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Freestyle
Chris amazed us by training and entering the World Freestyle Championships.
This was the start of his medal collecting; we were all in awe of
him when he returned with a Gold. By this time Chris was excelling
at everything. His skydiving was taking him to bigger and better
places.
Skysurfing
Chris was watching TV when he saw an advert showing Patrick de Gayardon
skysurfing. He said 'At that moment I thought I have to find this
man and get him to teach me how to do thatÓ. So that's exactly
what he did. He tracked Patrick down at Gap. Patrick taught him
to skysurf and became Chris's mentor. He said Patrick always had
the time for everyone and would share all his knowledge of skydiving
and that he would endeavour to be like this too. He even gave Chris
one of his boards to use and keep. Soon, Chris met Tim and Vice-Versa
was born, a unique skysurfing team where they both took a turn on
the board and behind the lens.
In December 1997, he met Toni, his future
wife and had the perfect start to 1998. His eyes were set on representing
his country at skysurfing. His goals were set high for his first
Skysurfing Nationals, Chris trained hard and made many sacrifices.
He had a few small sponsorship deals but nothing major, yet Vice-Versa
took Silver in Skysurfing and Gold in the Freefly.
World Meet
1999 was Chris's year. Toni had accepted his marriage proposal and
Vice-Versa had sponsorship from manufacturers and skydive centres.
His Go Vertical ventures in Spain, where he and Tim coached up-and-coming
freeflyers and board enthusiasts, were exceptional. In August Vice
Versa won Gold at the British Nationals for both Skysurfing and
Freeflying, gaining their place to represent Britain at the World
Air Games in Australia where they came eighth. After the competition
it was off to Fiji where Chris and Toni got married.
Achievements
Chris had become the most versatile skydiver you could meet. He
was on the British Record 98-way in '98 and the 100-way in '99.
He had two World Records of his own, one for the most revolutions
on his board in a minute and one for the highest altitude board
jump. His life was perfect. He was very much in love and he had
fulfilled his ambition to go to the World Meet.
He has moved on to his next venture.
His love, inspiring dedication, endless energy, patience and understanding
will remain with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The void
you leave is indescribable. We love and miss you.
Article by Sarah Withers
A T-Shirt has been designed in Chris's
memory, all proceeds are going to the Burns Unit that treated Chris.
If you would like to place an order, go to:
chrisgaugefoundation@hotmail.com
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