Today in History: World’s best surfer of all time is born
While on tour, Thomson won the Pipeline Masters and established himself as the world's best tube rider.
Shaun Thomson, who is an internationally recognised professional surfer, was born in Durban on 21 August, 1955.
Shaun began surfing at the age of 10, while he attended Clifton Preparatory School. He continued his surfing activities while at Carmel College as well.
After serving 18 months in the army, he began studying towards a business degree in Durban.
During this time, he won six consecutive Gunston 500 titles (now known as the Mr Price Pro), and just a year before finishing his qualification, he joined the International Professional Surfers (IPS) tour.
While on tour, Thomson won the Pipeline Masters, and established himself as the world’s best tube rider.
Thomson went on to win the world title in Hawaii in 1977, and remained in the Top 16 until 1989. During this time he relocated to California, where he and his wife began Solitude Clothing.
Thomson and his wife, Carla, had one son, Mathew, who died in an accident in 2006.
He is regarded as the best tube rider of all time, and is now a keynote speaker, author, actor and film producer.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
