Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Cobian.
When you think of CJ and Damien Hobgood, you probably imagine the indelible mark they left on the world of competitive surfing. What you might not know is their deep-rooted passion for giving back and serving communities. The brothers recently went on an adventure-packed trip to Baja California, where they managed to blend their love of surfing, fishing, and community service into one unforgettable experience.
Fish Tacos and Stories with the Captain
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
CJ and Damien kicked off their trip by meeting up with a local sport-fishing charter out of San Quintín. Despite the chilly waters, the prospect of fresh fish tacos kept the entire crew motivated. “We got a bunch of Rockfish off the bottom, some lingcod, and had dinner at Captain Kelly’s house,” said CJ. But the real reward wasn’t just the fish they caught; it was the stories Captain Kelly told as they shared a meal afterwards. “The richest part is just getting someone like that and then letting them flow,” CJ said. “It brings the place alive.”
A Day of Adventure and Unexpected Heroism
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
The next day was all about off-road adventures and scouting for surf. However, while the brothers were busy checking out potential breaks, they found a local stuck in the road right behind them, unable to move his vehicle. “Just pulling this guy out made the whole trip worth it,” Damien chuckled. Even with the best laid plans, sometimes the universe has something else in mind.
Rediscovering Surfing at Surf Camp
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
At a surf camp at Playa Santa Maria, Damien found a renewed love for the sport as he introduced local newcomers to surfing. “The surf camp yesterday was really just another way to serve,” said Damien. “I get to see surfing through their eyes, and all of a sudden now I’m more in love with surfing than I’ve ever been.” Even for seasoned veterans, those moments of rediscovery help keep the passion alive.
Crafting Shoes and Lighting Up Young Faces
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
The brothers also collaborated with My360Project, a non-profit dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities. Their mission was to craft and distribute shoes to local children. The true reward, however, was not just in the making of the shoes, but in witnessing the unbridled joy that lit up the children’s faces upon receiving them. “When we put the shoes on the kids, their smiles said it all,” CJ recalled.
Salt and Light
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
The trip wasn’t just about surfing and fishing; it was about injecting a bit of flavor – what the brothers refer to as “Salt and Light”– into the lives of those they encounter. “The key to happiness, for me, is serving others the way Jesus served,” said Damien. “Serving is one of the huge joys of my life. Everything is added onto that, and the joy that comes from that. The surfing and the fishing are really just a byproduct.”
The Real Takeaway
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
The brothers were profoundly moved by the experience, and they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate and be part of a larger family that values service and community. “You always think you’re going to give back, but so many times there’s so much that is added onto my life through that,” Damien mused.
In the end, the trip was a vivid reminder that life’s most enriching experiences often lie at the intersection of passion and compassion, of riding waves and uplifting lives. And for the Hobgood brothers, that’s exactly where they want to be.
Photo: Tim Aukshunas//Cobian
