Support takes Chad from tent to surfing triumph
The support of his community and Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program helped Mornington Peninsula man Chad go from homelessness to international surfing success.
The program works with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and are experiencing physical, mental or psychological health issues.
A celebrated surfer in his youth, Chad had already represented Australia on the world stage, earning accolades and respect within the surfing community, when he hit hard times.
He found himself homeless, living in a tent on the Rosebud foreshore with his loyal 17-year-old dog, Slash.
That’s when he met Bill, a community nurse with Bolton Clarke’s Homeless Persons Program who stepped in to offer food, emotional support and assistance with Chad’s health needs, including a dislocated shoulder requiring rehabilitation.
Chad had become depressed and when his dog died, things even worse. Then one day, a conversation about surfing set him on the path to recovery.
Recognising his potential and need for stability, Bill worked to secure him a local public housing unit and Chad moved into a new home and started to think of a return to the water.
Encouraged by friends, he visited a surf park. Then came an unexpected turn – Chad decided to compete in the World Kneeboard Championships in South Africa.
Though the logistics seemed impossible, the local community rallied behind him.
A GoFundMe campaign was set up, donations raised and Trigger Brothers, a surf brand that had sponsored Chad in his early career, came on board with support.
The campaign was a success and Chad set out for South Africa, but there were more hurdles to come.
He was delayed at the airport and his surf boards arrived late, leaving him just 10 minutes to catch his heat after arriving at the contest.
Undeterred, he swam out and advanced through the first round. Against 130 competitors, Chad placed an incredible seventh in the world.
Now back in Rosebud, Chad says the experience has given him a new sense of purpose and he is looking forward to competing in the next championship.
