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]