Shaun Tomson

Shaun Tomson's Key Accomplishments Include . . .
Shaun Tomson is a former World Surfing Champion, best selling author, inspirational speaker, environmentalist and successful entrepreneur.  A native of South Africa, he spent fourteen years on the Professional Tour, winning surfing competitions all over the world while also developing international apparel brands. He is a business finance graduate from the University of Natal in South Africa and is the founder of Solitude Sportswear, a multi-million dollar international apparel company.  He is Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest surfing environmental group, and the author of the recent best selling book Surfer’s Code.  He is currently producing a series of motivational sports films and lives with his wife Carla in Montecito, California.

More About Shaun Tomson. . .
Shaun was most recently listed as one of the 25 most influential surfers of the century (Surfer 1999), one of the 16 greatest surfers of all time (Surfing 2004) and the greatest tube rider of all time (Surfing Life 1993). Additional honors include nine appearances on the cover of Surfing and Surfer magazines, an inductee on the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame (1997), the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1998),  the South African Sports Hall of Fame (1977) and the SIMA Environmentalist of the Year Award (2002).

What is most important to Shaun is giving back to the community; sharing the lessons he has learned about life.  “Surfing has made me a better person. It is a transformative experience and an inspiring ride through life that reveals fundamental lessons on how to stay balanced, overcome challenges and adapt to an ever-changing world.” While the lessons Shaun shares are taken from the world’s oceans, they translate powerfully to everyday life and extraordinary challenges. They reflect the attitude and outlook necessary to not just survive the ups and downs of life, but to master them and emerge a winner.

Shaun has spoken at schools, universities, business organizations, law firms, environmental groups, retailers, sports clubs and veterans organizations. Shaun diverges from the standard sports metaphor of personal success being solely tied to winning. Like surfing a wave, a successful and enriching ride through life is not about crossing a finishing line first; it is all about maintaining a positive, balanced attitude and extending the limits of one’s own personal standards.

Customized Surf Sessions
Nothing brings home the inspiration and wisdom of the Surfer's Code more than a paddle out or an afternoon "expression session".  Imagine hitting the links with Tiger Woods or having Michael Jordan as your hoops coach, and you'll know what we mean: It doesn't get any better than this.  Should your conference or corporate retreat occur in a coastal location, Shaun would be happy to "share the stoke" of an exclusive surf session or private instruction to complement his presentation. Contact your BigSpeak representative for details.

• The Secrets of the Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life.
  

  Catch a wave with Shaun and learn about 12 simple lessons that will change your thinking and teach you how to successfully ride through life. Shaun shares the life lessons he’s gathered from decades of surfing all over the world – from his boyhood in the shark-infested waters of apartheid South Africa, to the world professional surfing tour and on to a successful business career. Remarkable action footage and photographs reveal important lessons about: Dealing with uncertainty – Never turn your back on the ocean Perseverance and determination – Always paddle back out Courage - Take the drop with commitment Positivity, optimism and patience - There will always be another wave Commonality and camaraderie - All surfers are joined by one ocean Environmental awareness - Paddle around the impact zone Power of trends - Never fight a rip tide Teamwork - Watch out for other surfers after a set of big waves Social responsibility - Pass on the stoke Realizing an objective - Ride and not paddle in to shore Escape to rejuvenate - Catch a wave every day, even in your mind Pride in life and work - Honor the sport of kings

• Customized Surf Sessions
  

  Nothing brings home the inspiration and wisdom of the Surfer's Code more than a paddle out or an afternoon "expression session". Imagine hitting the links with Tiger Woods or having Michael Jordan as your hoops coach, and you'll know what we mean: It doesn't get any better than this. Should your conference or corporate retreat occur in a coastal location, Shaun would be happy to "share the stoke" of an exclusive surf session or private instruction to complement his presentation. Contact your BigSpeak representative for details.

“Shaun was fantastic! The group loved both the content and the delivery of his presentation. It was a nice break in our meeting to reflect on ‘how’ we do things in life. The fact that it all linked to our surf theme made it perfect.”

---Marc Low, Disney International Apparel

“Incredibly impactful!  My mind initially dismissed the idea of a surfer theme.  I was humbled by my arrogance and inspired by the heartfelt message.  The ethics and heart of the sport is transformational.  This was a gift in an unexpected and profound package.”

---Joyce Swaving, Inside Edge

“Everyone is SO inspired and thankful!!! We love your book and you! Thank you!”

--- Malinda Chouinard co-owner and co-founder, Patagonia Sportswear

“You probably managed to to infer from the raucous applause after your talk, that it was well received. You have a real gift for public speaking and definitely accomplished your goal of sharing the stoke and honoring the sport.”

--- Professor Stuart Sweeney, University of California, Santa Barbara

"I've been waiting for someone to do this...bring out the spiritual and wisdom edge of surfing in a very accessible  format...for a long long time.  Shaun is the right man at the right time and has done a beautiful job.  The master of the waves is also a poet of the heart. Biography, sports-mastery, the gifts and problems of modern culture, Shaun's presentation touches all these bases and resonates with anyone’s personal quests for joy, depth, and meaning.   
Our audience was filled with people who had never surfed and they joined in a rousing standing ovation, not missing a beat. For sons, families, fathers and learners of all ages."

--- Brook Cross, Program Director, Inside Edge

"Shaun's keynote speech at the annual SIMA Summit in Cabo San Lucas was both inspirational and motivating. His ability to connect with the audience reflects his 'authenticity' factor and appeal beyond the world of surfing.  The combination of the message and the articulate execution make him a compelling speaker in any venue"

--- Dick Baker, President SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association)