Chris Bertish

With a mantra of 'Dream it. See it. Believe it. Achieve it,' Chris has redefined what success means to him. By embracing this mantra, he has achieved incredible results in multiple sports and has become a respected Author, Filmmaker, and Businessman.

Chris first made headlines in 2010 when he won the California, Mavericks Big Wave Invitational, one of the world's biggest surfing competitions. Born in Kenilworth, Cape Town, Chris found a way to travel across the globe and outperform professional athletes, forever changing the face of big-wave surfing.

In March 2017, Chris completed his most daring challenge to date, redefining the concept of Extreme Adventure by becoming the first person to singlehandedly cross the Atlantic Ocean on a Stand Up Paddleboard. This endeavor took over 93 days as Chris paddled solo and unassisted from Morocco, Africa to Antigua in the Caribbean. Upon completion, Chris had achieved something many thought impossible and showed the world that anyone has the power to overcome any challenge. What makes this story even more inspirational is not just Chris's actions but his reasons for doing it. Through this adventure, Chris supported the charities the Lunchbox Fund and Operation Smile, helping 1,000 children with cleft palates receive life-changing surgery for a better future.

Chris continues to use his incredible adventures to support charities focused on humanitarian, educational, sustainability, and environmental causes. As an ambassador for World View Climate Change Parks, Operation Smile, 2Oceans Aquarium, and Conservation International, Chris supports many global initiatives. Annually, Chris plants multiple forests through his business to offset his own carbon footprint and set an important example for others to be the change we wish to see in the world.

Chris's philosophy centers on positive change. By addressing our own attitudes and actions, we can make a positive difference for others and the environment around us. This is a message Chris reinforces in all his talks and public appearances. An inspirational speaker, Chris aims to educate and motivate audiences by sharing his incredible experiences, leaving audience members energized and inspired to adopt a 'can-do' attitude. Chris is also able to adapt and personalize any of his keynotes to align with your company values, mission, or to reflect a particular message.

Chris is available for both in-person and virtual events, and his keynotes can focus on themes of motivation, change, resilience, innovation, establishing a positive mindset, and sustainability.