Shaun Tomson: Surfing Legend
- Highlights:
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Keynote Topics
Read Full Bio
Shaun Tomson is a native of South Africa and he spent fourteen years on the Professional Tour, winning surfing competitions all over the world whilst developing international apparel brands.
He is a business finance graduate from the University of Natal in South Africa and is the founder of Instinct and Solitude Sportswear, multi-million dollar international apparel ventures.
Surfer Magazine ranked Shaun Tomson in the top ten of its “50 Greatest Surfers of All Time,” as chosen by an elite list of voters made up of pro surfers, photographers, filmmakers, journalists, captains of the industry, and the living legends themselves.
He is the founder of Solitude Sportswear, a multi-million dollar international apparel company.
He is Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest surfing environmental group, and the author of the best selling book Surfer’s Code as well as the companion book to his documentary film Bustin’ Down The Door.
In addition, Shaun Tomson is currently producing a series of motivational sports films.
Shaun Tomson has spoken at schools, universities, business organizations, law firms, environmental groups, retailers, sports clubs and veterans organizations.
Shaun diverges from the standard sports metaphor of personal success being solely tied to winning.
Like surfing a wave, a successful and enriching ride through life is not about crossing a finishing line first; it is all about maintaining a positive, balanced attitude and extending the limits of one’s own personal standards.
In addition to his “50 Greatest Surfers of All Time” ranking, Shaun Tomson was listed as one of the “25 Most Influential Surfers of the Century” (Surfer 1999), one of the “16 Greatest Surfers of All Time” (Surfing 2004) and the “Greatest Tube Rider of All Time” (Surfing Life 1993).
Additional honors include nine appearances on the cover of Surfing and Surfer magazines, an inductee on the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame (1997), the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1998), the South African Sports Hall of Fame (1977) and the SIMA “Environmentalist of the Year Award” (2002).
What is most important to Shaun Tomson is giving back to the community; sharing the lessons he has learned about life.
“Surfing has made me a better person. It is a transformative experience and an inspiring ride through life that reveals fundamental lessons on how to stay balanced, overcome challenges and adapt to an ever-changing world.“
While the lessons Shaun shares are taken from the world’s oceans, they translate powerfully to everyday life and extraordinary challenges.
They reflect the attitude and outlook necessary to not just survive the ups and downs of life, but to master them and emerge a winner.
Shaun Tomson lives with his wife Carla in Montecito, California.
In Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding Through Life, world champion surfer Shaun Tomson shares the life lessons he’s gathered from decades of surfing-from his boyhood adventures in South Africa to the world tour in the late 1970s to the business world today.
For Shaun Tomson – Surfing Champion Entrepreneur surfing is a hobby, a sport, a religion, an obsession and more-it is a way of life. Tomson’s life lessons have guided his career to the top of both professional competition and the world of business.
Now, he shares these powerful lessons, born on the world’s best swells, with all people-including those who might never step on a surfboard.
These lessons are born of the collective wisdom of the surf community and are a powerful source of inspiration in the face of extraordinary challenges of everyday life.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Shaun Tomson | Surfing Legend
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Overview:
Shaun Tomson's presentations have garnered widespread acclaim for their engaging and impactful delivery. Reviewers consistently highlight his exceptional public speaking skills, ability to connect with diverse audiences, and the insightful life lessons he shares drawn from his own experiences. His talks have been described as captivating and inspiring, effectively resonating with groups ranging from MBA students to industry professionals.
Strengths:
- Charismatic and effective public speaking
- Ability to connect with varied audiences across cultural backgrounds
- Engaging content that combines humor with profound insights
- Positive feedback from participants who found the lessons highly relevant
Weaknesses:
- None explicitly mentioned in the reviews, suggesting a strong overall reception.
Overall, Shaun Tomson is highly recommended as a speaker for conferences and educational programs, with a call for his work to reach a wider audience.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (46)
- (3)
In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (38)
- Featured
Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (9)
- (3)
Dominic Thurbon has cracked the code for making change happen, with the ultimate formula to drive innovation, future-proof your workforce and design brands that really matter. Dom is an internationally engaged speaker and facilitator who helps individuals and organisations drive behaviour change in the face of external disruption. He is a Partner in the Climate […]
- Travels from: Sydney, NSW
- Artificial Intelligence
- (16)
Lisa Walden is a trailblazer in workplace transformation, celebrated for her ability to create people-first cultures that inspire collaboration, innovation, and purpose. As a renowned speaker, consultant, and co-founder of Good Company Consulting, Lisa empowers organizations to rethink their strategies, prioritize authenticity, and eliminate the “Sunday scaries.” Her dynamic presentations blend actionable insights with humor […]
- Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
- Employee Engagement
- (26)
Heather R Younger is the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a prominent figure in the realm of employee engagement and consulting. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker, Heather brings forth invaluable insights garnered from over 25,000 employee experiences. With a robust background spanning decades in human resources and organizational development, Heather R Younger has […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Customer Experience
- (42)
Ari Gunzburg learned about death early in life. He experienced a traumatic moment when only 10 years old, when his teacher passed away while on a hiking trip. This would affect his life deeply and change his perspective forever. Following the death of this teacher, there was trouble afoot at school for all of the […]
- Travels from: Baltimore, MD
- Motivational Speakers
- (38)
Arjun is Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, a strategy and analytics firm with offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. Prior to Cogknition he was a senior executive at GES, serving as Senior Vice President of Analytics and Insights. He was also an award-winning Professor at the Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business, having played a […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Leadership Speakers
- (10)
Lisa-Marie Burnside has a passion for life, something that is apparent the moment you meet her. An avid fitness enthusiast and former marathon runner, she found herself on the hunt for something that would allow more self-expression and creativity, while still getting a great workout. Aerial dance was the answer. With over 10 years of […]
- Travels from: Altadena, CA
- Aerial Performers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.