CJ Nelson | Surf Splendor Episode 437

Champion longboarder, designer, entrepreneur CJ Nelson joins us to discuss being a regrettable influence on youth, the perils and privilege of growing up in Santa Cruz in the 90s, how near homelessness helped him rediscover surfing, and the virtue inherent in suffering. Enjoy!
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[@SenorMartinos]

This is one of the BEST surf podcasts I’ve heard. Many gems of wisdom here.

[@matttasker7579]

Brilliant interview! Love, love, love CJ. He has really helped me and been a real inspiration in my own sobriety.

[@garystuber1]

This is a great episode, I have never met CJ but having been in the "industry" for 50 + years his "reputation" is well known, and has never been necessarily a good one, but this was a wonderful revelation to his becoming a "new man"! 👏👏👏 to CJ, very heart warming!

[@SurfSplendor]

Thanks for listening Gary, you still in the business?

[@garystuber1]

Not physically, but I enjoy listening to the conversation about and concerning what I have been involved in for what I realize has been 60 years, 🫣😬😀! Your are great at engaging people in conversation!❤

[@jamesk9087]

I have no idea why there is so much hate down in the comments. It feels like people didn't actually watch and listen to the entire episode. CJ poured his heart out and gave his opinion when asked directly for it. I like that he's seeking constant improvement of himself and his peers, has found a creative outlet for what motivates and interests him, and is helping the local community and other artists while staying true to himself. He seems to be pure in heart and motivation and i wish him nothing but success. Ive walked by the Crime store a few times but it was always at odd hours and it was closed or i was in a rush. Im looking forward to stopping by for a bit and checking it out. Thank you for all the great interviews.

[@SurfSplendor]

Nailed it! Welcome to KZbin.

[@codyborn99]

That’s another core, soul-illuminating conversation and surf splendor!

[@marcelguarachi]

Super! I really enjoyed this and feel extremely lucky to grow up surfing in sharky mendo county. 36 years of bliss

[@liamocallaghan3582]

Yeah CJ!! Stoked to see you doing good and hearing you share your journey.

[@surfsister]

His surfing has changed since he got clean. I've seen videos of him for years. I was impressed, but wasn't particularly feeling it. Then I saw video of him surfing over the last few years and was blown the fuck away. His flow is different . . . better. And I can't even tell you why. It's just clear that he's so in tune now. He has quickly become my favorite surfer. This interview let me understand why.

[@vestaxpdxd3]

I ride a TJ Pro in Thunderbolt Black in punchy/shortboard conditions. The reason is I had a back op 25yrs ago, just turned 50 and find it easier to get to my feet and once I'm up and riding I can still do some shortboard like turns.

[@marklehman627]

Agree that Harrison Roach in semi final at Malibu was the ultimate way that a longboard should be ridden. Disagree that a 9'0" 2 plus 1 can't achieve a similar quality of feeling under the right circumstances ( powerful ledgy drops etc.) and that you "might as well ride a shortboard". You are the best C.J. great interview. And thank you Dave.

[@EliRichards1]

I love how cj Nelson says I’m not going to make a dent thank you I’m glad I’m selling your sprouts on offer up. You say your attitude changed but it’s the same I tried to ask you for knowledge and you blew me off. Thanks for the motivation though.

[@tillthenextlife1983]

You good?

[@BST501]

LOVE IT! The man speaks so much truth from every angle. Thank you CJ! Your boards are amazing!!! Thank you for that as well🤙

[@bunsolo]

Woah. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@SurfSplendor]

@bunsolo, big thanks for the support! 🙌🏽 Your subscription means the world to us!

[@bunsolo]

@@SurfSplendor so much excellent content 🙏🏽

[@5sano]

Recommend to Interview Bill Stewart. Just inducted recently to the Shapers Hall of Fame . Great stories and knowledge of surfboard design.

[@Shouganaigarage]

So he talks about being reformed and balanced and having a positive mental attitude then proceeds to shit on people for like 45 min 🤣

[@nicolazanella2545]

Nice talk but it falls apart when he admits he’s procuring soft tops..

[@pg5420]

Much to like about CJ, but Crime is a dumbass name for a surf company