What surfing taught me about cancer | Tyler Callaway | TEDxSanDiego

Tyler texted this to Jami before the show - Jami still trying to clarify with Tyler 9-20-2026: What can surfing teach us about cancer?
Tyler Callaway is a lifelong surfer and multi-time cancer survivor whose colorful life has taken him from championship surfing and the surf industry to entrepreneurship, invention, philanthropy—and some experiences that sound almost impossible.
He was bitten by a shark in the morning, struck by lightning that same afternoon, and somehow walked away from both.
But those may not be the most important waves Tyler has faced.
After confronting cancer more than once, Tyler discovered that the lessons he learned in the ocean—humility, resilience, perspective, and empathy—could also help him navigate the biggest challenge of his life. Seeing someone survive and thrive can help someone else fight to live. Paying it back by paying it forward. www.allwateradvantage.com #TEDxSanDiego #TEDx #TEDtalks #Cancer #Surfing #giveback Tyler Callaway believes hope becomes real when people can see it in someone else. A four-time national surfing champion and East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame inductee, he spent decades in surfing before surviving cancer multiple times, an experience that reshaped his understanding of resilience and purpose. He co-founded the Legends Surfing Luau benefiting Moores Cancer Center, which has raised over $15 million for cancer research. Today, he is building a video-storytelling platform for cancer patients and survivors, helping them see that survival—and even thriving—is possible. He also connects biotech and research teams with the human impact of their work, bridging innovation and lived experience. Having survived cancer, a shark attack and a lightning strike, Tyler lives by one belief: seeing someone survive and thrive can change how you fight to live. “I’ve been incredibly lucky with early diagnoses and successful treatments. The least I can do is pay it back by paying it forward.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx