You’ve probably seen pictures or videos of him shredding waves and doing things on a surfboard you thought could only be done in a pro skater’s wildest fantasies. You’ve probably even seen him on the X Games, where he last took silver. But what you may not know about him is that he embodies new heritage and is an avid retro motorcycle enthusiast, and for all the right reasons.
With that, we’re proud to announce Chippa Wilson, world-renowned action sports athlete and X Games silver medalist as the ambassador for our Weekend Projects, our initiative to put motorcycle customization in the hands of the average rider and to raise awareness for Riders for Health charity.
But why Chippa Wilson specifically?
At first glance of Wilson’s dossier, he appears to be a professional surfer with a winning grin. But a closer look reveals a true Renaissance man, and a perfect fit.
Wilson grew up a small town kid, son to a self-made carpenter in Australia. He spent much of his time with his father, who instilled in him a respect for craftsmanship and a love for working with his hands.
“I loved watching my father work. It was always so amazing to see him make something from nothing. And he would always make sure everything he did was perfect, because his name was attached to it. He took pride in his work, and I respected that.”
Wilson himself learned some of those heirloom crafting skills from his father, and is now involved in shaping his own boards by hand. But those skills and appreciations have bled into other parts of his life, and have influenced how he carries himself. He has a deep respect for heritage and the past, when things were simpler and people’s values were rooted in things like honor and quality.
Those small town, old timey values include deep levels of sympathy and empathy, and a sincere love for other human beings. A major aspect of Weekend Projects is to raise awareness for Riders for Health, a charity that uses motorcycles to deliver life-saving medical supplies to rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. In aid of Riders, a custom CROIG X BC Edition 2015 Triumph Bonneville will be given away to one lucky winner.
“It’s such a great solution to a difficult problem. The people living in those parts of Africa are in serious need, and there isn’t anybody who can help them because they just can’t get to them. Except Riders for Health,” said Wilson about raising awareness globally in support of Riders’ cause.
Wilson is also an avid retro motorcycle enthusiast, and brings his do-it-yourself lifestyle and mentality to the garage-side of his life. He is known to spend afternoons at a time wrenching away on his motorcycles, both doing his own maintenance work and customizing them.
“Seeing projects through and getting them right is the best feeling. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of tightening the last bolt, stepping back, and seeing a brand new bike just the way you wanted it.”
Wilson is a persona icon of the new heritage, and is helping to shape this new lifestyle. He respectfully remembers his grandfather with a “punny” tattoo that articulates when he bends the knee over which the tattoo was inked. He likes old, slow Chevys, and rides only retro-styled motorcycles. He travels the world on his surf tours, but always finds time to come back home to visit his mother.
“I’m not really going against the grain, I’m just doing what I want to do.”
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