Chris Bertish is a globally recognised keynote speaker, extreme adventurer, Mavericks Big Wave Champion, Guinness World Record holder, bestselling author and ocean pioneer. His extraordinary achievements provide the foundation for powerful presentations on resilience, courage, leadership, high performance and achieving the seemingly impossible.
In 2010, Chris won the prestigious Mavericks Big Wave Invitational in California, competing against some of the world’s leading big-wave surfers. He has subsequently set multiple stand-up paddleboarding records, including an Open Ocean Guinness World Record.
His most extraordinary achievement came in 2017, when he became the first person to complete a solo, unsupported stand-up paddle crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Chris travelled more than 7,500 km from Morocco to Antigua over 93 days, an unprecedented expedition that demonstrated extraordinary mental endurance, preparation, adaptability and self-belief.
Chris is also the author of the #1 bestselling book Stoked! and co-director of the award-winning documentary Ocean Driven – The Chris Bertish Story, which received five international film awards. He was selected as one of the Genius 100 Global Visionaries, recognising individuals whose work and thinking have the potential to positively influence the future.
As an international speaker, Chris translates lessons learned in some of the world’s most extreme environments into practical business and leadership principles. His presentations explore what it takes to remain focused under pressure, navigate uncertainty, build resilience and turn ambitious goals into achievable outcomes.
His philosophy — “Dream It. See It. Believe It. Achieve It.” — challenges audiences to rethink their perceived limitations and develop the mindset, preparation and determination required to achieve extraordinary results.
Key Speaking Topics: Resilience & Mental Toughness • Achieving the Impossible • High Performance • Leadership Under Pressure • Change & Adaptability • Growth Mindset • Purpose & Passion • Teamwork • Sustainability & Positive Impact
Highlights: Mavericks Big Wave Champion • Guinness World Record Holder • First Solo Unsupported SUP Crossing of the Atlantic • #1 Bestselling Author • Award-Winning Filmmaker • Genius 100 Global Visionary • International Keynote Speaker
