Name: Chris Bertish

Nickname: Cristo
Born: 11-07-74
Height: 1.72ft
Weight: 72kg
Sponsors: O’Neill, Jim Beam, Jeff Clark Shapes, DVG Shapes, True Blue Surf Travel, Naish, Hurricane
Surfing since: Age 10

Hi, I'm a pretty normal guy like everyone else facing the usual problems and hurdles we have to deal with to get by in life.

I'm not a full-time paid surfing professional athlete.

I run my own business and work a full-time job, while trying to train and surf when ever I get the chance and compete internationally, when I can afford the time and the flights.

I just have a really strong passion and desire to ride big waves and travel all over the world in my spare time.

I'm really goal-orientated and focused on what I want to acheive. I know if you truly believe in something and you set your sights on anything and are determined and focused enough, you can achieve anything...

I'm not just a surfer...I have been involved in all watersports from a really early age: from sailing, which I enjoyed all over the world in my early twenties, to windsurfing the planet, to water-skiing and Stand up Paddling in my spare time and whenever I get the chance.

The more time I can spend in the ocean, in any shape or form, the better..I am a waterman, it's the one place I feel truly comfortable and it makes me smile the most!

My brothers, an important part of who I am.

Education

• Rondebosch Boys High 92'
• Desktop Publishing Course-6 months
• Marketing & Sales Degree -3 year
• RYA & CASA Sailing & Power Coastal Skipper
• BSA Level 3 Surf Instructor
• RYA First Aid Instructor
• RYA Personal Watercraft Instructor
• K38 International Water Safety Instructor
• Spanish Sailing Instructor

Work Experience

• Shell International- Customer service- RSA
• Professional Maxi Sailing Race Team & chartered skipper- USA
• Billabong South Africa- National Sales & Promotions Manager- RSA
• Gul International- Surf Brand Manager- UK
• Balin & Rhino International Reasearch & Design Manager
• RYA Personal Watercraft/ Training & Rescue Centre- Director- UK
• O’Neill South Africa Brand/ Sales & Marketing Manager- RSA
• CMB Agencies- Director- O’Neill/ Fox/ Hurricane & Ocean Minded Agent