It takes a lot to ask for financial help from strangers.
But that’s exactly what Tim Bisso is doing.
A longtime Championship Tour hopeful, Bisso started his 2023 qualification campaign strong, with a 9th place finish at Snapper, the first event of the year.
Then he hurt himself the morning of Manly, the second stop on the schedule, and had to withdraw from the comp.
Then, he lost his main sponsor.
Now, with four events remaining (including Ballito, where he surfs in a heat later today), he’s turning to you (yes, you) as a last ditch effort to help him realize a lifelong dream.
“In order to get to my next 4 events I have no other choice than raising money to be able to finish the year,” Bisso writes in the description for his GoFund Me. “I would like to apply a fun concept and to show my appreciation, by writing all the names that donate for this cause on my surfboard! I am grateful for the support I have been feeling during my competitive career, this is just more fuel to my fire and I’m super excited to represent and surf for the people that believe in me. This is a new chapter for me so thank you!”
While some might laugh at his request, or consider it a misuse of the platform, remember: The Challenger Series is a brutal place, and for talented (but unsponsored) surfers like Bisso, it’s often a place where dreams go to die.
Why not exhaust all options?
Fortunately for Bisso, he already has people willing to support his cause. As of writing, he’s collected $6000 euros, and has surfers like world number 2 Griffin Colapinto backing the cause.
“A longtime Challenger Series warrior who I believe has the talent to be on the WSL world tour needs our help,” Colapinto writes on Instagram. “Traveling to these contests is very expensive and the prize money is very low at the moment. Even if you make the finals it will barely pay for the trip. This guy is a super good guy and it would be a big inspiration to see him achieve his dream of being on tour.”
If you’d like to donate a few bucks and see your name on Bisso’s surfboard soon, click here.
***
Don’t miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We’re always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you’re a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.