| Chris Bertish | |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation: | Big wave surfer, stand-up paddleboarder, adventurer |
| Credits: | , which produces label "Notable credit(s)"; or by |
| Works: | , which produces label "Works" --> |
| Mother: | Fran Bertish |
| Father: | Keith Bertish |
| Relatives: | Conn Bertish Greg Bertish |
Chris Bertish is a South African surfer, stand-up paddleboarder, adventurer, and motivational speaker. In 2004 he gained recognition as the owner of 'Best Cribbar Barrel Vision Ever' after he pulled into a giant closeout at the infamous big wave spot in Cornwall. He won the Mavericks Big Wave Surf contest in 2009. In March 2017 he completed the first solo, unsupported stand-up paddle board (SUP) crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. He did it while supporting charitable organizations. He has also set other SUP world records.[1] His efforts moved an obscure sport onto the forefront of many important media outlets.
In February 2010, Bertish competed at the 2009/10 Mavericks Surf Contest near Half Moon Bay, Northern California, winning the $50,000 big-wave surf competition.[2] [3] Watched by 50,000 spectators, the contestants experienced waves in excess of 40abbr=onNaNabbr=on. Bertish arrived at the competition without his equipment and had to borrow a board to compete.[3] [4]
In 2016, a failed attempt at crossing the Atlantic on a stand-up paddleboard occurred. The boat was piloted by Nicholas Jarossay, a French citizen who was rescued a week into his trip.
In a 93-day trek, Bertish successfully completed a solo, unassisted and unaided crossing of the Atlantic Ocean on a stand up paddle board, going from Morocco to Antigua.[5] [6] The feat was the culmination of five years of preparation.
On 6 December 2016, Bertish set out from a marina in Agadir, Morocco, in a custom-built 20abbr=onNaNabbr=on stand-up paddle craft on a journey of 7400km (4,600miles) and 120 days across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean island of Anegada in the British Virgin Islands.[7] [8] [9] His $120,000 craft was designed by Phil Morrison, a naval architect, and resembles a connected row-boat and a stand-up paddle board, called ImpiFish.[7] It weighed 1350lbs, which Bertish now considers to have been "too light." It had a "number of technological amenities such as a satellite phone, a radar device, a MacBook, a water maker" carrying the amount of fresh water he needed was impractical.[10] On 9 March 2017, he arrived in Antigua at English Harbour becoming the first person to cross the Atlantic on a stand-up paddle board.[11] He made the journey unsupported and unassisted in 93 days.[11] Initially he wanted to continue to Florida, but due to forecasted poor weather made his landfall in Antigua.[11]
The craft was self-righting if it capsized, avoiding the possibility of turtling. Gear included a life raft, flares, and an emergency grab bag.[12] An integral part of maintaining stability in adverse weather was the use of sea anchors.[12]
Bertish averaged 43miles a day, surpassing his planned 30miles daily. Paddling was mainly done at night to avoid sun exposure.[12]
The attempt was made in order to raise money for several South African charities to feed, school and provide medical operations for children and succeeded in raising $412,000.[8] The charities include Signature of Hope Trust, the Lunchbox Foundation and Operation Smile. The attempt had been sponsored by the financial group Carrick Wealth.[10] [13]
In addition to gaining the Guinness World Record for being the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a stand-up paddle board, Bertish also set another world record during the attempt by travelling the furthest distance solo, unsupported and unassisted over open ocean in a day of 115.86km (71.99miles).[14] In fact, he set at least three world records during the crossing; and promised to pay for a charitable surgery for each of them.[15]
Previously he completed a 3½-day 320km (200miles) paddle and a "source to sea" run-paddle-bike descent of the Thames River, with an English Channel SUP bonus crossing.[16]
Unofficially and off the South African coast, he set the world record for 12-hour open ocean paddling, covering almost 130km (80miles) aided by "great downwind conditions." The previous record was 120km (80miles) held by an American.[16]
Bertish has been chosen, as one of 100 visionary people, to contribute a 250 word essay to be included in a 3D book.[17] The 3D book will be designed by artist Ron Arad and will be a world first and printed in zero gravity.[17] Called, Genius: 100 Visions of the Future, it is organised by the Albert Einstein Foundation Initiative for the Inspired by Einstein Project.[17]
In 2018, South African artist, Michael Lee, painted three large oil paintings to commemorate the transatlantic crossing, Atlantic Solo, featuring Bertish battling a storm at night, with a reference to Hokusai's Great Wave image, Atlantic Soul showing the SUP champion in equilibrium with a calm ocean and various aquatic creatures, and Atlantic Epic, illustrating Bertish's arrival at the Pillars of Hercules in Antigua to complete the epic journey.[18] [19] [20]