This study summarizes the classification，research status，advantages and disadvantages of existing ocean wave forecasting methods. Through the comparative analysis，it can be noted that the three traditional wave forecasting methods，semiempirical and semitheoretical forecasting method，empirical statistical forecasting method and numerical forecasting method，are significantly regionalized，face the challenge of modeling difficulties，and require high realtime data. Meanwhile，this paper also analyzes the developing trends and prospects the application foreground of some new techniques such as big data，artificial intelligence，and deep learning in the field of wave forecasting.