Shaun Tomson: Surfing Legend
Quick Facts:
- 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
- (47)
- (2)
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
- Travels from: West Palm Beach, FL
- Military Speakers
- (60)
Audie Cornish has become a recognized and trusted voice on the airwaves as co-host of NPR’s flagship news program, All Things Considered. Cornish’s career in journalism began at the Associated Press in Boston in 2001, just before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The following year, her love of radio brought her to Boston’s WBUR, where […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Political Speakers
- (22)
Randy Blach is CEO of Cattle-Fax, an organization focused on helping member cattle producers make more profitable marketing and management decisions. Cattle-Fax is the cattle and beef industry leader on timely market information, analyses and research. Randy came to Cattle-Fax in 1981 and served as director of market analysis for 15 years. He accepted his […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Agriculture Speakers
- (36)
- (4)
Across the world, I find people now expect change and will deliver it fast: but only when they have the skills to do so.” – Jim Lawless, International Motivational Speaker & Author.Empowering Bold Change: Fast “People resist change? Change takes time? How to change our activities to deliver new outcomes is a core professional skill in the age […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Change Speakers
- (35)
David Salyers is a visionary leader, author, and marketing expert who played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most beloved brands in America: Chick-fil-A. As one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A, David spent an impressive 37 years in the company’s marketing department, most recently serving as Vice President. Throughout his […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Culture Speakers
- (44)
Shadia Bseiso is a TV presenter and trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete from Jordan. Bseiso’s professionalism, natural charisma, and athletic ability earned her a developmental contract as the first Arab woman from the Middle East to be signed to WWE. Shadia Bseiso’s unique blend of talents has made her one of the most sought-after event moderators […]
- Travels from: Dubai, UAE
- Event Emcee
- (26)
Paralympic gold medalist and former world record holder Nate Tucker delivers powerful keynote speeches that inspire lasting transformation. After surviving a traumatic brain injury at age 10 that left him partially paralyzed, Nate defied the odds to become one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in Paralympic history. His keynotes explore the mindset of a […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Summer Olympians
- (94)
Tristan Harris is a globally recognized thought leader and advocate for ethical technology design. As the co-founder and executive director of the Center for Humane Technology, he has dedicated his career to addressing the pervasive influence of technology on human behavior and society. Frequently referred to as the “closest thing Silicon Valley has to a […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Digital Speakers
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.