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Chris Bertish

Motivational Adventurer

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  • Record-Breaking Achievements: Chris Bertish is a trailblazer in the world of ocean adventure, renowned for his record-breaking feats and daring exploits on the open sea.
  • Solo Transatlantic Crossing: A testament to his indomitable spirit, Chris made history with his solo transatlantic crossing on a stand-up paddleboard, defying the odds and pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
  • Big Wave Surfing Champion: As a big wave surfing champion, Chris has conquered some of the most treacherous waves on the planet, showcasing his exceptional skill and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
  • Adventurer and Philanthropist: Beyond his remarkable athletic accomplishments, Chris is also a dedicated philanthropist and adventurer, using his expeditions to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes around the world.
  • Inspiring Speaker and Author: Through his captivating storytelling and infectious enthusiasm, Chris inspires audiences to embrace challenges, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact on the world. His book, “ALL IN,” chronicles his epic journey and serves as a source of inspiration for adventurers and dreamers everywhere.

*Fee ranges are presented as a guideline only. Speaker fees are subject to change without notice. For an exact quote, please contact your Speaker Exchange Agency representative.

Chris Bertish is a professional speaker, big wave surfing Mavericks champion, stand up paddle board Guinness World Record holder, best-selling author, award-winning film director, philanthropist, conservationist, ocean pioneer and entrepreneur.

He was recently recognized as one of the Top 5 Speakers in Africa and selected as one of the Genius 100-Global Visionaries for the future, by the Einstein Institute, both for excellence in his disciplines and universal global positive influence. Together, Chris and his fellow visionaries, Deepak Chopra, Sir Ken Robinson, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Shimon Peres are collaborating with the intent to inspire the next generation of geniuses.

His incredible Mavericks big wave story was developed into a globally inspiring and award-winning film, Ocean Driven, and then emerged into the best-selling book-Stoked! In 2017, Red Bull Adventure exclaimed Chris “redefined the concept of extreme adventure” when he became the first person ever to stand up paddle across any ocean.

Defying all odds, he navigated 4660 mi (7500 km) solo, unsupported and unassisted for 93 days, across the Atlantic Ocean from Morocco, Africa to the Caribbean Island of Antigua. The Sup Crossing was a truly unparalleled global feat, while raising money and awareness for conservation and to help disadvantaged children in Africa, through the Lunchbox Fund and Operation Smile.

He has become renowned for his dynamic and inspiring keynote addresses delivered around the globe, which move audiences to tears and laughter, with a powerful narrative and audio-visual overload that keeps people on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Chris Bertish shifts boundaries and shatters perceptions of what’s possible, while using his voice, his stories and his adventures as a force for good and positive change. He is B Corp, Climate Neutral business, using his adventures and projects to support charities, both in the humanitarian, educational, sustainability and environmental realms, to bring about tangible positive change, inspiring us to give back, be better humans, become more purpose driven and discover our greatest potential.

Chris is an Ambassador for Sea Trees, Operation Smile, Tide.Earth and recently been taken on as a global Ambassador for Conservation International and through his business he annually plants multiple forests around the world, to be an example to others of the change we wish to see in the world.

Chris and his team have just finished and launched his new feature film documentary called “Last known Co-ordinates” globally, on his mind-altering, purpose driven, solo, unsupported, Trans-Atlantic Sup Crossing journey.

Everything Chris does is about leading by example and being the change we want to see in the world, each and every day.

All In!

What if you chose to see challenges as Adventures?

A talk about what it takes to succeed in anything- a project, a start up, a goal.. going “All In!” is not just a phrase, it’s a philosophy. A code for achieving anything against all odds, when everything is on the line and success is the only option.

What it takes, from mindset and attitude, the planning and preparation of your team, and the resilience needed to achieve anything, even the seemingly impossible!

ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE! THE MAVERICKS BIG WAVE STORY 

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! SURVIVING & THRIVING IN TURBULENT TIMES 

THRIVE is a 1 hour Virtual and Interactive talk & workshop via Zoom / WebeX, 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.

KATRINA TEMPERO - UX Manager, Google
Chris is an amazing human!! Hearing how he maintained his positivity and mental health through his incredible voyage is amazingly inspirational. His talk was very timely; reminding us of the essential elements and tools required to maintain a positive outlook during these trying times. Chris's authentic delivery and positive energy left our team uplifted and inspired!”
ERIC NOETH - Principal, Advent International
"Chris has to be one of the most interesting people on the planet. His 10 Tools Talk on dealing with Isolation is so timely and was extremely helpful for all of us in our team, given the current events. Our team came away from the talk energized, with some valuable tools we can apply right now to our lives and with a fresh perspective. Our only wish is that we could have had several more hours to hear more of Chris’ stories from his various adventures.”
MICHAEL EASTWOOD - Senior System Manager NASA
"His incredibly inspiring talk stuck deeply in my mind and motivated me to get back into fitness, take on intentional nutrition for health rather than just pleasure, re-engage in the practices that put my feet and mind back on the ground so I can be present and in the moment-by-moment excellence of our human experience. I take my hat off to Chris and thank him for the gift of his boggling and articulate story of how far beyond the place where we usually stop in life, we really can go.”
ROBERT BAIGRIE CFA - Asia Pacific Conservation International
"Chris’ story is one of powerful and lasting self-determination which was perfectly timed given the personal and professional challenges we are all facing during the global lock-down. The talk is on-point, impactful, inspiring and would be likely to benefit any team hoping to gain perspective on where they are at present and how to not only survive, but how to thrive, in the face of change.”
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