Chris Bertish

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 five Speakers in South Africa and selected by the Einstein Institute as one of the Genius 100-Global Visionaries for the future, both for excellence in his disciplines and universal global positive influence. Together, Bertish and his fellow visionaries, Deepak Chopra, Sir Ken Robinson, and Shimon Peres, collaborate 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 Bertish “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 that raised money and awareness for conservation and helped disadvantaged children in Africa through the Lunchbox Fund and Operation Smile. Bertish detailed his 93 days alone at sea in his 2023 book "All In!"

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

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

Bertish 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.

Bertish 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.