Virtual or In Person Talk
Chris rides waves the size of four-story buildings for fun. He won the Maverick’s Big Wave International surfing event in the biggest waves ever recorded in the history of the sport.
He holds the South African Open Ocean Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) 24-hour Distance World Record.
Chris is living proof that if you truly believe in something, set your sights on your goal – no matter how big – if you work hard at it, stay focused and never give up, you can achieve anything.
The Maverick’s Big Wave Story tells the tale of how a regular working guy from South Africa manages to get halfway around the globe to win the prestigious Maverick’s competition (TITANS OF MAVERICKS), the world’s premiere, high adrenaline, big wave surfing event, overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles along the way, against all odds.
THRIVE is a 1 hour Virtual and Interactive talk & workshop via Zoom / WebX, designed to arm employees for the challenges they are currently facing.
Thrive will give them the necessary tools to face and overcome these unprecedented and challenging times, while staying positive, productive and emerging more evolved, resilient and even stronger.
As the Mavericks Big Wave Champion and the only person on the planet to survive in a tiny box sized space, paddling alone in the Atlantic Ocean for 93 days, Chris Bertish is probably one of the best and most qualified and equipped individuals to talk and give guidance on isolation and how to get through adversity, change and challenging times.
Chris Bertish has learned some highly valuable tools and skills that helped him get through these challenging times which he will share with you through this interactive Talk / Workshop.
Unlock Your Superpowers! And Achieve Anything
Chris Bertish is an award-winning adventurer, author, and speaker who translates extraordinary ocean and endurance achievements into leadership lessons. Known for solo expeditions and record-setting sea voyages, Chris frames high-stakes adventure as a laboratory for decision making, resilience, and deliberate planning.
His talks weave gripping storytelling with frameworks leaders can use to navigate uncertainty, mitigate risks, and inspire teams to persevere. Chris emphasises the human side of performance: the preparation, small consistent actions, and mental habits that lead to success. Audiences leave motivated and with concrete steps for building resilient cultures and disciplined execution.
Chris can also deliver workshops on goal setting, contingency planning, and personal performance under pressure.
Chris Bertish is a renowned professional speaker, ocean pioneer, and international best-selling author whose extraordinary feats have captivated audiences worldwide. With a spirit as boundless as the ocean itself, Chris exemplifies courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon for adventure and empowerment is a testament to the power of determination and unwavering belief in the human potential.
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Chris developed a deep connection with the ocean from an early age. His passion for water sports eventually led him to excel in competitive surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. However, it was his groundbreaking solo journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddleboard that catapulted him into the international spotlight. In 2017, Chris became the first person to complete this monumental feat, paddling over 4,000 miles from Morocco to Antigua in 93 days, all in the name of charity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
With a background in big-wave surfing and professional water sports, Chris brings a unique perspective to the stage, combining thrilling adventure tales with profound insights on overcoming adversity and embracing fear as a catalyst for growth. His riveting storytelling and infectious enthusiasm have made him a sought-after speaker at corporate events, conferences, and educational institutions worldwide, inspiring audiences to break free from their comfort zones and embrace the unknown with courage and conviction.
Chris Bertish’s expertise spans a diverse range of topics, from peak performance and leadership to environmental conservation and humanitarian efforts. As a professional athlete and adventurer, Chris has honed his skills in risk management, resilience, and strategic decision-making under extreme pressure, making him a valuable resource for individuals and organizations seeking to push their limits and achieve unprecedented success.
Drawing from his experiences conquering some of the world’s most treacherous waters, Chris delivers powerful keynote presentations that challenge conventional thinking and ignite a sense of possibility in audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Whether recounting his harrowing encounters with towering waves and ferocious storms or sharing lessons learned from navigating uncharted territories, Chris’s storytelling resonates deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impact that transcends the boundaries of the stage.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Chris Bertish is also a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and social change. Through his work with various nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives, Chris inspires others to become stewards of the planet and catalysts for positive change in their communities. By weaving together themes of adventure, purpose, and resilience, Chris empowers audiences to harness their inner strength and embark on their own journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Travels from: California or Cape Town (depends where he is at the time)
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A: He can do both: keynote storytelling or interactive workshops with practical takeaways.
A: Yes. High-quality video and images from expeditions enhance sessions.
A: Some experiential formats can be arranged depending on logistics.
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