Tom started surfing on the Northern Beaches at 8 years old. In 1977, when he was 15, he won the inaugural Australian Pro Junior Championship, which he went on to win again in 1980. He started competing on the international stage joining the International Professional Surfers World Tour in 1979.

Tom spent 14 years competing internationally and within that time he was World Champion in 1983 and 1984, achieving a total of 26 victories. He finished in the top 5 a total of 9 times and won at least one senior event each season for 10 consecutive years.

In 1992, Tom was recognised for his contribution to surfing, being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. As of 2024, Tom continues to live and surf on the Northern Beaches.