After the WSL competition abruptly ends, the athletes reflect on their beloved, unpredictable sport. Later, Garrett attempts to surf again.

A few days after his historic ride, Garrett is visited by his mother, whose presence prompts an exploration into his highly unconventional and turbulent childhood. In 2013, a group of Brazilians arrive in Nazare, but their failure to heed Garrett's safety advice results in a near-fatal accident. In 2017, Garrett's appearance at a big wave competition takes a devastating turn.

In 2011, just as the largest swell of the season approaches, the McNamaras and their team reconvene in Nazare, where they kick preparations into high gear to prepare for their upcoming attempt at making history. Then, despite some unexpected hurdles, Garrett catches a wave that forever changes him, the small seaside town, and the legacy of the sport.

Garrett, Nicole, Cotty, Justine, Chumbo and Nic set out on an overnight boat to Cortes Bank, an unusual and legendary surf spot in the open ocean 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, when a rare swell appears. For the big wave surfers, the opportunity represents a chance to get the waves of their lives. For Garrett, he must also contend with painful memories from his previous trip to the mythic – and dangerous – destination.

In 2017, prominent surfers flock to Nazare for its largest swell to date — and while one pro sets a new world record, Andrew Cotton suffers a devastating wipeout. In 2019, after rallying through a back-to-back concussion and broken foot, Garrett struggles with determining whether he's mentally ready to get back in the water.

As Garrett grapples with his health, Nazaré prepares for its first big swell – and nothing goes as planned.

Portugal’s National Health Commission closes down all surfing due to Covid protocols, stranding the surfers for several weeks. Ramon Laureano, Tony’s father and tow partner, watches his son evolve as a big wave surfer. Garrett McNamara leaves town as he and others contend with their inability to surf waves in Nazaré.

Garrett’s wipeout leaves him seriously injured, with his neurological health at risk. His brother-in-law, CJ Macias, meanwhile, gets back on a board after recovering from his own significant accident, while Chumbo reflects on his surfing priorities now that he’s a father. Just after Justine and Tony make a difficult decision about their partnership, a tragedy of the highest magnitude strikes Nazaré.

Following the Eddie, the McNamara’s move to Montaldo, Italy for a fresh start. But just as Garrett begins to slow down in his new life away from the ocean, he hears of a perfect swell off the coast of Morocco and can’t resist. Cotty and Chumbo join Garrett and his son Titus in Safi to chase the waves, while Justine, now pregnant, is unable to do what has long fueled her. When a new swell is forecasted at Mavericks, the decision to chase the ultimate wave is contemplated once more.

In the wake of CJ’s frightening search and rescue, the surfers find themselves reflecting on the dangers of their sport. When another WSL contest in Nazaré is announced, Tony’s dreams of competing against the best in class are finally realized… then quickly fall apart. As for Garrett, the end of the surf season becomes a time to recalibrate his priorities.