Second person narration asks the reader to ponder whether or not they could be a big wave surfer, describing various scenarios that lead to decisions the reader must make at the end of each chapter. The reader's decisions affect the outcome of their adventure and can be changed to lead to different conclusions. End matter includes brief biographies of famous big wave surfers, discussion questions, a glossary, and resources for further research.

Surf's up -- The pipeline -- Taming a monster -- Sharks and swells -- Big wave surfing -- Brief biographies -- Other paths to explore.