On the 10th of October 2010, the inaugural TEDxAmericanRiviera in Santa Barbara, California was held at the world-class Bacara Resort and Spa.
Shaun Tomson was born in the coastal town of Durban, South Africa and went on to become one of the world’s best surfers, winning events all over the world culminating in the surfing world’s top honor, the World Pro Title in 1977. He competed on the pro tour for 16 years, winning 19 professional events, and at the time was both the youngest and oldest surfer to win a professional event. He was a true surfing innovator, developing a revolutionary and radical new tube riding technique.
He is recognized as one of surfing’s greatest ambassadors and is a strong proponent of environmentalism, having been chairman of the Surfrider Foundation Advisory Board for the last 8 years and recently elected to the Board of Directors. In 2002 the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association honored him as Environmentalist of the Year and in 2009 Surfrider Foundation in Hawaii presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.
