About Tom

Tom Carroll is a professional surfer from Sydney, Australia.

He won the Australian Junior Title in 1978, the Pro Juniors in 1977 and 1980, the 1983 and 1984 ASP World Tour, and the 1987 Pipe Masters.

Carroll first went to the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii in 1978 and immediately took a liking to the large powerful surf. Armed with heaps of raw courage, athleticism and a stocky, muscular frame, Carroll redefined the parameters of radical surfing at Pipeline and Sunset Beach.

He has no peers when it comes to critically late takeoffs on giant waves and his North Shore performances remain the benchmark by which all others are measured.

In recent years, Tom has taken his surf skills literally to new heights with tow-in surfing. He uses a personal watercraft (PWC) to access some of the largest ridable surf in the world. He says PWC are awesome for getting out and into huge waves but he has also learnt to be responsible with his craft and its gear.

Boat for Life features Safety Ambassador Tom Carroll and supported by multi world champion PWC rider Kylie Ellmers and PWC Instructor Paul Leven.

The 'craft'

Personal watercraft (PWC), often called jetskis, are fast, powerful and challenging to operate.

The popular choice of PWC for boating activity means that it is important for people to know how to drive them safely and with courtesy at all times.

The majority of PWC drivers act in a responsible manner but there is some whose actions adversely affect the reputation of all PWC drivers.

This site contains information about the rules and requirements for riding a PWC and provides tips on how to operate your PWC safely and reduce conflict with other people around the waterways. Always apply care, courtesy and common sense when on your PWC.



One of Australia's iconic surfing publications is Tracks and it has named Tom Carroll as the greatest surfer in its history - and it has been going for 40 years!