From a career in wall and floor tiling, to living the dream on the Championship Tour (CT), and chasing his goals of becoming a World Champion surfer, life has been exciting for Chris Michalak.

Chris started surfing at five years old in the shorebreak at Fingal Bay with his older brother Luke and sister Kelly.

Now aged 29, and as a result of two successful overseas competitions recently, Chris is ranked 300th in the World Qualifying Series (WQS).

“Determination and continued support from not only family and friends, but local businesses too have all contributed to my success and make all the personal sacrifices worthwhile,” Chris said told News Of The Area.

“On average it costs $5K to compete in overseas events, there are over 45 events outside of Australia so it can get crazy expensive,” Luke said.

Just in the last week, Chris has been lucky enough to have support from Lisa Mondy, Shane & Trevor Griffiths from RIDE water park and Kim Burton, owner Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota.

Chris’s good mate Brett McGee from ASI shapes his MAGIC boards.

“As his personal trainer/manager/sponsor and motivator, I am proud of my brother for what he has achieved and I believe he will one day be World Champion,” said Luke Michalak.

Chris recently won the open Men’s Kiama Surfarama, bringing home a cheque which goes directly into funding his future competitions.

Last week he came third place in the open men’s final at the 55th Mattara Surf Classic.
Chris will be competing full time for the next few years trying to break into the Champion Tour.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, training daily, the love of the ocean and surfing are a must for me,” said Chris.

Luke would also like to acknowledge and thank Chris’s sponsors, Australian Surfboard Industries, Port Stephens Surf School, Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Ride waterpark, ION and Spy optics.

By Mandy ELLIS