Chris’ idea of what a perfect set looks like may be a bit bigger than usual, however.

The 24-year-old has a shot at a wild card slot in the NelScott Surf Big Wave Pro/Am Competition on the Oregon coast at the start of next year.

“I’m currently in sixth position, but I want to be in first, so I am number one on the list to be chosen as an alternate,” he said.

“It’s been a dream of mine forever.”

He’s certainly put in the hard yards to bring his dream to fruition. Although it might seem counter-intuitive to move west of the coast to pursue a surfing career, it was Chris’ best option.

Six years ago he moved to the north west mines, and was a fish out of water for his first year. But the sacrifice paid off.

“Even though I had a beautiful big family of eight siblings in Batemans Bay, I wanted to work hard to eventually get to Chile,” he said.

“I’ve been here in Chile for the season of big waves.

“My faith in God has kept me determined to chase this and not give up.”

Sister Gabrielle praised her “surfie bum” brother’s determination and persistence.

She said that the idea of working a job with the sole goal of earning money didn’t inspire Chris, and he chose to throw his all into pursuing his true love of surfing.

“His dreams lay in the ocean,” she said.

“But he quickly worked out that the trick to surviving on the land was to stay positive.”

Anyone keen to help this passionate young gun take the next step on his journey can vote for him at http://nelscottsurf.com/vote/  by selecting his name and clicking ‘vote’.

“Any help would be such a blessing. I’d be so grateful.”