Dana is a young, passionate surfer from California who dreams of following her late mother's footsteps and experiencing the epic waves of South Africa. Feeling constrained by her father's rigid expectations, she rebels and sets off on a solo journey armed with her mother's journal, filled with stories of adventure and surf destinations. Upon arrival, Dana meets Pushy, a local surfer girl, and Tim, a laid-back Australian, who quickly become her friends and guides. They introduce her to the vibrant surf culture and challenging waves of Jeffreys Bay. Overwhelmed yet determined, Dana faces the tough realities of surf life that demand skill, courage, and discipline.

As Dana pushes her physical and emotional limits, she encounters several challenges that test her resolve, including rivalry from other surfers and internal conflicts about her pursuit. With Pushy and Tim's support, Dana begins to find her rhythm and confidence in riding the waves. However, her journey takes unexpected turns that reshape her understanding of what it means to follow in her mother's footsteps. Dana grapples with balancing her ambition and the complexities of her relationships, ultimately seeking to align her passion with her values and personal identity.