After 20 years of silence, former champion surfer David Wakefield feels ready to reveal a secret that could turn his life upside-down: he is gay. At the same time, on the other side of the world, Thomas Castets is setting up the world's first online community for gay surfers. The two meet up, and Thomas encourages David to confront his fears of rejection. David comes out at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, receiving some unexpected media attention. Despite mixed reactions from friends and family, David is determined to find out why homosexuality is so hidden in surfing. To do so, he and Thomas embark on a global journey.

Out in the Line-up follows them from the east coast of Australia to Hawaii, California, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands as they meet and surf with people from all corners of the surfing community: from an openly gay three-time world champion, an award-winning big wave rider and a former US Congressman to everyday surfers, gay and straight. Throughout their travels, David and Thomas hear stories of fear, isolation and self-doubt, but are also inspired by tales of hope, self-empowerment and transformation. As their journey unfolds, David and Thomas hope to create change in surf culture, looking to surfing's grassroots values of freedom of spirit, open-mindedness and love for the ocean.