Chris was born and raised in Encinitas. His roots extend back to 1904 when his great grandfather arrived in the area. He has been surfing Seaside for over 40 years. He is known and well liked in the community here. In fact, there are a few bona fide legends that still surf the Lot and Chris fits comfortably within that short list.
He taught himself to surf at the age of 12 and at 13 he was competing in all the amateur competitions available. He also had a brief stint as a professional before moving on to his current career in construction.
Things were going well for Chris and then this: “I saw a grey blur, then a bright flash. When I came to firefighters were extracting me from my vehicle.” Chris had been in a terrible automobile accident, not of his making. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Eventually he wasn’t just broken physically, but emotionally and financially as well. His journey to recovery has been long and hard. Over time he has gradually clawed his way back. He credits his two sons, his friends in the community who kept checking in with him, and compassionate and generous doctors (some foregoing their fees) for helping him to heal and get through this difficult time.
Slowly Chris returned to the ocean. He just paddled around at first, then stood up. Now fast forward to last month. Chris put on a jersey and helped clinch the Boardriders first win of the season. Then a couple weeks ago he came in third in the over 50 division of the Masters Pro series competition at Seaside. Chris told me that he had no ambition to win the contest, just to be there- to be back. And he was. He is now setting goals again. He wants to finish out the tour.
Everyone likes a comeback story and Chris’ is a really good one. He will be the first to admit though that it is still a work in progress, but the progress he has made is undeniable and amazing. While walking back to our cars together we talked about the old saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. Garr is proof positive of that.
Written by Nicholas Paoni and photographed by Nicholas Paoni and Harry Martin
