Grandma babysat a lot because they were a middle class family with two full time working parents, which made life interesting. Mom’s side is Italian, so you know they had good food and had the energy for the waves. While dad’s side was French Cherokee. Their dad had been pretty good at tennis, too, or so the trophies say. He never really talked about it much, and the boys didn’t ask too much. They describe their dad as humble their mom as caring, and humble, and both of them were very supportive.

CJ (Clifton James) and Damien were born on July 6, 1979 in Satellite Beach, Florida. Parents brought them up in a God fearing atmosphere. They still hold tight to those beliefs today. One particular Bible verse is a favorite, Psalm 119:93 - “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”

Starting surfing when they were six years old, they both embarked on a hidden passion. Sure they did other sports. They played soccer and baseball. They both loved baseball. However, at age 13, knowing it was time to make a serious decision about which sport, passion, or talent to concentrate fully on, they began competing in more serious surfing competitions. In 1991, CJ took the Menehune Division of the ESA Championships, while Damien shadowed him in second place. Rocketing into a young career and long history of championships that involved all kinds of travels. However the start was shaky as their parents didn’t have the money to send them away to compete. The doctor their mother worked for at the time was also their godfather and sponsored their first couple of California trips. As Graduating Seniors of Satellite High School in 1997, they had “A” averages and a number of NSSA, ASP East - Boys, and Juniors awards under their belt. Experience in travel to places all over the world from California to Australia for the very prestigious Pro Junior Tour, also.

Continuing to win or place high in the ranks, CJ took off a year in front of Damien in Pro competition. Both were eligible the following year and gave each other a run for the money. CJ was the first of the Hobgoods to win a major event. In 2000, they became the first brothers to finish the WCT in the Top 10.

Damo, had a few set backs in 2004 when he dislocated his shoulder and had to have surgery. He missed several events but still accomplished Fourth Place in the World! That year he also set a record grand final score at the Quicksilver Pro Fiji with a 19.9 out of 20! The next year, 2005 he won Fiji, again! Slamming into the reef, breaking his shoulder blade later in 2005, he was unable to defend his title, then rebounded in 2006 by winning The Globe WCT Fiji.

Other surfers would describe these guys as having too much humility and no arrogance. They like to be light-hearted and have fun. They like to hang around other surfers at competitions, whether new or seasoned in the sport. They like to give advice and pointers and receive them as well. They love trying new things while catching some waves in between competitions. One favorite, out of site spot is in Mexico. Where they just have some fun. Together they co-own a surf shop in Indialantic, Fl.

Surfing Home

Shark Attack Tracker