1 part Complete Sporty and Sexy. "The Breaks" is focused on a group of athletes rising through the ranks of the professional surfing world. They struggle with relationships, personal injuries and rival competition as well as the competitive nature of sponsored surf and the juxtaposition between life in the spotlight and life in the waves.
The first chapters chronicle Tyler Byrd's adventures as he returns to the sponsored world of surfing after a sudden absence following his father's death 4 years ago. At the forefront of the first few episodes is the conflict between Tyler's potential sponsor "Bob's Longboards" and their decision to not sign the promising surfer. A competing "corporate" sponsor, "360 Threads" snatches Tyler up, causing personal as well as professional drama for the crew. Tyler's best friend Daniel, a pro surfer in mid-recovery from a severe car accident, does his best to guide his friend and the group through the elusive channels of fame and celebrity in the competitive surfing world.
Now signed to 360 Threads, Tyler gets his taste of fame halfway through the season. With all the excitement and celebrity interaction, Tyler is willingly entangled in a world of money, merchandise and magazine covers, not to mention the beach babes. He is forced to find a balance between the spotlight and his surf training in the episodes leading up to a Pro Riding Event.
Despite the warning signs from his friends and love interest, Tyler bombs at the pro event, effectively blowing his sponsorship and all of the career momentum he has gained thus far. The season ends with Tyler's professional career uncertain, and Bob's Longboards being a skeptical lone ally.
