C.J. Hobgood, “Gods Gift,” Teahupo’o, Tahiti by Brian Bielmann

Rookie of the Year in 1999, and 2001 WSL Champion, C.J. Hobgood pushed the limits to carve out a name for himself and leave the small waves of Florida behind. Known for riding the biggest waves, Brian Bielmann shot this iconic photo during the Billabong Pro Tahiti tour, where the waves swelled so high, the contest was canceled for safety reasons. Hobgood took advantage of a dwindling number of tow-ins and decided to embark on what would be one of surfing’s best-known images. Paddling in with his brother, the two caught the heaviest waves—something no other surfer even imagined. Called “Gods Gift,” the throw-out of the lip meets the shimmering light to display Hobgood’s courage and techni...View all