Mitch receives news of his uncle's death. He recruits Hobie, Eddie and Shauni to trek to northern California's rugged gold country where he learns his uncle may have found the golden boot. Eddie and Shauni are having problems in their relationship when Eddie is accepted into a year-long lifeguard exchange program in Australia.

Drew shoots at the raft. Shauni is taken hostage, and pushed off the cliff. After Eddie and Mitch save her, she finds out that she's not pregnant. Eddie proposes to her. Mitch climbs down with the help of a rope and finds the golden boot; Jed arrives at the trailer. Eddie marries Shauni and they move to Australia.

The love strings between Courtney, Slade and Summer are pulled tight; C.J. accepts a position at Malibu Beach High; Garner tires of work.