Based on the inspirational true story of surfing icon Jay Moriarty, Chasing Mavericks tells the story of a young man's quest to surf Northern California's and one of the world's most dangerous waves and the local legend, Frosty Hesson, who takes him under his wing. 

One morning, Jay (Jonny Weston), now 15, sees Frosty (Gerard Butler) leaving early and hitches a ride on his van.  He sees Frosty and three of his friends riding a gigantic swell known as Mavericks, which with El Niño coming in will be at its height in three months' time.  Reluctantly, Frosty agrees to teach Jay how to surf Mavericks, but insists that Jay learn about the "foundation pillars of surfing".  These involve him learning to paddle board thirty six (36) miles from Santa Cruz to Monterey Bay, treading water for forty (40) minutes and being able to hold his breath for four (4) minutes. 

What begins as a mentorship turns into a unique lifelong bond, as the two unlikely friends discover that there is nothing more powerful than pushing your limits and chasing a nearly impossible dream.