Shaun Tomson – The Gentleman of the Tube
“The Original Power Poet of Surfing”
🌊 Basic Info
Full Name: Shaun Tomson
Nickname: Shaun
Born: August 21, 1955 – Durban, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Surfing Stance: Regular
Favorite Surf Spots: Pipeline, Jeffrey’s Bay, Off the Wall, Sunset Beach
🏆 Career Highlights
Championships & Titles:
1977 World Champion – one of the first from South Africa to claim the crown
Pioneered professional surfing during its earliest competitive structure
Notable Competitions:
Pipe Masters, Hang Ten American Pro, Smirnoff Pro, Sunset Beach events
Part of the legendary 70s crew featured in Free Ride, including MR and Rabbit Bartholomew
Best Performances:
Pipeline in the 70s – completely redefined how to ride the tube
His 1975–76 Hawaii season is still considered one of the most stylish and fearless performances in early pro surfing
Signature Moves:
Introduced deep, committed tube riding, pumping inside the barrel before it was common
Classic power lines, heavy backhand attack, and unmatched poise under pressure
Also known for his ability to surf with grace and control in massive surf
🏄♂️ Surfing Style & Equipment
Board Preferences:
Early years on single-fins and twin-fins shaped by Spider Murphy
Eventually transitioned into high-performance boards while maintaining clean, powerful lines
Wetsuit & Gear:
Wore gear from Hang Ten and early surf brands in the 70s and 80s
Later aligned with O’Neill and surf gear sponsors during the early pro circuit
Training & Fitness:
Focused on water time and natural conditioning from surfing big waves and paddling
Later became interested in mindfulness and mental strength, which informed his speaking and writing career
Wave Preferences:
Massive fan of hollow reef breaks like Pipeline and long walls like J-Bay
Excelled in clean, powerful surf where commitment was key
🌍 Life Beyond Surfing
Hobbies & Interests:
Published author, speaker, and business entrepreneur
Loves writing, traveling, and mentoring youth and business leaders
Social Causes:
Active environmentalist and former board member of Surfrider Foundation
Created The Code, a set of positive principles inspired by surfing, used worldwide to empower youth
Fun Facts:
Graduated from university with a degree in business, rare among pros of his era
Lost his son in a tragic accident and has since devoted much of his life to inspiring others through resilience and purpose
Starred in Free Ride, one of the most influential surf films of all time
🎥 Photos & Videos
Watch vintage footage of Shaun threading tubes at Pipeline in the 70s – raw, fearless, and graceful
His TEDx talks and documentaries like Bustin’ Down the Door highlight his influence beyond the water
📢 Latest News & Updates
Recently honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 Surfer Poll Awards
Published a new edition of The Code, tailored to athletes and young professionals
Currently touring with a speaking series focused on personal growth, resilience, and riding life’s waves
