"Ride the Wild Surf" follows three California surfing buddies, Jody Wallis (Fabian), Steamer Lane (Tab Hunter), and Chase Colton (Peter Brown), who come to Hawaii during Christmas vacation to ride the big waves.
Steamer falls in love with Lily Kilua (Susan Hart), whose mother objects to the romance because she considers surfers to be "beach bums," because her husband - a surfer - left home and family to follow the surf circuit.
Self-described college drop-out and surf bum Jody falls for the demure Brie Matthews (Shelley Fabares), who challenges him to return to college.
In the case of the relatively straight-laced Chase, he finds himself pursued by the adventurous Augie Poole (Barbara Eden).
However, the main story is the challenge to surf the monster waves at Waimea Bay and fit in among the champion surfers there, such as Eskimo (James Mitchum).
Despite conflicts, injuries, and rocky romances, Wallis, Chase, and Steamer prove themselves brave - or crazy - enough to try to be the last one to ride in the highest wave.