With the 4th edition of the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship fast approaching, we decided to profile the athlete with the best performance record in the history of the event: Chris Knutsen, winner of three Gold Medals in the first three events held.

Knutsen, from South Africa was born on June 30, 1957. At the time of the first-ever ISA World Masters Surfing Championship’s inauguration in Puerto Rico, Chris, a proud member of the South African Team, was 49. He competed in the Kahunas division (45 and older), and won every single heat of the event leading up to the big final.

The stylish surfer drew powerful lines in the big and perfect waves of Marías, beating Javier Huarcaya (PER), Gilles Asenjo (FRA) and Rudi Plamboom (RSA) in the final. This victory was key to give South Africa the first Team Gold in the history of the event.

A thrilled Knutsen said, after winning his first final, “It was a long way to the final, in the last few days the waves really went down and we were all worried. But today the great lord of the oceans helped us and we saw an excellent surfing level. I’m really happy that I won the last heat for my country.”

He could not have expected what was coming his way.

One year later, in Peru, the Grand Kahunas (50 and over) division was launched. At 50, Knutsen was ready for another challenge. The large waves of Punta Rocas, in South Peru, suited Knutsen’s surfing perfectly. Once again, he succeeded in maintaining a flawless record of victories.

At a final held in perfect six to eight foot waves, the South African beat local Paco del Castillo, Aussie Frank Hayter and Puerto Rican René González to claim another ISA World Title and give South Africa its second Team Gold.

“I’m so happy, this feels amazing,” said Knutsen. “Before coming here, we were deciding if I should compete in the Kahunas or in the Grand Kahunas. The decision proved to be right; I guess I’m getting older (laughs). This title goes out to my family, who have always supported me. This event was amazing and I’m leaving Peru happy because of the camaraderie and the great atmosphere we shared.”

Last year in Panama, in the 2010 edition of the event, there was Knutsen again, representing the South African colors as the oldest representative of the team.

Santa Catalina’s powerful waves were again the scenario for another perfect result. The elder Springbok was in form for the third World Title in a row. He beat Javier Huarcaya (PER), Kenneth Myers (PAN) and Javier Gorbea (PUR) in the division final.

Knutsen displayed smart wave selection and performed strong moves to post the only perfect 10-point ride of the event. He backed it up with an 8.5, leaving Huarcaya  in second, Myers  in third, and Gorbea in fourth. 

“I came here trying to win a third ISA World Title for a hat trick, and I managed to pull it off,” said an emotional Knutsen. “I think God gave me the waves, as it was totally unexpected to get a 10. I caught the wave and it looked like it was going to be a good one.  It was my chance, so I just rode it the best I could and luckily it worked out well for me. I am so happy; this happens because if you really love what you do, and I love surfing, you can only get better.”

With exactly one month until the start of the 2011 ISA World Masters Surfing Championship, to be held in the epic waves of Punta Roca, El Salvador, Chris Knutsen’s name appears listed on South Africa’s team roster.

Will he be able to extend his already his historic record? Check it out on www.elsalvadorisawmsc.com