Conversations with Chris Ray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Ray

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Chris Ray, a seasoned big wave surfer, epitomizes the enduring pursuit of passion and the relentless chase of dreams regardless of age. Chris was born and raised in Orange County California. At a very young age Chris was intrigued with the ocean, art and fashion. At the age of 17 Chris started traveling as a professional body boarder competing all over the globe as a professional athlete placing in the top 40 internationally and in the top 10 continentally. During this journey Chris appeared in vast media publications around the world and had a professional signature model that sold globally.

Following the economic downturn in 2008 and the subsequent challenges in competitive bodyboarding Chris decided to stop competitive bodyboarding due to lack of sponsorship and travel funds. He then pursued surfing and started growing a passion for big wave surfing. This transformative shift, redirecting his focus towards hairdressing due to lack of funds. Chris wanted to find a craft that would give him the freedom and opportunities to still travel.

However a flourishing hairdressing career took him on a different road with a new passion. In 2009 chris graduated from Cosmetology school and dove into a 2 year apprenticeship under his mentor Howard Jones a co-owner of Unite Eurotherapy. Chris assisted 3 days a week while assisting Untie’s education and creative team 3 days a week in San Diego, CA. Throughout this time Chris built a reputable name within Unties company and throughout the hair industry that rewarded him opportunities styling hair for the Country Music Channel TV hit series “Bayou Billionaires” along with other great experiences styling for Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, The Emmy’s, MTV’s Video Music Awards, The Grammy’s and the Academy Awards.

In the fall of 2014 Chris wanted to seek different opportunities and started creating his own brand and image. Chris began new opportunities by working in different salons helping build education platforms for their in-salon programs and traveling as a platform artist. Chris traveled part time with the new and popular “Elevate Hair” platform. Chris has been a featured artist by being an opening act in partners with “Elevate Hair” for Hairbraind’s platform “Teach-In” along with being an invitee to other salons to teach.

in 2020 Chris started a new role at Wella as a Education Manager and product developer for Sebastian International and Nioxin developing education curriculum for professionals and consumers. During this time Chris started to get burned out and was missing his true passion. Amidst the upheaval of the COVID-19 era, Chris found himself contemplating life and uncovering his true passion again. During an extended stay in Tahiti, he took the opportunity to push his boundaries of his capabilities in an incredibly demanding environment surfing the world-famous wave “Teahupoo.”

With a life dedicated to riding waves, Chris defies conventional norms, showcasing that passion knows no bounds or expiration dates. Born with an unyielding love for the ocean, Chris embarked on his surfing journey, honing his skills and embracing the thrill of riding monumental waves. As the years passed, Chris matured into a mid-aged man without compromising his unwavering commitment to surfing big waves with a drifting hairdressing career.

As a researcher in studying fear and its impact on human performance, particularly in extreme situations. With his unique perspective as both a big wave surfer and a scholar provides invaluable insights into conquering fear, managing adrenaline, and harnessing the power of the mind in high stress scenarios.

Despite societal expectations about age and pursuits, Chris remains resolute in his quest, fearlessly taking on towering swells that would make most surfers think twice. His determination isn’t solely about personal triumphs; it’s about inspiring others to chase their aspirations relentlessly, irrespective of age or circumstances.

Chris embodies the belief that dreams are timeless and attainable at any stage of life. Through his actions and perseverance, he aims to ignite a fire in others, encouraging them to follow their passions fervently, fostering a community where age is but a number in the pursuit of one’s dreams.

With each wave conquered, Chris Ray exemplifies the resilience and spirit of a lifelong surfer, continuing to chase his dream, demonstrating that the pursuit of passion is ageless and that inspiration knows no bounds.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing is ever easy, as i say every level has a new devil. We all go through struggles in life ranging from time management, personal, marriage, family, friendships, work and financially. What makes you different is how you face it and guide through it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a driven and creative individual with a strong passion for surfing, especially big-wave riding. I bring a unique blend of athletic expertise and business-minded thinking, constantly exploring ways to connect surfing with brands in meaningful ways. My approach to surf coaching is thoughtful and strategic, aiming to provide real value to beginners and intermediates. On the branding side, I’m not just about selling a product—I’m focused on crafting compelling narratives that align with a brand’s identity and mission. I have an entrepreneurial spirit and a sharp sense for partnerships that make sense both commercially and culturally.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Big-wave surfing is on an exciting trajectory, and over the next 5–10 years, I see it evolving in several key ways:

1. Increased Professionalization & Bigger Prize Money

The sport is becoming more structured, with more events, sponsors, and media coverage. Expect bigger prize purses, better financial backing for athletes, and possibly a more refined tour format that elevates big-wave surfers to the same level as standard WSL competitors.

2. Training & Technology Advancements

Athletes are already training like high-performance big-wave specialists, but expect even more scientific approaches—better breath-hold techniques, enhanced physical training, and refined safety systems. Equipment-wise, surfboards will continue to evolve, with lighter but stronger materials, refined shapes for extreme conditions, and possibly even AI-assisted design for custom tuning.

3. More Tow vs. Paddle Debate

With waves like Nazaré pushing limits, the line between tow-in and paddle surfing will keep shifting. As surfers get stronger and boards improve, more waves that were once considered “tow-only” will be paddled. But on the other hand, with jet ski safety and rescue becoming more advanced, the appeal of towing into impossible slabs will grow too.

4. More Artificial & Controlled Big Waves

Wave pools are making a huge impact on performance surfing, and it’s only a matter of time before technology catches up for big waves. Imagine a 30- to 50-foot controlled wave in a deepwater pool—perfect training for real ocean conditions but in a safer, repeatable way. It’s unlikely to replace real big waves, but it could change how surfers train.

5. Environmental & Safety Concerns

As big-wave surfing grows, so does the environmental impact of jet ski usage, travel, and equipment production. Expect more efforts toward sustainability—electric jet skis, eco-friendly gear, and possibly even contests prioritizing carbon-neutral approaches. Safety will also improve, with better flotation vests, rescue strategies, and AI-driven risk analysis for predicting wipeout dangers.

6. New Breaks & Undiscovered Waves

With more surfers chasing bigger and gnarlier waves, new spots will inevitably be discovered—remote offshore slabs, deepwater reefs, and high-risk zones that require specialized approaches. The global hunt for the “next Jaws or Nazaré” will only intensify.

7. Big-Wave Surfing as an Extreme Spectacle

With social media and live-streaming, big-wave surfing will become even more of a spectacle, drawing mainstream audiences who wouldn’t normally follow surfing. Drones, VR experiences, and new angles will make watching massive waves more immersive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.betterl8thennever.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/betterl8thennever/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterL8thannever
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterL8thennever
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/better-l8-then-never-surf-experience-sunset-beach-2

Image Credits
Cory bolter, Travis Smith, Edwin Morales, Ben Hiddo