Chelsea grew up surfing at Avalon Beach and was signed to women’s surfing team, Roxy at the age of 14. 

In 2001, Chelsea won the under 19 World Grommet Championship. She was twice crowned the International Surfing Association ISA World Champion in 2002 and 2010. 

Her career highlight was scoring a perfect 10-point wave in 2005 leading her to win the Roxy Pro Hawaii, the Triple Crown of Surfing and a world championship title. She represented Australia on tour for a decade.

Chelsea continues to be involved in surfing as a coach and mentor for the next generation of athletes. In 2024, she was inducted into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame in recognition of her contribution to the sport.