The Code: The Power of “I Will”

Categories: Books, Featured

How to convert the power of “I Will” into a life-changing mantra

The twelve stories in this book, taken from Shaun Tompson’s own life experiences in and out of the surfing world, offer the simple message―I Will―as a model to face life’s challenges and help you achieve your goals. All you need is to be encouraged to find your voice and commit yourself to positive values. The stories resonate with positivity and hope for the future, and are infused with the belief that even in the darkest time, light shines ahead to show you the way forward.

Review

“Shaun Tomson has written an important and engaging book filled with wisdom and practical advice about personal growth and overcoming the inevitable challenges adolescents and young adults everywhere face. All adolescents, all parents, and better still all adolescents and their parents together would do well to read and ponder the inspiration and lessons contained in these pages.”

(MD Michael Weitzman, Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry New York University School of Medicine 2013-04-23)

“Shaun has simplified some very important concepts that are relevant to each and every one of our kids. He relates these concepts in stories to his work as a surfing professional, encouraging our youth to where they are motivated to act in a positive manner. ‘I will’ is a resounding mantra for youth of today. This is a great piece of literature that I humbly suggest is read by our children and their parents. Together they can and will change the world.” (David Edelman, MA, MBA, MFCC, President, Board of Directors Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Club 2013-04-23)

“Shaun’s candidly unique insights into his ride provide hope and promise to new generations in following their dreams on their own personal wave.”

(Diana Starr Diana Starr Langley, Chair, Board of Directors United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County 2013-04-23)

“Shaun’s latest book will help youth all over the world understand how important it is to be yourself, make decisions that will lead you to success, and that life’s obstacle can be overcome with commitment, perseverance, friendship and mentors. We will certainly use this book in our daily programming at the club.” (Bill Locker, CEO/President Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo 2013-04-23)

“Often, the story of a champion in sport is characterized by determination, focus, commitment and dedication and that is indeed true with Shaun. However, Shaun’s insights are much more powerful and inspiring because they transcend competition and apply to all of our lives. Through the power of ‘I will’ comes the call to live a connected, purposeful and principled life.” (Jim Weber, CEO Brooks Running 2013-04-23)

“The Code is a guide for self-empowering decision making and provides the tools to effect positive change. It draws on Shaun’s life experiences as both a world champion surfer and a father, giving insight and inspiration to young minds.” (Pat O’Neill, President and CEO O’Neill Wetsuits 2013-04-23)

“The world today is very much like a wave: it’s shifting and changing virtually every second. Like surfers, we are defined by the decisions we make in this dynamic environment. Shaun draws on a life of learning, both on waves and off, and offers some sage advice for drawing the best line through life. I love this book.” (Jim Moriarty, CEO Surfrider Foundation 2013-04-23)

“Shaun Tomson will always be a surfing legend, but if history is just he’ll be equally revered for his work out of the water. The Code cements his status as one of surfing’s great thinkers and its lessons carry weight and value for everyone.” (Brendon Thomas, Editor Surfer Magazine 2013-04-23)

“Although The Code sells itself as a self-help book for teens, it is a much richer mix than that. It’s part memoir, part surf rap, part homage. Above all, it’s a gut-punching journey of emotional resurrection. Shaun Tomson confronts the darkest kind of tragedy-the death of his own son-with grace, intelligence, and a historic kind of hopefulness. The lessons herein penetrate in unexpected ways.” (Steve Hawk, Former Editor Surfer Magazine 2013-04-23)

“Shaun Tomson is a surfing hero, and he continues to inspire with words of wisdom and empowerment for future generations. He speaks from experience and has great advice about overcoming adversity and making good choices in your formative years.” (Tony Hawk, Skateboard Icon and World Champion 2013-04-23)

“Live The Code.”

(Shaun White, Snowboard Olympic Gold Medalist 2013-04-23)

From the Back Cover

Sometimes all you need to turn hope into action is to write your promises down and say them out loud–to make a promise to no one but yourself. This book is about many things–faith, courage, creativity, determination–but above all it’s about the promises we make to ourselves about the future. These stories will inspire you to believe in yourself and to believe in the power that each and every one of us has to shape our lives through the power of “I Will.”

About the Author

Patrick Moser is the editor of Pacific Passages: An Anthology of Surf Writing (University of Hawai’i Press, 2008). He collaborated with Shaun Tomson on Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons for Riding through Life and has written articles for The Surfer’s Journal and Surfer. He currently teaches writing and French language at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri where he also offers a course on the history and culture of surfing.

Shaun Tomson was named one of the twenty-five most influential surfers of the twentieth century, and one of the sixteen greatest surfers of all time. He has created two multimillion-dollar clothing brands―Instinct and Solitude. He was born in Durban, South Africa, and now makes his home in Montecito, California.

Sometimes small decisions–choices you make in an instant–have such heavy consequences.

There’s also negative peer pressure, of course, and that can be just as powerful. But it’s easy to miss the danger hidden in negative peer pressure. Sometimes you don’t even see it coming. A few nice words from someone you’ve just met, a friendly person interested in the same things you are, who likes the same music, who likes to go new places. And it’s not that they mean you any harm. Their friends are doing it, and maybe they want to be cool. Or maybe they’re just curious and out to try something new. They’re not looking to get you into trouble, but they’re not necessarily looking out for your best interests either. Life gets boring sometimes, we all know it. You want to shake things up. You want to have an adventure.

Shaun Tomson was named one of the twenty-five most influential surfers of the twentieth century, and one of the sixteen greatest surfers of all time. He has created two multimillion-dollar clothing brands–Instinct and Solitude. He was born in Durban, South Africa, and now makes his home in Montecito, California.