Surfs like money
Born in Durban, South Africa, Shaun Tomson began surfing at age 10. On a little red surf board in the Indian Ocean Shaun describes surfing as “griping me hard.” Obviously Tomson held on also as he took surfing to new heights in the 70s and 80s continuing even today as a spokesperson and an ambassador for the sport.
Once he began surfing, it did not take Shaun long to master the sport winning amateur competitions in South Africa before venturing to Hawaii and the surf of Oahu’s famous North Shore. In the 1970s Tomson and others of his generation began to change the face of surfing with a seriousness for the sport that had not previously been seen. His eloquence along with his appeal made Tomson the spokesman for the group.
To his credit, Tomson changed the way surfers ride the waves developing unique ways of pumping and weaving around the barrel and inside the tunnel of the wave. Serious and consistent as a surfer from the beginning, these attributes contributed to Tomson’s longevity in the sport. A world class surfer from the inception of the tour, Tomson continued as a professional in the sport until 1989.
Tomson is also an astute businessman. He has successfully launched two clothing lines, Insight in the 1980s and Solitude in the 1990s. While he was surfing, Tomson was attending the University of Natal in South Africa. After he retired from professional surfing, Tomson completed his business degree finishing at the top of his class.
In 1987 Tomson married his wife Carla. They settled in Santa Barbara, California and began the clothing line Solitude which was later sold to Oxford. Solitude’s headquarters were located only half a mile from Rincon, a world class break, allowing Tomson the chance to slip out often for a little surfing.
Shaun & Matthew Tomson
Tragedy struck in April of 2006. Shaun and Carla lost their only child, Matthew, in a school boy prank. Just 15 years old, Matthew and his mother were in Durban, South Africa where he was attending his father’s old school. Matthew loved swimming, water polo, biking and undoubtably surfing.
In 2006 Shaun Tomson authored ‘The Surf’s Code – 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life,’ an inspirational book that has become a best seller. In the book Tomson speaks of the unique connection surfers have with the ocean and how he has used this wisdom in his life.
The early days on the North Shore
Currently on the board of the Surfrider Foundation, Shaun Tomson is passionate about environmentalism. He is also an inspirational speaker and author. Tomson has recently released a documentary film called “Busting Down the Door” along with a companion book about the history of professional surfing. As he pursues careers in writing and inspirational speaking, Tomson is, as he has always been, traveling the world in search of the perfect wave.
A young Shaun Tomson and Rabbit
