Episode Details

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode contains open discussion about the loss of a child and grief. Please take care of yourself first. If you're not in the right headspace, come back to this one when you're ready.

If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7) or visit lifeline.org.au

This week I sat down with Shaun Tomson, and this one genuinely stopped me in my tracks.

Shaun grew up in Durban, South Africa, in a family deeply connected to the ocean. From a young age he was one of the most exciting surfers in the world, and in 1977 he became the IPS World Surfing Champion — one of the most celebrated titles in the history of the sport. He competed on the professional tour for 16 years, winning 19 major pro events, and was named one of the ten greatest surfers of the century by Surfer Magazine. He also revolutionised surfboard design and tube riding, leaving a mark on the sport that is still felt today.

But Shaun's story doesn't stop at world titles. After retiring from competition he built successful surf apparel brands, became a passionate environmental advocate through his work with the Surfrider Foundation, and produced the award-winning documentary Bustin' Down the Door — the story of how his generation put professional surfing on the map.

And then, in 2006, his teenage son Mathew died during a schoolboy prank gone wrong. By his own words, Shaun was totally lost in grief. What followed was one of the most remarkable acts of transformation I have ever heard — channelling unimaginable loss into a powerful message about resilience, purpose and living with intention. His books, including the bestselling Surfer's Code and The Code, and his keynote speaking work have since inspired everyone from Fortune 500 executives to students across the world.

This conversation covers all of it. Shaun is warm, deeply human and one of the most inspiring people I have ever spoken to. This one will stay with you.

In this episode we cover:

• Growing up in Durban, South Africa and falling in love with the ocean
• His surfing career and winning the 1977 IPS World Surfing Championship
• 16 years on tour, 19 major pro events and redefining tube riding
• Revolutionising surfboard design and his impact on the sport
• Building iconic surf apparel brands Instinct and Solitude
• His environmental advocacy and work with the Surfrider Foundation
• Producing the award-winning documentary Bustin' Down the Door
• The death of his son Mathew and navigating unimaginable grief
• How loss became the catalyst for his greatest purpose
• His bestselling books Surfer's Code and The Code
• His keynote speaking and the Code Leadership Method
• What he wants people to take from his story

If this episode brought something up for you help is always there:

📞 Lifeline

13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

Follow Shaun

Website

https://shauntomson.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/shauntomson/?hl=en

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