Known as one half of the Hobgood twins who hale from Melbourne, Florida, C.J. has proved to the surfing community that growing up on small beachbreaks hasn't hindered his ability one iota. "The best East Coast surfer since Kelly Slater," began surfing at six years old and competing at 12. After finding success in the junior events, he joined the ASP World Tour in 1999 and was named "Rookie of the Year" and "Most Improved" the following. Hobgood scalped his first event win in 2000 at the Rip Curl Pro Hossegor.

That same year, C.J. and his brother Damien became the first brothers in ASP History to finish in the ASP World Tour Top 10. Although the 2001 ASP season was cut short by travel restrictions caused by the 9/11 attacks, Hobgood's storied performances prior to the tragedy resulted in him claiming the 2007 ASP World Title. C.J. has also displayed his forehand dominance with victories at the Billabong Pro, Teahupoo (2004) and the Japan Quiksilver Pro (2004). In addition to his success on the ASP World Tour, Hobgood is also an avid fisherman and runs a surf shop, aptly dubbed "The Good," at home with brother Damien. Although the former ASP World Champ had a slow start last season, the Floridian finished strong and is looking to regain a spot in the Top 10.

weight: 150 lbs (68 kilos)

height: 5'8" (173 cm)

stance: Goofy foot

sponsors: Globe clothing and footwear, Body Glove wetsuits, X-Track accessories, Smith eyewear, Vestal watches, FCS fins and The Goods Surf & Skate

shapers: Bill Johnson

favorite waves: Restaurants and France

favorite maneuvers: Airs and barrels

favorite surfers:: Slater, Taj and Taylor Knox

2008 Rating: 6

2008 Points: 5670

2008 earnings: $101,350.00

Career earnings: $846,708.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: ASP World Champ in 2001

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be Hobgood's 10th season on tour

rating by year:
2007: 11th
2006: 16th
2005: 10th
2004: 4th
2003: 19th
2002: 15th
2001: 1st
2000: 7th
1999: 18th

elite inception: 1999

hard yards: C.J. surfed the ASP WQS from 1996 to 1998

elite tour victories: (4)
Billabong Pro Mundaka (2008)
Billabong Pro, Teahupoo (2004)
Quiksilver Pro Japan (2004)
Rip Curl Pro, Hossegor France (2000)