Nicole, a young woman from New York, is sent to spend the summer with her estranged grandmother in Santa Cruz. Initially disinterested in the local surf culture, she stumbles across her late mother’s journal, revealing a hidden passion for surfing. Nicole convinces her somewhat gruff but caring grandmother to let her take out the old family surfboard. As she immerses herself in learning to surf, she grows close to a charming local surfer named Tyler who becomes her mentor, reigniting a sense of adventure and connection to her mother’s memory.

As Nicole deepens her understanding of surfing and the ocean, she uncovers more secrets about her family's past. Her bond with her grandmother strengthens as they both confront old wounds and unresolved issues. Simultaneously, Nicole’s relationship with Tyler blossoms, bringing newfound happiness and a sense of belonging. Amidst the waves and the coastal community, she starts to carve out her own identity, balancing newfound aspirations with the legacy of her family's history.