ON THE MOVE FEAT. CHIPPA WILSON
For Chippa Wilson, the perfect morning isn’t dictated by alarms or schedules, it’s sparked by the promise of an open road, a rolling wave, or the hum of a classic engine coming to life. Whether he’s free surfing undiscovered breaks, restoring vintage cars and bikes, or packing up his trusted Toyota Troopy for the next adventure, his world revolves around movement, creativity, and the pursuit of the unbound. We caught up with the laid-back surf icon to dive into the passions that fuel his journey.
You’re a free surfer; how does this differ from being a pro or regular surfer?
The main difference is that we don't compete, however, we’re competitive in filming, creating documentaries, and taking the best photos. Professional surfers are always competing or on a world tour. It's an entirely different lifestyle, while we’re more laid-back.
How did you become a free surfer?
It took me some time to find my rhythm. Growing up in Australia, I started on the junior circuit, aiming to make a name for myself. I didn't fit the typical mold of a competitive surfer and was always trying 180 airs or skate tricks. That style of surfing only began to gain popularity later on. That's when I started attracting sponsors, and everything took off from there.
What vehicle would you take on an around-the-world adventure?
I'll take my blue 2023 Toyota Troopy with me, as it recently underwent exciting overland modifications. Mulgo’s Pop Top conversion is a game changer, and my Troopy is now essentially a bed on wheels. I removed the back seats and gave the interior a carpentry makeover to create organization and storage space. There’s also a Dometic 95-liter fridge in there. I have a built-in 90-liter tank for water, and when visiting the coast, it's necessary to air up and down in the sand, so a built-in compressor was essential. The main thing is that I can now live out of my Troopy.
What’s on the full-length Front Runner Dometic rack on the pop-top roof?
I've got a few Wolf Pack Pros up there, along with a pretty large solar panel. I love that I can climb up there with the ladder and take things down as I need them. We often store the surfboards up there.
Describe your ideal camping and surfing trip in Australia
It's tough to say because I want to visit the Western Australian coastline, from Exmouth to Margaret River. Due to my overseas surfing commitments, I'll stop at every place since I haven't explored that part of the coast yet.
I would also love to explore Tasmania, maybe by taking the coastal road while searching for great waves with no one else around. I still have much exploring to do, and much of it is right here!
Where does your love for vintage vehicles come from?
It began later in life because I was focused entirely on surfing from ages 18 to 24. Once my life settled and I got used to traveling, it affected me deeply, and I started buying old trucks from America, vintage Harleys, and other classics. For me, it's all about their beauty, classic shapes, and timeless appeal. So, in 50 years, they'll still be very relevant.
It’s become a significant part of my life, evolving into more than just a hobby. I’ve begun taking classic bike trips in various locations worldwide. Additionally, I was recently featured on the cover of a prominent motorcycle magazine in Japan.
What advice do you have for people visiting Australia?
Just act like you would in your backyard. Pull over if you see trash blowing across the road, especially plastic bags. It’ll only take about 30 seconds to pick it up. Small actions like these make a big difference. If you arrive at a beautiful and untouched place, leave it that way.
Some people lack access to portable toilets, so they should dig a proper hole, take care of their business, and cover it up afterward. A place like Exmouth is a bustling tourist destination, and we often see visitors coming through and creating a mess that no one wants to clean up. Such behaviour is unacceptable.
