Many people claim to love the ocean, but few have the all-consuming obsession that Chris Bertish does. The South African-born big wave surfer and paddle boarder completed a 7 500km solo SUP transatlantic crossing from Morocco to Antigua in the Caribbean in 2017.
More recently, he managed to wing-foil across the Pacific Ocean, the world’s first solo and unsupported transpacific wing-foil crossing. The journey took him from Santa Cruz, California to Honolulu, Hawaii earlier this year.
Chris, a multiple Guinness World Record holder, spends more time in the sea than he does on land. We caught him coming up for air and asked a few questions.
Chris completing his transpacific wing-foil crossing.
What ignited this fierce passion for ocean adventures?
My Dad, Keith Bertish, taught my brothers and me from a very young age to love and respect the ocean. I have always been a water baby. And through my love of the ocean, I am able to do incredible adventures that make a profound difference in the lives we impact with our projects.
What are your top three destinations of all time?
1. The North shore of Hawaii – it is my all-time favourite place. Not only it is stunning, but the energy and the clean air are next-level. It’s also where I feel a true connection to my tribe of fellow surfers, it is second to none.
2. Cape Town – my birthplace. It will always be home.
3. Tobago in the Caribbean – it is just one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
What do you do when you’re not in the ocean?
When I am not in the ocean, I am normally working on creating new books, new talks, delivering talks all around the world, creating films and doing road shows.
My aim is to spend as much time in nature as possible, so I also try to give back to the environment, sustainability and people, to ensure I am giving back to nature which has given so much to me.
Why do you think the ocean has such a strong effect on humans?
Chris surfing in Hawaii.
I think this relationship exists because we are made up predominately of water. We are even in water in our mom’s tummies, it’s a natural place for all of us.
Is there a funny anecdote from your recent experiences you can share?
I try to always see the funny side of life as can get really, really serious. Especially when you are doing an extreme adventure, things get really intense, really stressful and life-threatening on a regular basis
When I was on the water, I would tell myself not to go nuts and rather go bananas as I was eating amazing raw organic bananas every day. These little jokes just helped me to get through each day.
Define adventure.
Everything that I do is about inspiring positive change. It’s helping people realise that nothing is impossible!
Pictures: Supplied
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