Cooper Chapman
Meet Cooper Chapman

A surfer. A founder. A good human.

Cooper Chapman grew up in North Narrabeen, Sydney — one of Australia's most iconic surf breaks. From age 6, watching the Sydney Olympics, to becoming a professional surfer competing globally, Cooper's life has been shaped by the pursuit of excellence.

But behind the achievements was a deeper journey: learning to separate self-worth from performance, understanding mental health from the inside out, and ultimately building something that would change the lives of thousands of Australians.

In 2018, after a tragedy close to home sparked a question he couldn't ignore — "why don't young people learn how to manage their mental health?" — Cooper founded The Good Human Factory.

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Cooper's Story

From the ocean to the stage

Cooper's path to mental health advocacy wasn't linear. As a professional surfer on the world stage, he chased external validation for over a decade. A conversation with Surfing Australia's lead psychologist changed everything.

"What are your values?" Jason asked. Cooper didn't have an answer. That question sent him on an 8-year journey that led to the 5 fundamental values now at the heart of everything TGHF does.

Today Cooper has delivered workshops across 150+ schools, spoken for Amazon, Westpac, Ray White, Red Bull, Apple and more, hosts the Good Humans podcast, and has authored a book published by John Wiley & Sons that sold over 5,000 copies.

He has spoken in 4 countries, represented Australia at the UN COP conference in Brazil 2025 through the Blue Minds program, and reached over 75,000 people with his workshops.

Cooper Chapman with his mum and dad at Human Kind Sydney 2023
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2000
Sydney Olympics sparks a dream
At 6 years old, Cooper watches Cathy Freeman win gold at the Sydney Olympics and vows to pursue a life of greatness as an athlete.
2005
Rip Curl sponsorship at 11
Cooper earns a sponsorship from surf giant Rip Curl, beginning a professional career that takes him across the globe.
2015
The values question
Sports psychologist Jason Patchel asks "What are your values?" — a question that begins Cooper's 8-year journey to the 5-value framework.
2018
The Good Human Factory is born
After tragedy strikes close to home, Cooper's dad suggests he share his story with students. A friend coins the name. A movement begins.
2019
First school workshop
Cooper delivers his first workshop at Narrabeen Sports High. The response is overwhelming. He's found his purpose.
2020
Podcast launches
Good Humans with Cooper Chapman launches — real conversations with world-class coaches, athletes and psychologists.
2023
Going full time
Cooper leaves professional surfing and commits to The Good Human Factory full-time. 150+ schools, 100+ corporates, international speaker.
2025
The 1% Good Club — the book
Published by John Wiley & Sons Australia. Stocked in bookstores nationwide. UN COP conference in Brazil. International speaker in 4 countries.
By the numbers

The impact so far

75K+
Workshop participants reached
150+
Schools across Australia
100+
Corporate businesses
1M+
Podcast downloads
4
Countries as international speaker

Want Cooper to speak to your group?

Whether it's a school, a corporate team, a sporting club or a conference, Cooper would love to be part of your journey.

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