I Love Surfing, But a World without Music?

 

Tom Curren

3-Time World Champion/Musicia

  Editor’s Note: Two weeks ago, we linked up with Tom Curren on the phone to discuss a preposterous ultimatum: music or surfing? The three-time world champion and accomplished musician entertained the question thoughtfully. His perspective, and our conversation is transcribed below. - Zach

It’s a tough one. I’ve had plenty of waves. I’ve probably had enough waves. Theoretically, I’d say I could just choose music, because I’m a bit older now and I’ve had plenty of time in the water. Theoretically, I could say that, but it’s a tough one.
If I had to give up surfing, could I still go to the beach? Could I still go swimming?
Part of me is thinking, surfing has given me so much, just to say that music is more important to me now…That’s kind of a big call, so I don’t know how to answer that. But at the same time, I just feel like with music I’m sort of somewhere that I’m kind of growing into more. Where with surfing I’m sort of maintaining. You know, I get a lot of enjoyment out of just being on the beach watching my kids surf. Sometimes it’s crowded, and I just enjoy more just watching surfing sometimes. So…theoretically I could trade my boards for my guitar.
Another way to look at it, which is how I tend to favor music… You look at the world, and you say: the world without music, what would that be like? Or…the world without surfing: what would that be like? Music touches so many more people, and it’s such a less exclusive club. I’d say that music is more important over all.
It just so happens that I had a big career in surfing, so ...more