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TC
The long-awaited autobiography of one of Australia's surfing legends.On the surface he was Tom Carroll, dreamer, cheeky grommet, brilliant surfer, Australian sporting hero, fitness fanatic, businessman, family man, big wave charger. Inside turned the terrible wheel of drug addiction, part family curse, part legacy of the footloose surf culture he’d done so much to legitimise. Tom’s family and friends struggled with him, kept his secrets, and looked on in anger and fear as the wheel began to grind him down. Then a window opened – but getting through it made charging Pipeline look like a piece of cake ...This is the story of an unlikely moral of humility, family, damage, brotherhood, youth, stupidity, glory, single-mindedness and surrender, and about the feeling of water moving under a surfboard, how it can bind past to present and make sense of lives.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 6, 2022
A fascinating insight to a great Australian character. I have never been into surfing so some of the surf definitions were lost on me but Tom carroll's story as a person was why I decided to read his biography and he had an early start to fame and life and rode the waves of life the same way he rode waves. This biography is especially candid in regards to his drug use and how it spiralled out of control but also how he got back up and embraced life.
Even though I'm roughly around the same age, I feel as though I know more about him now then when he was at the top of his field back in the 80's.
Even though I'm roughly around the same age, I feel as though I know more about him now then when he was at the top of his field back in the 80's.
December 18, 2024
Book Review: TC by Nick and Tom Carroll
A big thanks to Richard C for loaning me TC—another gem from his bookshelf. Richard’s taste in books is always impeccable, as proven by a previous recommendation, Tim Rogers’ autobiography, which was a brilliant read. Now, with TC in hand, I noticed another one of his choices sitting nearby: Occy, another surfing bio. Not sure why Richard seems to think I’m a surfing aficionado—I can barely stand on a board—but it looks like that’ll be up in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, let’s dive into TC, the story of one of Australia’s surfing greats, and see how it rides.
TC, co-written by Aussie surfing icon Tom Carroll and his brother Nick, takes readers on a journey through the peaks and troughs of our world surfing champion’s incredible life. From shredding his way to two world titles to navigating the heavy seas of addiction, the book pulls back the curtain on a life lived in the barrel. While it catches some solid waves, it doesn’t always hold its line.
Where the book absolutely nails it is in its descriptions of surf and boards. Nick and Tom capture the essence of waves in vivid detail—from heaving, hollow reef breaks to long, peeling point breaks, and the unforgiving thump of heavy beach breaks. The way they describe the conditions—the offshore winds cleaning up a set, the glassy texture of a dawn session, or the wild unpredictability of storm surf—brings the ocean alive for the reader. Similarly, the talk of surfboards is pure gold. They delve into everything from shortboards with their sharp rails and thruster fin setups built for tight, high-performance turns, to the longer, single-fin guns designed for big wave drops, and even the retro twin-fins and fish boards that dominated his early years. If you’ve ever debated rocker profiles, rail shapes, or the ideal fin configuration for a particular wave, you’ll feel right at home here.
Another standout is how Nick threads in the family’s history, adding depth and context to Tom’s story. Their father, a successful and respected journalist, emerges as a fascinating figure—a driven and disciplined man who cast a long shadow over the family. The book’s reflections on his career and personality add a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing how his influence shaped both Tom and Nick in different ways. These insights, combined with the raw honesty in finally addressing their mother’s tragic demise, give the book a poignant and personal edge.
But while the book paddles strongly in some areas, it does get caught in the whitewash at times. Tom’s struggles with life beyond surfing are laid bare, and his fears and vulnerabilities are relatable, but the narrative can feel vague. It’s like they’re skimming over the sets, missing the chance to dig deeper into the gnarlier parts of his life. For example, he obviously breaks up with his wife, yet the book offers very little detail about this significant episode. Such moments feel brushed over, leaving the reader wanting a deeper exploration of the emotional and relational impact of such events.
The exploration of Tom’s addiction and recovery offers some compelling insights but feels uneven. He candidly discusses his later descent into addiction, shifting from cocaine to the grip of ice, but the earlier, more socially accepted party culture of the professional surfing circuit is largely glossed over. One reason for this vagueness could be the tight-knit nature of the professional surfing community. Tom’s strong bonds with his fellow surfers, many of whom are named throughout the book, may have influenced his decision to hold back details. The loyalty within this small, close group is palpable, and you get the sense that protecting those relationships outweighed the allure of a tell-all approach. That said, the book does devote significant time to his acceptance of his addiction and the challenging first steps of his recovery journey. By the time the book was published, Tom was up to Step 7 of the 12-step program, and the raw honesty in this section is some of the book’s strongest material. It’s here that you feel his vulnerability, determination, and the immense effort it takes to turn his life around, even as the narrative stops short of the finish line.
Still, TC is worth a paddle for its vivid surf descriptions, the love for board design, and the heartfelt exploration of the Carroll family’s history. While it doesn’t always ride the wave to its full potential, it’s a decent read for anyone who loves the ocean and the stories it inspires. Not a total wipeout, but it could’ve been an absolute bomb set with a bit more depth and commitment.
A big thanks to Richard C for loaning me TC—another gem from his bookshelf. Richard’s taste in books is always impeccable, as proven by a previous recommendation, Tim Rogers’ autobiography, which was a brilliant read. Now, with TC in hand, I noticed another one of his choices sitting nearby: Occy, another surfing bio. Not sure why Richard seems to think I’m a surfing aficionado—I can barely stand on a board—but it looks like that’ll be up in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, let’s dive into TC, the story of one of Australia’s surfing greats, and see how it rides.
TC, co-written by Aussie surfing icon Tom Carroll and his brother Nick, takes readers on a journey through the peaks and troughs of our world surfing champion’s incredible life. From shredding his way to two world titles to navigating the heavy seas of addiction, the book pulls back the curtain on a life lived in the barrel. While it catches some solid waves, it doesn’t always hold its line.
Where the book absolutely nails it is in its descriptions of surf and boards. Nick and Tom capture the essence of waves in vivid detail—from heaving, hollow reef breaks to long, peeling point breaks, and the unforgiving thump of heavy beach breaks. The way they describe the conditions—the offshore winds cleaning up a set, the glassy texture of a dawn session, or the wild unpredictability of storm surf—brings the ocean alive for the reader. Similarly, the talk of surfboards is pure gold. They delve into everything from shortboards with their sharp rails and thruster fin setups built for tight, high-performance turns, to the longer, single-fin guns designed for big wave drops, and even the retro twin-fins and fish boards that dominated his early years. If you’ve ever debated rocker profiles, rail shapes, or the ideal fin configuration for a particular wave, you’ll feel right at home here.
Another standout is how Nick threads in the family’s history, adding depth and context to Tom’s story. Their father, a successful and respected journalist, emerges as a fascinating figure—a driven and disciplined man who cast a long shadow over the family. The book’s reflections on his career and personality add a layer of complexity to the narrative, showing how his influence shaped both Tom and Nick in different ways. These insights, combined with the raw honesty in finally addressing their mother’s tragic demise, give the book a poignant and personal edge.
But while the book paddles strongly in some areas, it does get caught in the whitewash at times. Tom’s struggles with life beyond surfing are laid bare, and his fears and vulnerabilities are relatable, but the narrative can feel vague. It’s like they’re skimming over the sets, missing the chance to dig deeper into the gnarlier parts of his life. For example, he obviously breaks up with his wife, yet the book offers very little detail about this significant episode. Such moments feel brushed over, leaving the reader wanting a deeper exploration of the emotional and relational impact of such events.
The exploration of Tom’s addiction and recovery offers some compelling insights but feels uneven. He candidly discusses his later descent into addiction, shifting from cocaine to the grip of ice, but the earlier, more socially accepted party culture of the professional surfing circuit is largely glossed over. One reason for this vagueness could be the tight-knit nature of the professional surfing community. Tom’s strong bonds with his fellow surfers, many of whom are named throughout the book, may have influenced his decision to hold back details. The loyalty within this small, close group is palpable, and you get the sense that protecting those relationships outweighed the allure of a tell-all approach. That said, the book does devote significant time to his acceptance of his addiction and the challenging first steps of his recovery journey. By the time the book was published, Tom was up to Step 7 of the 12-step program, and the raw honesty in this section is some of the book’s strongest material. It’s here that you feel his vulnerability, determination, and the immense effort it takes to turn his life around, even as the narrative stops short of the finish line.
Still, TC is worth a paddle for its vivid surf descriptions, the love for board design, and the heartfelt exploration of the Carroll family’s history. While it doesn’t always ride the wave to its full potential, it’s a decent read for anyone who loves the ocean and the stories it inspires. Not a total wipeout, but it could’ve been an absolute bomb set with a bit more depth and commitment.
February 2, 2021
Interesting biography of Tom Carroll, two time world surfing champion. The book is written by his older brother, Nick, previously editor of Tracks and Surfing magazines.
The most interesting part of this book are the revelations of drug abuse that surfaced years after Carroll finished competitive surfing. That this drug use continued so long and so blatantly without every being revealed in the media asks uncomfortable questions about the professionalism and honesty of both the surf industry and the surf media, of which the author was a part.
The story of two brothers growing up on the beaches of Sydney and going surfing is the classic Australian tale but not much of it is particularly interesting except that they were really good at it.
There's so much that could have been said about pro surfing (and isn't) that it's a bit disappointing. There are no huge revelations because to expose every other pro surfer of the time as a drug using party boy would invite lawsuits. Sure would be interesting to read about though.
The details of Tom Carroll's drug abuse really is sad because like so many others I had posters of the guy on my wall. To see such a heroic surfer succumb to Ice addiction left a bad taste in my mouth. All the same stories you hear of drug abusers were there, the denial, the secrecy... It just made me sad for the guy.
All in all it's a bit of a missed opportunity because so much of the interesting stories of the 80s pro surfing era are omitted. Not a bad book but probably wont be reading it again.
The most interesting part of this book are the revelations of drug abuse that surfaced years after Carroll finished competitive surfing. That this drug use continued so long and so blatantly without every being revealed in the media asks uncomfortable questions about the professionalism and honesty of both the surf industry and the surf media, of which the author was a part.
The story of two brothers growing up on the beaches of Sydney and going surfing is the classic Australian tale but not much of it is particularly interesting except that they were really good at it.
There's so much that could have been said about pro surfing (and isn't) that it's a bit disappointing. There are no huge revelations because to expose every other pro surfer of the time as a drug using party boy would invite lawsuits. Sure would be interesting to read about though.
The details of Tom Carroll's drug abuse really is sad because like so many others I had posters of the guy on my wall. To see such a heroic surfer succumb to Ice addiction left a bad taste in my mouth. All the same stories you hear of drug abusers were there, the denial, the secrecy... It just made me sad for the guy.
All in all it's a bit of a missed opportunity because so much of the interesting stories of the 80s pro surfing era are omitted. Not a bad book but probably wont be reading it again.
January 7, 2025
Reading this was such a walk back through memory lane, high school and my coveted subscription to Surfer magazine. All the names and places, the tournaments, so much fun to relive those memories. I thought the approach to this book - partially written by Nick and partially by Tom was interesting and I liked the approach. I’m only giving it 3 stars, however because I felt like they left us hanging at the end. I wanted to know more about how Tom is maintaining his sobriety, what are his rituals or specific coping mechanisms? Is he active in the surfing scene to keep others from going down a similar path? There were just too many loose ends - and, while I know that recovery is always a work in progress, it’s the progress that is the victory. Still, I appreciated the rawness of the story and how Tom and Nick chose to tell it. Reading this only makes me like and respect Tom that much more. I wish him continued success and sobriety. Thanks for the surfing memories and for telling your story, Tom.
February 6, 2018
I loved it. for so many reasons, not least because it was a surprisingly good book to read. While his brothers input irked me initially, Nicks style coming across stiff and formal in the first couple of chapters, Tom's language was natural, introspective and intelligent. He laid claim to no airs and put it all down as it was. I was impressed by his freshness and honesty.
What I did love about this book was the Northern beaches memory lane he took me down, names of the semi famous surf mag stars abounded. There was a nice move through time in the surf culture of the eighties, through his own internal growth to world champion. It was good to hear it all from his perspective, the challenges of Hawaii, of physical injury and of course, ice.
While drugs are a large part of this story, and a brave story to tell, it was by no means the only story here. This was truly an autobiographical journey, seen from two perspectives, the outside, contributed by his brother Nick, and the internal. And while Nicks journalistic pretenses, (oh hang on, he is a journo!) annoyed me at first, I either got used to reading them or he got used to being on an autobiographical journey with his famous brother Tom. Either way, I ended loving the structure of the book and found the two perspectives complemented each other well.
This was a very personal book for me as it was as much about my own youth, my hero's and the culture I grew up in as it was insight into TC's life and how such a young grom could end up taking that snap he formulated at a Newport shore break all the way to pipe to win the masters.
Great summer reading. Loved it.
What I did love about this book was the Northern beaches memory lane he took me down, names of the semi famous surf mag stars abounded. There was a nice move through time in the surf culture of the eighties, through his own internal growth to world champion. It was good to hear it all from his perspective, the challenges of Hawaii, of physical injury and of course, ice.
While drugs are a large part of this story, and a brave story to tell, it was by no means the only story here. This was truly an autobiographical journey, seen from two perspectives, the outside, contributed by his brother Nick, and the internal. And while Nicks journalistic pretenses, (oh hang on, he is a journo!) annoyed me at first, I either got used to reading them or he got used to being on an autobiographical journey with his famous brother Tom. Either way, I ended loving the structure of the book and found the two perspectives complemented each other well.
This was a very personal book for me as it was as much about my own youth, my hero's and the culture I grew up in as it was insight into TC's life and how such a young grom could end up taking that snap he formulated at a Newport shore break all the way to pipe to win the masters.
Great summer reading. Loved it.
November 8, 2024
interesting book and prose style
Being a lifelong surfer who doesn’t follow competitive surfing, I had heard of TC but didn’t know much about him. I recently had heard about his drug addiction. This book was quite fascinating, both to read about Australian surfing back in the day, but also to get an insider’s account of his addiction. TC’s style of writing is fresh and interesting, due to his not being a professional writer and (presumably) the willingness of his editor to let TC’s personality/voice shine through.
Being a lifelong surfer who doesn’t follow competitive surfing, I had heard of TC but didn’t know much about him. I recently had heard about his drug addiction. This book was quite fascinating, both to read about Australian surfing back in the day, but also to get an insider’s account of his addiction. TC’s style of writing is fresh and interesting, due to his not being a professional writer and (presumably) the willingness of his editor to let TC’s personality/voice shine through.
September 6, 2017
Exciting and in-depth perspective on Tom's surfing career from both his own eyes as well as from his brother Nick Carroll's, with some great stories from his life growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney during the 70's/80's. It wasn't as insightful into the reasons he began his drug addiction(s) although there was lots of detail about his difficulty with recovery and time spent in rehab. Highly recommended if you ever wanted to know a lot more about what makes TC tick...
June 5, 2019
TC. Honest bio of a legend
Narrative a little confusing at first with the shifting perspectives of Tom and his brother. But still a great story of surfing, adventure, and recovery.
Narrative a little confusing at first with the shifting perspectives of Tom and his brother. But still a great story of surfing, adventure, and recovery.
August 3, 2021
A great book yet terribly sad to read about an Aussie surfing legend being torn down by drug addiction. I am glad that he was able to come out the other side.
February 28, 2025
Love a good surf war story book, like how it alternsted between 2 brothers. Wish it went a bit more into the drug use & such but maybe that’s all there was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Just found it a bit slow
November 17, 2025
OK... maybe I should have had more context
November 29, 2013
An increadible story of a true legend and hero of the Northern beaches. The tom Carroll story is of true aussie grit and conquering adversity. On a personial level its very scary. I lost my mum at a similar age to cancer and can relate to emotions he has felt in his life. Brotherhood is a key ingreadiant with his brother Nick really looking up to and after his little bro. His dabbling into drug addiction is something we have all tried at some level. His honesty and conquering of this demon is respectful and gives him kudos as a human. The final paragraph of the text really expresses how one should feel about events in our life."Break a leg .TRurn fifty. Loose your hair and half your money. Sell your dream house. Cant surf the way you want. Fail!. BECOME HAPPY."
I honestily feel this is the best book I have read in years and will re-read many times over. Kudos Tommy.
I honestily feel this is the best book I have read in years and will re-read many times over. Kudos Tommy.
April 7, 2015
Growing up surfing in the late 80's and early 90's, Tom Carroll was my surfing hero. I only knew of him as a top professional. I enjoyed hearing about his years as a junior, as I completed as a junior too. He really lets the reader into the whole story of his addiction, fears, doubt,...a very vulnerable & brave story.
I am huge fan of Tom Carroll the professional surfer, two time World Champion, and now I'm a huge fan of Tom Carroll the man, father & his road to recovery.
I am huge fan of Tom Carroll the professional surfer, two time World Champion, and now I'm a huge fan of Tom Carroll the man, father & his road to recovery.
February 4, 2016
Tom is so well known in surfing circles and a lot of the people he refers to are also well known to the general community. It is a very one-sided story of his adventures. I felt he glossed over his rehabilitation and just how hard it would be to be an addiction. Not very well written but certainly in his voice.
January 21, 2014
An unusual autobiography. It dips into the demons of drugs and how Tom has handled them. An open account.
February 6, 2014
Ok read- not enough about tom the surf competitor. His battle with drugs was an interesting insight into how insidious they can be and ruin even our heroes.
April 29, 2014
Skipped the beginning and started half way through , when it gets interesting
October 14, 2014
I was thoroughly hooked by this refreshingly honest journey into the life of a legend, both from his and his brothers perspective.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews