In the surfing world, Tom Curren is nothing short of a legend. The son of famed big-wave rider and board shaper Pat Curren, Tom grew up in and around Santa Barbara’s waters. For many reasons, he seemed destined to succeed. The ocean was his backyard; his father was his own private teacher. But after scoring three world championship titles—and a record-setting 33 additional championship wins — Curren has carved out a legacy that’s as much about destiny as it is about raw talent, drive, and heart. Ask his friends, and they’ll tell you the same. “Curren’s reputation as one of the greatest surfers in history is supported by his accomplishments as a competitor,” said surf writer Matt Warshaw. “But most surfers would define Curren as an artist first, and then as a world champion.”
Tom Curren Embraces His Musical Passions
28 weeks ago
I find it a little annoying that Curren does everything I ever wanted to do and does it much better than I ever have or ever will.
28 weeks ago
Awwww... Woook at that wittle baby guitar.... So cute!
Either that or Tom Curren is a giant!
28 weeks ago
How does this guy support himself? He's been off the tour for 20 years and I can't imagine he's packing the Fillmore for his gigs
28 weeks ago
KOK- he has lifetime sponsors. one of the lucky one's. not exactly a "free surfer"
28 weeks ago
@ufo, sorry, no such thing as a "lifetime sponsor". Athletes are sponsored only for the span of time stipulated in the contract. Typically 1-4 years at a stretch. Sometimes an athlete becomes so iconic to a sport that the name becomes misinterpreted as a brand. For instance, Kelly Slater, Michael Jordon, or Joe Montana et all. Sometimes the "brand" gets tarnished. See Lance Armstrong! Curren's name "brand" does carry cachet within the surf-industrial-complex even though he's neither competitor nor free surfer. Quicksilver, ever the astute business opportunists they are, recognized that and gave Curren a Quicksilver franchise store to operate in Downtown Santa Barbara. So, while he may not be "packing the filmore", he's outfitting the latest discoverers of the surfing-is-cool phenomenon and IS, instead, packing the line-up.
28 weeks ago
@ST- my inside sources were wrong i guess. i was also to understand that Volcom lifetimed Bruce Irons. Certain freesurfers i thought had this blessing. But by "giving" him a store, it seems as though they through him a bone. now he just has to do in-store signings once a week, and he's golden. Jim Otto, 00, owns a Burger King in Rocklin. you can go in there any day of the week after a trip to Tahoe and see him eating double Whoppers. at any rate, im glad you're still talking to me :)
28 weeks ago
Sharkturd, I understand that you know a ton about the industry by the way you spoke to Unfocused in your reply above, but are you sure it is Quiksilver (I don't think there is a C in there) that sponsors Curren and not Rip Curl?
28 weeks ago
@Sharkturd- i was right about Irons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Irons_(surfer)
feed://www.mevio.com/feeds/surfcheck.xml
28 weeks ago
Nothing is forever. Manny, correctomundo, I meant Rip curl. I apoligize, thanks!
