In the story, Cody Maverick is a young, enthusiastic, and talented penguin surfer, eager to gain recognition and success in the world of professional surfing. Coming from Shiverpool, Antarctica, Cody has always been inspired by the legendary surfer Big Z, who was known for his remarkable talents and adventurous spirit. Determined to follow in Big Z's footsteps, Cody gets his chance when a talent scout spots him and invites him to participate in the Big Z Memorial Surf Off on Pen Gu Island, an event that draws surfers from around the globe. Seeing this as his opportunity to prove himself and achieve his dreams, Cody eagerly accepts and sets out for the island, hoping to make a name for himself in the surfing world.

Upon his arrival, Cody quickly faces the realities and challenges of competing at a professional level. He encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Tank Evans, a competitive and arrogant surfer who has won the memorial several times and aims to defend his title, and Lani, a lifeguard who shows Cody that there's more to life than just surfing. Cody also meets Geek, a reclusive and older surfer who becomes his mentor, offering wisdom and training to help improve Cody's skills. Throughout his journey, Cody learns valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the importance of enjoying life, not just the competition. These experiences challenge Cody's understanding of success and push him to discover what it truly means to be a champion.