The Code: The Power of "I Will"

He was born Shaun Tomson in Durban, South Africa. As a Jewish athlete, he was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He learned to surf in the beachbreaks in and around Durban under the watchful eye of his father Ernie, and alongside older cousin Michael Tomson and brother Paul Tomson.Shaun attended school in Durban - Clifton Preparatory, Carmel College and the University of Natal where he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Business Finance. Shaun went on to dominate amateur surfing competition in South Africa and began venturing over to Hawaii in the late 60's, courtesy of a barmitzvah present from his father. It was on one of these trips that an awestruck 14 year old Tomson eyewitnessed the so-called "Biggest Wave Ever Ridden" by Californian Greg Noll at Makaha in 1969. Hawaii's surf proved to be a daunting challenge for Shaun, but he continued to mature and train in South Africa's hollow waves, such as Cave Rock, the Bay Of Plenty, and Jeffrey's Bay.Shaun Tomson has been listed as one of the 25 most influential surfers of the century and as one of the 10 greatest surfers of all time. During his career he was both the youngest and oldest surfer to win a pro event and is considered to be one of the architects of professional surfing.Surfing and the Free Ride generationIn 1975, Shaun was an integral part of the "Free Ride" generation. Along with Australians Rabbit Bartholomew, Mark Richards, Ian Cairns, Peter Townend and Mark Warren, they rode the infamous waves along Oahu's legendary North Shore with a style, aggression, and raw courage unseen prior to their arrival. Collectively, these surfers changed the face of surfing and were the first to really apply themselves as serious professional surfers. With his good looks, eloquence, and undeniable athleticism, Tomson served by default as the face and voice of this movement, and he is still viewed as the prototype blueprint for today's pro surfer, with legions of fans throughout the world. Tomson won the highly coveted IPS World Championship in 1977.On a performance level, Tomson completely changed the way the tube section of the wave was ridden, using a unique style of pumping and weaving through and around collapsing sections of the barrel. Even today, his electrifying performances at Off The Wall and Backdoor Pipeline stand the test of time. A memorable quote of his from the period was Time is expanded inside the tube. A very underrated aspect of Tomson's inventiveness was his in the tube punch throughs where he escaped unscathed from hideous closeout sections over a shallow reef.Shaun Tomson has appeared in many films including Free Ride, Fantasea, Many Classic Moments, and In God’s Hands. Tomson also co-produced an award winning full length feature film about the benchmark mid-70's surfing era called, "Bustin' Down The Door" which premiered in early 2008. He also wrote and narrated a documentary about Jeffreys Bay called "A Pure Line."Tomson is a board member and ambassador for Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest environmental group dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. In 1984 he was the first professional surfer to become a member of the foundation and was Chairman of the Advisory board. In 2002 he received the Surf Industry Manufacturer Association Environmentalist of the Year Award for his environmental efforts.leclercq santa barbara

I bought this book for my stepson Casey because I wanted to lift his spirits a bit and encourage him for the second half of his design degree.I decide to give it a quick read first and I am so glad I did. Like Shaun I grew up in beautiful Durban and spent a fair amount of time in waves. I watched and supported Shaun many times competing in the once famous Gunston 500 competition held annually at North Beach. I always admired Shaun's sportsmanship and clean image.As a once competitive soccer and tennis player I recognise many of the characteristics all champion sportsmen draw on to become the best at their chosen fields. I can see many parallels between this and business. Now as tough and challengingas professional sport and business may be, they pale in significance compared to the pain of losing a child. It goes against the natural order of things for children to pass before their parents. Having lost his beautiful boy Matthew at only 15 years of age Shaun must have needed to draw on every ounce of strength acquired during his challenging years surfing. No doubt this book was a result of this tragedy he experienced and how he dug deep through his life experiences to find purpose again. As a parent I cannot imagine the pain this journey must have resulted in but Shaun has pulled himself off the corals, got back on his board and paddled out to backline again. Shaun is a winner in life.Shaun thanks for your honesty in the telling of your story. Never forget your Durban roots and wishing you, Carla and Luke a long and happy life ahead.Jay Volek

Although this book is slim in volume, the life lessons contained inside pack a wallop that far surpass many self-realization books many times its size. I bought a copy for myself and young son, read a few select chapters to him and had him fill out and discuss the "Twelve promises" section at the end. I will ensure that he doesn't forget these crucial pledges on his way to developing into the standup guy we want him to become.I have slowly read (absorbed) the book twice and will no doubt pick it up again to review and reinforce these wonderful life skills when warranted. The surfing adventures, pictures and (survived) hard knocks of this courageous man make this a highly satisfying, reflective and at times plaintive read, not to be hurried through. Through the decades I have marveled at Shaun Tomson's accomplishments in the water. On his way to being crowned world-champion, he conquered fears, marshalled considerable God-given talents and forever changed the art of big wave barrel riding at the dauntingly ominous Pipeline on the North Shore. I have been fortunate enough to meet Shaun and have spoken with him on a couple of occasions. His hunger for squeezing all out of life, appreciation for lessons learned on the way and humble attitude with earned successes come shining through in this book that I will never store away on some dusty shelf. More than just a GREAT READ, this book can change lives. I give it my highest recommendation.Al X. GrizAuthor, SWIM A CROOKED LINE

I bought mine used for about $6 and it was signed by Shaun himself! The copy was untouched besides the signature. I'm over the moon!

One of the best books I've ever read and everyone who reads this one must also read The Surfer's Code by Shaun Tomson as well. Shaun Tomson is brilliant in using the art and sport of surfing to express absolutely imperative life wisdom. Both are must reads! Highly recommended. Julie NC, USA

4 stars because I really liked the book, but its very short. Shaun has an amazing story, both in his personal and professional life, and hearing some of his story's is definitely inspiring. Its a nice book to add to the collection, just wish there was more content.

enjoyed it!

Inspiring, joyful and deep. Definitely a great present for all!

Easy book to read. Finish it maybe in week or so. Refreshing and can make you think and see life in a better way. It's not a book only about surf, but still a enjoyable read. Easy, refreshing, light, thoughtful!

fast delivery, as described

A fascinating insite into the world of surfing, would love my children to read and work out their own 'code'