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Big-wave charger Chris Bertish launches sponsorship initiatives and website

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 30 September, 2009 : - - Internationally renowned big-wave charger Chris Bertish has launched an innovative range of sponsorship initiatives, including a comprehensive website, to assist in raising the funds required to participate in the three prestigious big wave events in the USA in November and December to which he has been invited.

The website, aptly named pleasesponsorchrisbertish.co.za, gives full details of the events he has been invited to compete in, the reasons for his fund-raising functions, a history of his achievements challenging the world’s biggest waves over the past decade and plenty of action images and video footage of his extreme exploits, along with unique ways in which sponsors and donors can benefit from supporting his quest.

“For the past 10 years I have dedicated my life to pursuing and riding some of the most challenging waves on the planet, and with your assistance, I’m hoping to take the South African flag even further,” says the 35-year-old Capetonian, explaining that while he has support from some of his loyal sponsors, mounting a challenge on these three international events requires a great deal more funding than he can afford.

The events at the notorious monster wave spots of Mavericks in California, Nelscott Reef in Oregon and the Hawaiian Mecca of Makaha, where he will represent South Africa in the inaugural Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) World Championships, all have long holding periods to ensure premium waves and conditions which means Bertish must spend a couple of months overseas waiting for the contests to be run.

By donating any amount over R250, donors will have their name or company logo printed on a label and stuck on the surfboards Bertish will ride in the events and when he is practicing while waiting and practicing abroad. By donating R1 000 or more, a sticker twice the size will be pasted on his boards so all donors truly feel like they are part of this unique project.

And in the spirit of true watermen who not only look after themselves in giant surf, but also watch out for the well-being of others in the line-up, 10% of all funds received via these sponsorships will be donated to the Reach For A Dream Foundation to help youngsters with life-threatening illnesses to achieve their dreams too.

Bertish has also organised a fund-raising function in Cape Town on Sunday 11 October that promises to be both a gathering of the local big-wave fraternity and a great social event. Set for Banana Jam in Kenilworth and running from 3pm-9.30pm, the function features a jazz band, giant screen surf films, freebies to the value of R150 per person and an assortment of unique items that will be auctioned and raffled – all for the price of a R90 entrance ticket.

The items up for grabs include the Naish SUP on which he conquered Dungeons, two of his big-wave surfboards, a voucher to accompany Grant Spooner of Marine Scene to watch surfers riding Dungeons, a new Firewire surfboard, Freestyle dive-watch, Ocean Minded Footwear, Coreban and Naish SUP paddles and more.

And in keeping with his credo of ‘Sharing is Caring’, Bertish will also donate the first R1 000 raised at the function to the Reach For A Dream Foundation.

An accomplished marketing expert who has built and grown several major multi-national brands both in South Africa and internationally, Bertish has compiled a comprehensive plan to publicize his trip and activities that will be featured in all branches of both the mainstream and new media outlets, including a website, Facebook, Twitter and his personal Blog site.

He will also be posting unique video footage of big wave surfing on the internet. See the latest example of never-before-seen footage of him riding one of the biggest paddle days ever surfed at Todos Santos Island off the coast of Mexico.

Full details for the fund-raising function on 11 October, which is sponsored by Banana Jam Café, Corona Premium Beer, Red Bull and Olmeca Tequila, are:

Venue: Banana Jam Café - 157 Second Ave, Kenilworth
Date: Sun 11th October 3pm-9:30pm
Food: Caribbean / Hawaiian platters
Dress: Casual - Hawaiian Shirt / skirt if you have
Tickets: R90
300 tickets ONLY at the door, Cash only - First come, first served!

Watch the media for further news of this exceptional athlete’s exploits and details of the fund-raising activities that will provide further unique opportunities to get up close and personal with Chris and the global big wave scene. Chris Bertish can be contacted via chris.oneillrsa@gmail.com or 079 524 8344 and additional information can be found at pleasesponsorchrisbertish.co.za

www.pleasesponsorchrisbertish.co.za

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