November 2025 Newsletter - Hawaiian South Shore | Surf Legend Visit & New Gear

November 2025 Newsletter - Hawaiian South Shore | Surf Legend Visit & New Gear
Shaun Tomson at Hawaiian South Shore

📖 In This Issue

A Night to Remember: Shaun Tomson Brings "The Code" to Oahu Country Club

By David Lee, Owner - Hawaiian South Shore

Sometimes the surf industry gives you experiences that remind you why you got into this business in the first place. November 13th was one of those nights.

We were invited to the Oahu Country Club for a private event hosted by Craig Sugihara, owner of T&C Surf Designs and surfing icon. The evening? A presentation by Shaun Tomson, 1977 World Champion and one of the most influential surfers in history.

If you know anything about surf history, you know Shaun Tomson. Durban, South Africa. Pipeline. The 1977 world title. A career defined by precision, power, and an almost supernatural ability to read waves. But this evening wasn't about recounting glory days. It was about something deeper.

Industry legends at the event

"The Light Shines Ahead" – A Message That Resonates

Then Shaun took the stage, and the room went quiet.

His presentation, "The Light Shines Ahead," centers on "The Code" – twelve principles he's developed over a lifetime of competition, business, loss, and growth. Each principle starts with two words: "I Will."

I will never turn my back on the ocean. I will take the drop with commitment. I will always paddle back out. I will know that there will always be another wave.

What makes it powerful isn't the simplicity of the language. It's the weight of experience behind it. Shaun's not a motivational speaker who read some books and figured out a framework. He's lived this. World championships. International business ventures. The devastating loss of his son, Mathew. Every word comes from somewhere real, somewhere tested.

He talked about passion, perseverance, optimism, courage, and purpose – not as abstract concepts, but as survival tools he's used in the most challenging conditions imaginable, both in massive surf and in life. And somehow, he made it all accessible. Whether you've spent your life in the water or have never touched a surfboard, the message landed.

The room was completely engaged. You could have heard a pin drop.

Shaun Tomson presenting at Oahu Country Club

Why This Matters to Our Community

At Hawaiian South Shore, we're not just here to sell boards and gear. We're part of a community that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and the deep connection between people and the ocean. Nights like this remind us of the bigger picture.

Shaun's message resonates because it's grounded in real experience. It's not manufactured. It's earned. And that's what we try to bring to our shop every day – products we believe in, advice based on actual time in the water, and a commitment to serving surfers of all levels with honesty and respect.

If you want to learn more about Shaun Tomson and "The Code," I highly recommend checking out his website at shauntomson.com. His book, The Code: The Power of "I Will", is a must-read.

Thanks for being part of our ohana. Here's to the light shining ahead for all of us.

Mahalo,
David

Member Spotlight: Derek Kamm

Derek Kamm

This month we're excited to feature Derek Kamm, a valued member of our Hawaiian South Shore ohana. Derek's story is one of dedication, service, and a deep love for Hawaii's waves and culture.

About Derek

Q: Tell us about yourself and what you do.

"I live in Kailua and surf Queens, Populars, Rockpile, most of the Town breaks, and Ala Moana Bowls. I have a nonprofit org called ServeHawaii.org (website coming soon) and also I am a Real Estate Broker."

Q: How long have you been surfing, and what draws you to it?

"Growing up, I never really had the opportunity to surf except maybe once or twice a year. When I first moved to Hawaii in my 20s, I still didn't take the opportunity to surf. It wasn't until moving to Kailua where I literally live across from a beach access, that I decided to start taking up surfing. I started out longboarding at Pops (Populars) then Kalama Beach. I purchased a little shortboard and just got hooked."

Q: What's your current board setup?

"Most of the time I ride a 6'0 Modern Blackfish that I got from your shop!! It's my go to board."

Q: What's been your most memorable surf session?

"My most memorable session was at Rockpile one day. I happened to paddle out and surf with some people from my church, Jeff and Alika. It was sick! Caught so many waves and probably the best surf I've had. Talking story in the lineup was great too! That memory really captures what I like about surfing—good waves but also, the surf culture and community that comes with it."

Q: How has Hawaiian South Shore helped your surfing journey?

"Well, I was able to upgrade my old longboard to a newer, lighter board that was better suited to ride at my local breaks. I was also introduced to the shop by my friend and HSS "Member of the Month" alumnus Tom Goya. He highly recommended your shop and mentioned that David was so helpful and knowledgeable. Of course! My experience was exactly like he explained. I felt taken care of and it was a great experience. David sold me the exact board I needed and let me pay off my board monthly until I paid it off. I was so grateful because I didn't have all the money to pay it off at that time. That meant a lot to me and speaks volumes about Hawaiian South Shore."

Q: Any projects, business ventures, or content creation you'd like to share?

"www.servehawaii.org - please TUNE IN, and I think we have an Instagram too but coming soon!! Also we'll be breeding Aussie Shepherds (minis)."

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Derek! We're honored to be part of your surfing journey and look forward to seeing you in the shop soon.

New Arrival: LOST Puddle Jumper Sting Round

LOST Puddle Jumper Sting Round

The LOST Puddle Jumper Sting Round is back in stock and ready to transform your small wave game. This board has become legendary for one simple reason: it makes mediocre waves fun again.

Why Surfers Love the Puddle Jumper Sting

Built on the foundation of LOST's best-selling Puddle Jumper, the Sting Round adds a modern twist with a rounded pin tail that provides more hold and drive in slightly bigger conditions. The wide nose and full rails generate incredible paddle power, while the single-to-double concave keeps you gliding even when the waves lack punch.

Perfect for Hawaii's Town breaks, especially when the swell drops or conditions get choppy. This board thrives in 1-4 foot waves and will have you catching twice as many waves as anyone else in the lineup.

"The Puddle Jumper Sting has completely changed how I approach small days. I actually look forward to 2-foot Populars now." - Local HSS Customer

Available in Lightspeed construction for maximum performance. Stop by the shop or visit our website to check availability in your preferred size.

Upgrade Your Setup: Mick Fanning Glass Fibre Fusion Fins

Mick Fanning Glass Fibre Fusion Fins

When a three-time world champion designs a fin, you pay attention. The FCS II Mick Fanning Glass Fibre Fusion Fins represent decades of elite-level experience translated into a single fin design.

Performance Engineering

These fins blend the responsive flex of fiberglass with the memory of composite materials, creating a setup that works across a wide range of conditions. The medium-large template provides drive through turns while maintaining enough release for tight pocket surfing.

Mick's signature template features a slightly more upright profile than traditional performance fins, allowing for quick direction changes and vertical surfing. The smoke and white colorway adds a clean, professional look to any board setup.

"After switching to the Mick Fanning fins, I immediately noticed more control through my bottom turns. The blend of flex and drive is exactly what I needed." - HSS Team Rider

Compatible with all FCS II fin boxes. Available now at Hawaiian South Shore in medium and large sizes.

How to Surf Better: Mastering the Barrel

Barrel riding

Getting barreled is the ultimate goal for most surfers. That moment when the wave wraps around you, time slows down, and you're completely enclosed in a spinning cylinder of water—there's nothing quite like it.

But barrel riding isn't just about luck or being in the right place at the right time. It's a skill that can be developed with the right technique, timing, and wave knowledge.

The Fundamentals of Barrel Riding

Our comprehensive guide breaks down the entire process of barrel riding, from wave selection to body positioning to successfully making it out. You'll learn how to:

  • Read waves and identify barrel opportunities
  • Set your line during takeoff for optimal positioning
  • Adjust your speed and stance inside the tube
  • Navigate different types of barrels (square, round, slab)
  • Recover when things don't go as planned

Whether you're attempting your first cover-up at Queens or getting ready for a Pipeline session, understanding these fundamentals will dramatically improve your barrel-riding success rate.

The article includes detailed breakdowns, common mistakes to avoid, and tips from local barrel specialists who know Hawaii's waves intimately.

Visit Us at Hawaiian South Shore

Location: 1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 808-597-9055
Instagram: @hwnsouthshore

Stop by to check out our full selection of boards, fins, apparel, and accessories.
We're here to help you find exactly what you need for your next session.

Mahalo for being part of our ohana. See you in the water!

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