Many individuals declare to like the ocean, however few have the all-consuming obsession that Chris Bertish does. The South African-born large wave surfer and paddle boarder accomplished a 7 500km solo SUP transatlantic crossing from Morocco to Antigua within the Caribbean in 2017.
Extra lately, he managed to wing-foil throughout 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 yr.
Chris, a a number of Guinness World Report holder, spends extra time within the sea than he does on land. We caught him developing for air and requested a couple of questions.
What ignited this fierce ardour for ocean adventures?
My Dad, Keith Bertish, taught my brothers and me from a really younger age to like and respect the ocean. I’ve at all times been a water child. And thru my love of the ocean, I’m able to do unimaginable adventures that make a profound distinction within the lives we influence with our initiatives.
What are your prime three locations of all time?
1. The North shore of Hawaii – it’s my all-time favorite place. Not solely it’s gorgeous, however the power and the clear air are next-level. It’s additionally the place I really feel a real connection to my tribe of fellow surfers, it’s second to none.
2. Cape City – my birthplace. It is going to at all times be dwelling.
3. Tobago within the Caribbean – it’s simply probably the most lovely locations on the planet.
What do you do whenever you’re not within the ocean?
When I’m not within the ocean, I’m usually engaged on creating new books, new talks, delivering talks all around the globe, creating movies and doing highway reveals.
My intention is to spend as a lot time in nature as potential, so I additionally attempt to give again to the surroundings, sustainability and other people, to make sure I’m giving again to nature which has given a lot to me.
Why do you assume the ocean has such a robust impact on people?
I believe this relationship exists as a result of we’re made up predominately of water. We’re even in water in our mother’s tummies, it’s a pure place for all of us.
Is there a humorous anecdote out of your current experiences you may share?
I attempt to at all times see the humorous facet of life as can get actually, actually severe. Particularly when you find yourself doing an excessive journey, issues get actually intense, actually tense and life-threatening frequently
Once I was on the water, I’d inform myself to not go nuts and relatively go bananas as I used to be consuming wonderful uncooked natural bananas on daily basis. These little jokes simply helped me to get by means of every day.
Outline journey.
All the things that I do is about inspiring constructive change. It’s serving to individuals realise that nothing is inconceivable!
Photos: Equipped
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