CJ Hobgood

CJ Hobgood has not attained the whole world, but something that many surfers would find equally satisfying--he won the 2001 ASP World Championship at age 22. It was a meteoric rise to this after just three years on the tour. While completely stoked on his achievement, CJ is also concentrated on spiritual fulfilment as reflected in this his favourite bible verse " For what shall if profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.” Mark 8:36

Clifton James Hobgood was born in Satellite Beach, Florida on July 6, 1979. While the surf there is often small and inconsistent, both CJ and his brother Damien were inspired by the success of former World Champion, Kelly Slater. The competitive drive brought on by siblings, helped to shape both Hobgoods into solid surfers and strong competitors. Even as groms they had a strong win to loss ratio. As a kid CJ never thought about anything but surfing, and his entire focus was on getting better, and riding as many waves as possible.

The culmination of his natural ability and disciplined approach led to the ultimate prize in surfing, a World Championship, something that he describes as "One of the most incredible feelings I've ever had." Just last year CJ had another incredible experience, one that anyone can attain. "I accepted Jesus Christ last year at Calvary Chapel in Melbourne. I find that when I know His will is being done in my life, satisfaction is guaranteed”.

When interviewed about why he thanked God as the first person acknowledged in his world title CJ said “He pretty much is my life, and I try to be on his path. He has given me everything that I have, this has nothing to do with me at all. I’m stoked to be able to thank Jesus Christ for everything. I’m able to enjoy all I have so much more because of that.” While his heroes had always been surfers, CJ now looks up to Jesus Christ, and hopes to be more like Him as reflected in another of CJ’s favourite verses. "What manner of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey him! Mathew 8: 27

At 22 years old, surfing's newest champion isn't that far beyond grommethood, but he has some advice to those coming up, "Love what you do and it will take care of you. Trust in the Lord.”