A Surfer’s Guide to Life

by Greg Provance
1977 World Champion surfer Shaun Tomson recently released his new book, Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life.

In it, he relates his experiences with surfing to 12 simple truths that anyone can apply to live a rich, full life…and if there is anyone qualified to talk about life as it relates to surfing, it’s Shaun. Shaun grew up surfing in South Africa, mastering one of the world’s most epic breaks, Jeffrey’s Bay. “A native of South Africa, he spent fourteen years on the Tour (1976-1989), nine of which in the top six. With twelve contest wins, including a record setting six year winning streak in the prestigious Gunston 500 in Durban, South Africa, he was considered one of the world’s finest surfers.” (Ref: www.SurfersCode.com).

A great friend of mine was lucky enough to meet Shaun recently at Zuma Beach in Malibu while at an event held to teach the art of surfing to U.S. veterans of war. When I heard that he had not only met Shaun and received an autographed copy of the book, but was invited to ride his board, (while I was a few miles away, unaware of the event altogether) I seriously questioned the status of our friendship. But later, as I flipped through the pages of Surfer’s Code, I realized the gift that I had been given. A surfer whom I had admired as a kid, a guy who was the subject of many of the pics that plastered my bedroom walls and who I tried to emulate while learning to perfect my tube-riding skills had once again impressed upon me something special. I found that I may always be a student of Shaun’s, in surfing and in life.

In his new book, Shaun uses his wealth of surfing experience to illustrate life lessons that anyone, surfers and land-lubbers alike can apply. Lessons like: “All surfers are joined by one ocean”, “I will take the drop with commitment” and “I will never fight a rip tide” seem on the surface to be typical surfing cliches, until they are applied to life’s situations as only a true champion can (and does) on the page and in his own life.

Beautifully written and colorfully illustrated with familiar and recent shots that have donned the surfing mags since the 70’s, Surfer’s Code takes center stage on my extensive collection of self-mastery and surfing lifestyle bookshelf!

Any thoughts from those surfing through life out there are welcome!