XXL Big Wave Awards April 2010
I’m back for another four weeks and then get the call they flying me out for the Big Wave world tour awards and infamous XXL Awards.
And here we go again…..LA, Limo’s Tuxedo’s and the gilts and glam of the fake world…You want to be a rock star for the weekend, this is it! Party on my friend, party on!
The Todos Santos Event-Mexico March 2010
Literally a couple of weeks back from the Mavericks Win, after arriving back the day after the Mavericks after party, straight off the plane and directly into a work appointment, things just haven’t let up for a split second since I got back to RSA. Straight into 16 hour days for work, six days a week, with interviews and press stuff jammed in between.
Welcome home party-Mavericks Win Feb 2010
After the whirlwind evening of the Mavericks win and partying all night, I got a flight out in the morning to fly back home for work!
While on the way home my brothers and girlfriend organised a welcome home crew to meet me at the airport, unbeknown to me…
The businesses I run, guest speaking I do, along with the journals I write & exploits along the way, have created a wealth of press and PR over the last decade. From global TV coverage on the news on channels like ESPN, CNN BBC & NBC, to sports host evenings in South Africa, like Sports Night on SABC 1 and 3.
Last year, due to the start of my own small business in South Africa, I was really strapped financially and unable to personally raise enough money to go abroad, compete and represent my country. So to compete abroad and as an innovative South African I set up a website www.pleasesponsorchrisbertish.com and with the help of friends from all over South Africa, set up a couple of fundraisers, selling raffle tickets, sunset cruises, some of my own boards, signed posters and ad space on my big wave guns to anyone to generate enough money to go abroad and represent my country.
The site and campaign generated huge publicity and a large following with updates being posted to Facebook and my personal blog on the site.
The following and support was so amazing that I ended up giving a couple thousand rand to the Reach for a Dream foundation who do a great job looking after kids with life threatening illnesses.
There is a great marketing tool here with huge potential waiting to be tapped, if anyone is interested in getting involved with branding and or sponsorship, please drop me a mail on my contact details and I am more than happy to discuss any opportunities I maybe be able to assist you with.
Zig Zag Feature: Chris on a natural high – Surfing!
Chris is very involved in numerous enviromental projects. Our environment is merely on lone to us and the ocean is our sanctuary which we need to look after, protect and respect. We need to help keep it clean and aid in any way to protect it from people and or companies that have little respect for the planet, our enviroment and the future of the planet.
Surfers Call
Chris is very involved with his brothers Conn and Greg, in an initiative started by Conn, named ‘the Surfers Call’, which is a surfers initiative to protect the oceans & rivers that we are so fortunate to be able to use and enjoy, that has been passed down from generation to generation, for us to continue to enjoy, but also protect and respect.
The Surfers Call is on a mission to make people aware and protest against any organisation and or people that contribute to damaging our enviroment, the ocean and the waves we are so fortunate to enjoy, as ocean custodians.
Recent Surfers Call Projects include:
This was a project to bring about awareness and protest against the damage all the pollutants are having to the area and how the Disa river has now become a major pollutant to the Hout Bay region, the beach and the ocean, as the run off from the township now is so toxic it is causing major pollution to the river and making the beach and ocean unsafe to walk, bathe and swim.
This was a protest to show our willingness to get involved and protest against the proposed mining action in the Elands Bay valley, the Moetant River and make a stand against the destruction and the damage the mining will have in the area to the environment, the natural wetland area, the ocean and the waves. We say no to mining in one of South Africa’s few last natural wetland regions.
Next Surfers Call Project:
Ocean Minded Custodian Projects
Thyspunt Protest against the building of a Nuclear Power Plant in JBay
Over 2000 people joined in to show their concern about the buliding of a nuclear plant in an ecologically rich and unique area. Turning an eco-destination into an industrial area will not only be sad and bad for planet earth, but many people will lose their livelihood which depends on tourism or fishing for a living.
The environmental and social impact of building a power plant will be catastrophic. Thats not to mention that there are no safety guarantees from Eskom. An accidental radio active fallout at Thyspunt would be potentially 5 times that of Chernobyl which will result in deaths, long term cancers and birth deformities – terrifying!
We have to stand together to protect our planet!
If we don’t make a stand, who will?!
Yume Chicama
The Power of Dreams
A movie set to follow the path of Chris on his lifelong exploits around the world, while chasing his passion and dreams, charging big waves around the planet. His journey and hardships and obstacles along the way in reaching, surfing and winning the Mavericks Big Wave event 2010, in what many have called the biggest and most challenging paddle in waves ever surfed.
This movie includes inside insight into the South African big wave scene, footage from Chris’s travels to far away places like Rapa Nuie in the South Pacific, Morroco, England, Fiji, Hawaii, Todos Santos, Mavericks, Nellscott Reef, Oregon and the event that took a decade of dedication, financial drain and simultaneously propelled him overnight to international big wave stardom, a local hero and an inspiration to many.
-The Japanese word string for the Power of Dreams-
This book is the culmination of ongoing requests and suggestions from people I have met, or people who have read my blogs and journals from all over the world that I should write a book.
This book is a journal of my life, my travels all over the world and my various experiences from my sailing and surfing adventures around the globe to how I achieved my various goals and dreams. It will focus on my success in achieving my lifelong goal, against all odds, after 10 years of dedication of winning the Mavericks Big Wave invitational event, which has been called the biggest surf ever ridden in the history of the sport.
The story highlights my upbringing, travels, surfing experiences, various trips & journals and my build up, training, hardships and struggles on the journey to achieving the Mavericks win.
Book Launch date: December 2012
Please note: book the voodoo wave launched in america 2011 has not been endorsed by chris bertish.
Situated in the golden circle of Jeffrey’s Bay- literally 300 metres away from the world famous Supertubes, this self catering lodge is perfect for families, couples and small groups who want to be within walking distance from the beach and the various world class waves, literally right on your doorstep. Surf world class perfection all day and then walk 3 minutes up from the beach to the hot outside shower in the garden, before relaxing around the braai with a couple of friends, with a couple cold beers and enjoying the warm Eastern Cape evenings. Could you really ask for more…
Rolling Thunder Lodge is a 4 bedroom, double storey accommodation, with amazing versatility.
As a couple you can use the self contained one bedroom en-suite upstairs to have your own privacy, or you could use the downstairs 3 bedroom section, which opens up onto wrap around decks which look out onto the sea for the family, or you can rent out the entire place for a large family, or two small families holidaying together.
The next Rollin Thunder Lodge will be added into the Rollin Thunder portfolio, with even more spectacular views and a key location, coming to the Western Cape in 2011.
Upstairs offers a self contained apartment with views from the balcony, a fireplace and kitchenette. One can also access the apartment from downstairs if you wish to rent the house as one.
The house blends effortlessly into its lush garden which boasts both an outside fireplace and shower. Safe parking facilities are available on the property to the rear of the house; and additional convenient parking is available in front of the property on Da Gama Road.
The property is located on the Main Road of Jeffrey’s Bay with convenient access both on Da Gama Road in front and on Mimosa Street to the rear.
Check-In 01:00 PM Check-Out 10:00 AM
High Season- Billabong Pro & Christmas: 1st June 2010 – 30th July 2010 & December 2010
Low Season- Any other time besides the above
(These rates do not include agent’s commission- therefore booking must be done directly)
Please remember that rates are a guide and subject to change. Please re-confirm rates when booking.
Nearby Attractions
Other half day and day trips
Facilities and Services
Oceanriders is a relatively new business in South Africa, started in 2008 by the Bertish Brothers, Greg & Chris-two highly experienced, qualified and respected South African watermen.
Oceanriders offers all water enthusiasts from abroad or locally a customised and open information hub to learn any of the ocean riding activities offered in and around South Africa.
We provide all water enthusiasts information, lessons, hire, tours, products and advice on Stand Up Paddle surfing in and around South Africa.
Whether you are learning, want to give it a try or want to take it to the next level, we are here to help you get there.
Experience and enjoy the amazing sport of Stand Up Paddle boarding in a safe and beautiful environment, feel at home in the ocean, enjoy the sunshine and be a part of the elements.
Free your body, mind & soul and let the ocean put a smile back on your face, because that’s what Oceanriders is all about.
Lessons
For all our lessons we supply:
Lesson Rates: Lesson including equipment hire (1.5hours)
Hire
We have the best range of top level boards, paddles & accessories to rent out, if you just want to give it a try yourself, or you have had a lesson and feel you want to get more advanced and try different equipment.
We have boards that range from 11.6ft to 9.0fters, from flat water learner boards to advanced wave riding machines.
We rent out equiptment at R350 p/day or R200 p/hour
Tours
We arrange SUP tours for groups of three to ten people where we provide all the equipment. All you have to do is show up with your group and depending on the weather and wind for the day, we know a number of routes in and around the Western Cape seaboard where we can head out on an excursion for a couple hours and explore different parts of our amazing waterways.
Team Building/Functions
We do groups and functions, as it’s a great way to get a team together, build relationships and team bonds through this fun and exciting new sport.
ENQUIRIES:
Greg Bertish- 082 454 0398
Chris Bertish- 079 524 8344
Check out the full site for more details:
