Shaun Tomson: A Surfing Icon’s Journey

Shaun’s Bio:

Shaun is a leadership expert and lectures widely on the Code Method, a high-impact and transformational self-development program that activates the power of purpose to improve wellbeing, engagement and performance.

As an entrepreneur he founded two market leading, international clothing brands – Instinct in the 80’s and Solitude, which he co-founded with his wife Carla, in the 90’s.

He is a former World Surfing Champion, has been described as one of the 10 greatest surfers of all time and one of the most influential surfers of the century. During his professional career he won 19 major pro events and is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative tube riders.

Shaun is the author of the best-sellers Surfer’s Code, The Code -The Power of “I Will”, and the recent #1 Amazon best seller The Surfer and the Sage.

He produced and co-wrote the award-winning documentary film Bustin’ down the Door, a dramatic story of how a group of young Australians and South Africans created professional surfing and built a multi-billion-dollar industry.

He is has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Economics, holds a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University, and is an inductee in the US, Jewish and South African Sports Halls of Fame.

Shaun has lectured across the world and inspired corporations like General Motors, Cisco, Price Waterhouse, Google, Disney and The Gap.

He is a former board member for Surfrider Foundation and Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club, an ambassador for Boys to Men Mentoring, and a current board member of Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

He lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife Carla and fourteen-year-old son Luke.

His simple mission is to help individuals activate their own personal Code to live a better and more purposeful life.

I believe that while winning may be perceived as being an athlete’s primary purpose, I think inspiring others through the way you win or lose is of equal importance. “Win like a gentleman and lose like a man” are the words of my father that have been embedded in my heart too. It’s been a truly humbling experience to see my style and approach resonate with audiences around the globe.

While I have been proud of my competitive achievements, I am honored to have made contributions to surf culture and environmental activism, having appeared in the numerous surfing films, written a number of popular books and co-produced an award documentary “Bustin’ down the Door.” I became Surfrider Foundation’s first ambassador in 1984 and have been a lifelong supporter and previous board member. Some of my warmest moments have occurred during school and university lecture, empowering young people with power of purpose and giving my perspective on passion and purpose. For every paid speaking engagement, I give a pro bono talk to a school or university. I call it this giving process the double shaka – shaka being a symbol of brotherhood in Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing.

An Environmental Advocate and Distinguished Business Keynote Speaker

Apart from my role as a Business Keynote Speaker, my love for surfing and the ocean has driven my commitment to environmental sustainability.

This bond has inspired me to advocate for ocean conservation, to teach and motivate others about the crucial role we play in preserving our oceans, and to promote living in harmony with nature.

While I’ve now transitioned into a career as a Business Keynote Speaker, my enduring love for surfing remains central to my identity, and surfing continues to inspire me and offer me physical and spiritual fulfillment.