Inspired by his hero, the legendary wave rider Big Z, Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) is an up-and-coming surfer and enters his first pro competition. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and respect he has never had. But when he unexpectedly comes face to face with a washed up old surfer named The Geek (Jeff Bridges), Cody begins to understand that the greatest champion isn\'t always the one who comes first.