As luck may have it, the Mavericks Big Wave Invitational got called on at the same time I was over in America to deliver a Motivational talk for a big Corporate, so for once on the Big Wave calendar it worked in my favor, with the ticket already have paid booked and paid for by the client, prior to the mad normal rush of getting there in time for the event to run.
So
Chatting to Pippa Hudson on Cape Talk today about my biggest adventure yet! Visit www.thesupcrossing.com for more information.
Strength in a man lies not in his physical strength but more so in ability to be strong when needed, soft when required, accommodating where possible and caring when ever he has the opportunity to do so.
Being bigger than himself and thinking about others, whether that be a phone call to someone they haven’t spoken to for ages that’s going through a difficult time, dropping off presents to the needy, when most are all to busy in there own Christmas spirits, whether it be taking your partner on a little adventure out of the blue…
Red Cross Childrens Hospital
Buying flowers for the one you love, for no particular reason.
Being there for someone who hits an unexpected obstacle.
Remembering the little things that other people often forget.
Thinking about how you can help someone else and implementing it, anytime in your busy day.
Helping someone across the road, or with there groceries when they least expect it.
Giving people presents that least expect it, without expecting any in return…
Caring is strength, its sensitivity, it shows character, love, maturity and that you always have space to give back, to help, to assist be better, to give more than yourself and to be a better man than most, because it’s the little things in life that often make all the difference to others and show how much you care…
Little Adventures show you care
Be stronger, be better, care a little more and give back a little more to others, whenever and wherever you can.
For Miles for Smiles, in association with Operation Smile
After a pretty intense and daunting night at sea in some pretty wild and wooly conditions, with a forecast that just got worse and worse, to ensure my safety and that of the team, I made a tough call just after midnight last night, after paddling in the most hectic, sea state I have yet experienced over the last 5 years of open ocean paddling..
The conditions that were forecasted to get lighter and milder, just got progressively worse, more severe and dangerous after the sun went down and by midnight, after paddling for 6hours and 47km, the sea state became to difficult for me to manage and with my team battling to keep track of me in the wild ocean at night, over 40km offshore, I called it off and, climbed back onboard, as waves broke over the stern of the craft, in 3.5m rough seas and 25-30knts of breeze.
It was exciting, grueling, scary at times, beautiful at others, heart wrenching and challenging on every level. The most difficult 6hours I can remember, but we gained great insight, experience and lessons which we have de-briefed with the team to ensure when we do it again, we can make a great deal of changes to ensure a more positive outcome. #24hrsup.
We always need to be mindful, we are in the ocean, which is constantly changing and highly unpredictable and even though the forecast may say one thing, you could get something completely different. Don’t fight the ocean when its in this state, as you will always lose. Save it to brave another day, another adventure, when its more manageable, when you are more in tune and don’t have to fight it, as the ocean will always rule supreme.
This project was done in association with Cipla, Miles for Smiles, Island Tribe,Gul South Africa, Suunto mophie GO Thanks for your support. and for supporting Miles for Smiles and helping kids with cleft palates/lips. Please donate if you would like to help further on the below link:
http://milesforsmiles.co.za/make-a-donation
A Big thanks to Tim, Kevin, Mark and the crew from TarrynAmy & Obelix support boats you guys were amazing and my Awesome and amazing support team of @Jordy-Mattbox Video,Jeff Jones-Web, Kelly Burke, Clellind FivazMaleen Hoekstra, Jennifer Clarke Koopmans, Michaeljon M Fuchs, Lynelle Hoeks, Nico Pfitzenmaier, Grants Scholtz,@Fluxcommunications.
There’s no such thing as failure in life, only a failure to try, so when you lose, don’t lose the lesson…many positive lessons to learn and gain from last night, tales to tell and amazing images to share.. Thanks everyone keep living with the courage to follow your passions and dreams:)
After a pretty intense and daunting night at sea in some pretty wild and wooly conditions, with a forecast that just got worse and worse, to ensure my safety and that of the team, I made a tough call just after midnight last night, after paddling in the most hectic, sea state I have yet experienced over the last 5 years of open ocean paddling.
The conditions that were forecasted to get lighter and milder, just got progressively worse, more severe and dangerous after the sun went down and by midnight, after paddling for 6hours and 47km, the sea state became to difficult for me to manage and with my team battling to keep track of me in the wild ocean at night, over 40km offshore, I called it off and, climbed back onboard, as waves broke over the stern of the craft, in 3.5m rough seas and 25-30knts of breeze.
It was exciting, grueling, scary at times, beautiful at others, heart wrenching and challenging on every level. The most difficult 6hours I can remember, but we gained great insight, experience and lessons which we have de-briefed with the team to ensure when we do it again, we can make a great deal of changes to ensure a more positive outcome. #24hrsup.
We always need to be mindful, we are in the ocean, which is constantly changing and highly unpredictable and even though the forecast may say one thing, you could get something completely different. Don’t fight the ocean when its in this state, as you will always lose. Save it to brave another day, another adventure, when its more manageable, when you are more in tune and don’t have to fight it, as the ocean will always rule supreme.
This project was done in association with Cipla, Miles for Smiles, Island Tribe, Gul South Africa, Suunto mophie GO
Thanks for your support. and for supporting Miles for Smiles and helping kids with cleft palates/lips. Please donate if you would like to help further on the below link:
http://milesforsmiles.co.za/make-a-donation
A Big thanks to Tim, Kevin, Mark and the crew from Tarryn, Amy & Obelix support boats you guys were amazing and my Awesome and amazing support team of @Jordy-Mattbox Video, Jef Jones at Mediumrare, Kelly Burke, Clellind Fivaz, Maleen Hoekstra, Jennifer Clarke Koopmans, Michaeljon M Fuchs, Lynelle Hoeks, Nico Pfitzenmaier, Grants Scholtz,@Fluxcommunications.
There’s no such thing as failure in life, only a failure to try, so when you lose, don’t lose the lesson…many positive lessons to learn and gain from last night, tales to tell and amazing images to share.. Thanks everyone keep living with the courage to follow your passions and dreams:)
Glory Days- The present,not the past!
People talk about glory days like it’s always in the past, 10 or 15yrs, or even 20yrs ago or when they were at high school, but I have never really understood this at all.
Surely our glory days need to be in the present and what we’ve done in the past is great, but this is past, its what we are doing right now, today, every day that matters…weather that be, a goal you have set for yourself, your family, or a holiday with your wife and or kids, a half marathon you have always wanted to run.
These are your glory days, each and every day, so go out there and live them and take the time to create and weave the magic, create the memories that are, each & every day, your glory days.
If there is anything you want to do in your life, set that goal, write it down, dream about it, see it, work hard at it, believe in it, stay determined, stay focused and above all else, never ever, ever give up on it, until you achieve it.
We all have fears and doubts in our life, that hinder us from our goals and dreams, but once you realize that today, right here, right now are your glory days and you are the creator of your own destiny, you are the Captain of your ship, you are the dream weaver of your own future, your own destiny and if you truly believe strongly enough in yourself, if you believe in the power of dreams and have the courage to be able to follow them through, then you can truly achieve anything, as nothing’s impossible, unless you believe it to be…
These are your glory days
An amazing couple days speed sailing, something I always dreamed of doing, sailing and cracking a top speed of 45.05knts, with one pretty intense crash, no broken bones, one, very bruised ball, one broken carbon boom & harness line, but met the most amazing bunch of friends that will last a lifetime…A strong reminder, that it’s not the destination that counts, but enjoying the people, the friendships created, the magic moments & the journey along the way.. Thanks to everyone for making this an epic experience & one I will never forget..
I’m only driving back from Namibia now, working up there, seeing new accounts & expanding our business..Driving back gives you time to look back and reflect..Its been epic! Amazing Namibian scenery, dry, arid and beautiful..Speed week was a breath of fresh air, a new challenge, to test myself, do something different..but met the most amazing people..The speed sailing crew are just the most awesome crew, friendly sharing and giving like you never would imagine..I don’t think I ended up sailing with one item of my own equipment in the end besides, my wetsuit and harness..one Andrea Baldini board, Erik Beale fin & sail, Johnny van der Vyver Boom, Alberto Possati harness lines and weight jacket, Hennie Bredenkamp’s guidance, Mitch Wagstaff with the sail numbers and the whole crew’s wisdom and advice on rigging and Seb & Sophie’s help to be able to come and compete amongst the worlds best.. I learnt that this event wasnt for me about breaking a world record, but merely about pushing & challenging myself and evolving, but even more importantly it was about the people, the friendship, the sharing, the caring and spirit of helping from the brotherhood and knights of Speed! Knights of the Brotherhood of speed, I salute you and thank you..until we meet again, at over 43knts..
— with Alberto Possati and 7 others.
What drives & Inspires Chris Bertish-Big Wave Surfer/Speaker/Waterman
Always make time to give back through random acts of kindness and help others wherever you can. Love what you do and do what you love. Life’s too short to waste it on anything less, as a life filled with regret, is no life at all.
I’m driven by a love and passion for the ocean, for nature and discovering new places, redefining new limits through the various adventures I undertake, while re-defining possible, by squeezing the most out of every opportunity and generally always trying to squeeze the most out of life.
I believe we all need to constantly keep growing and evolving, keep testing and pushing ourselves both physically & mentally, while pushing the limits of what’s possible in all area’s of life.
I try and live with the attitude, to never give up, never give in. To live with the courage to follow my heart, my passions, which ultimately help realize your dreams.
This is done simply by making a choice, to let go of all limiting beliefs, believe whole heartedly in yourself, which in turn, inspires others to believe they to can achieve there potential.
I believe that if you truly believe in something and you have the faith & belief in yourself to achieve something. If you persevere and never give up, anything is possible. No matter who you are and where you come from doesn’t matter. Life is all about choices & it’s just a choice, a simple decision and then having the courage to follow that through, no matter the obstacles that come your way.
If you can dream it & you can see it and you truly believe it, you can achieve it, as Nothing’s Impossible unless you believe it to be.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Mine is simply to squeeze the most out of life, seize every opportunity, live with no regrets, live with the courage to try, believe in my self and all that’s possible. To leave the world a better place by give back when ever possible and inspiring others to dream big and then live with the courage to follow them…
I think the most important elements for being a good role model as a father is being able to give consistent and great Guidance and a key solid foundation to your kids taught by example and through consistency, which gives the kids the foundation they all need to build off, as a base growing up
Paddling with the family
The other key element is constant and consistent care, love and support towards all they do and that’s important to them
To teach them to have humility, to be humble and never take anything for granted are key cornerstones for keeping you grounded
To have a positive attitude & strong self-belief is key to have success and be successful in anything you do
Consistently remind yourself and your kids to never look at a problem, but rather as a puzzle, a challenge, to think outside of the box, to solve things in life, see them as an Adventure
Remain Disciplined & have a strong work ethic always, as nothing in life is free
Sailing with Dad
Never ever forget and under estimate the importance of still being courteous and having good manners, no matter where you are and whom you are with
Teaching honesty and living by it is one of life’s most important and most valuable lessons to teach your kids, as your word is your bond.
Keith Bertish- My late Dad
Making time for Family time as dad and as a husband is key and something that sounds simple, but often not as easy to do as it sounds in modern life, with the 24/7 lifestyle and demands of us all the time.
I believe this was what was important to my Dad that I took from him as I grew up into the man I have become today and in looking back in hindsight I wouldn’t change a thing, as a role model I would want to be for my kids one day..
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyMr7uulL40&w=610]
