The man, the myth, the legend in the making: Chippa Wilson, beside his British Customs Beach Sled. Photo: Brin Deuk Morris (@thedeuk)
Chippa Wilson is a renaissance man. He’s a world-renowned professional surfer and X Games silver medalist, new heritage lifestyle icon, retro motorcycle enthusiast, and rancher. He hails from Cabarita Beach, Australia, where he has a ranch, hones his surfing skills, and builds custom motorcycles with his own hands. Together, he and British Customs, an aftermarket parts designer for Triumph Motorcycles, built The Beach Sled from a 2015 Triumph Bonneville T100, inspired by the desert sleds ridden by legends like Steve McQueen, Bud Ekins, and Eddie Mulder. After the build was completed, he and I got together to do an interview. In it, he discusses his love for the simple life, how his passion for motorcycling mirrors his passion for surfing, and how his father continues to inspire him to this day.
Tell me about where you grew up.
I grew up on the East Coast of Australia, and moved from Sydney to Cabarita Beach when I was young. That’s where I started surfing. Cabarita Beach is a tiny surf community, but it’s changed as it’s gotten busier; but I guess everything is getting busier. I don’t really like that. I wish things would stay smaller and simpler.
What did you tell people you wanted to be when you grew up?
I always just dreamed of living out in the country, of living free.
Chippa tying his board to the Beach Sled’s bolt-on surf rack after a session in San Clemente. Photo: Brin Deuk Morris (@thedeuk)
What’s a day in the life for Chippa Wilson like?
It depends on where I am. If I’m home, and the waves are good, I’ll make coffee and go surf. Then when I get back I’ll let the chickens out, get any eggs they laid, and go surf some more. But if I’m on a surf trip, all I do is surf.
What got you into riding motorcycles?
I remember watching flat track races on TV with my dad when I was a kid and thinking it was the coolest thing. After seeing those, I knew I had to get into it myself.
Chippa cruising, post surf, to get some fish tacos from Pedro’s in San Clemente. Photo: Brin Deuk Morris (@thedeuk)
You’re pretty close with your dad. What kinds of things do you guys do together?
We surf together a lot. He got me into it. He still surfs with two reconstructed knees at 60, which is awesome. Growing up, I used to watch him make houses. He used to do everything with his hands, and that inspired me.
What keeps you on the bike?
Exploring new grounds and new places. That sense of freedom you get. Cruising is the best. I love going from dirt to tarmac and then hopping from cafe to cafe around Cabarita.
With the board dropped off, it’s time for a cool down cruise on Southern California’s iconic Ortega Highway. Photo: Brin Deuk Morris (@thedeuk)
Is the feeling you get while riding at all like the feeling you get while surfing?
Totally. You feel disconnected from all the noise in your life. You can just reset and enjoy yourself.
What about retro things do you like so much?
Vintage things have style, and they’re classy. They’re not overdone. They’re simple; like less is more. They’re just easy on the eyes.
Chippa stopping to admire the view from The Lookout Road House of Lake Elsinore on his ride through Ortega. Photo: Brin Deuk Morris (@thedeuk).
Editor’s note: Click here to see more from Chippa’s custom bike build.
