In this episode of the CS Podcast, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Benji Severson, a name synonymous with surfing and faith - especially in the surfing hotbed of San Clemente.

Growing up in a commune in Mendocino, California, Benji was introduced to the ocean at a young age, surfing alongside his father and uncle. Benji’s uncle, John Severson, was the founder of Surfer Magazine. This early connection to the water was the catalyst for a lifelong passion. By eight years old, Benji was already riding waves in San Clemente, a place that would later become the heart of his surfing journey.

Together, with his brother, Benj founded the Severson brand, blending their love for surfing with artistic expression. As his career evolved, Benji found himself working with industry giants like HIC, Rusty, and Nike, where he played a crucial role in launching Nike 6.0. Yet, it was his faith and dedication to his community that truly defined him, turning his shop into a ministry and a beacon of light in San Clemente, California.

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Did you enjoy the episode? If so, please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate Facebook: / csinternational

Instagram: / @christiansuurfers_ Check out our previous podcast episodes featuring the International Director of Christian Surfers here: https://youtu.be/n3duX9qLKbA 

#businesssuccess #SurfIndustry #womeninbusinesss #entrepreneurship #fromscratch #successstory #inspiringjourney #trailblazers #dreamchasers

This week on the CS Podcast, the effervescent Mark Sawyer-Chu aka sits down with the International Director of Christian Surfers (and a man who always has a vision), Mr. Roy Harley!

Roy’s childhood revolved around surfing, but at the age of 16, Roy had a life-altering encounter with Jesus at a camp which completely changed his life trajectory - this pivotal moment led him to co-found Son Surf (which later became Christian Surfers South Africa) in the early 1990s. This organisation merged entrepreneurship with a mission to spread the message of Jesus among the surfers of South Africa.

Roy also talks about his vision for the future of Christian Surfers, about Groundswell Aid, Surf Church Collective, as well CSALT (Christian Surfers Academy of Leadership Training).

Dive in and get to know the leader of this global movement of Jesus-loving surfers.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csinternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiansurfers_/

The CS Podcast is back and in this episode, Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with Pastor Nate Dorman and long-time Christian Surfer to discuss life, surfing, family, prayer requests, and Jesus in the trails.


Through this podcast, you can clearly see God’s hand in Nate’s life. From his brief time on the QS to the loss of his mentor and former CS conference speaker (Pastor Sumo Sato), who asked him to take over his church, and enduring intense health struggles around the birth of his first child, Nate’s story reflects how, even through the greatest trials, we can see God’s goodness. In fact, it is during these stretching seasons that we truly become more like Him.


The Apostle James writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James 1:2 - and our prayer through this podcast, is that you will begin to count your trials as joy.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/ Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

This week on the Christian Surfers’ podcast the ever-frother-stoked Mark Sawyer-Chu sits down with [insert drum roll 🥁🥁🥁] Damien Hobgood! Amongst spending a lofty 14 years surfing competitively on the Championship Tour, Damien has appeared in over 20 surf videos and at the height of his career, finished 4th on the Championship Tour. Damo has been a staple with Christian Surfers and Walking On Water since the early days, and always makes time for people & speaking at multiple CS conferences and events. Enjoy this latest CS podcast where Mark and Damien get pitted deep talking about God, surfing, and everything in between.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/ Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this episode, we catch up with one of the current pioneers of professional surfing in El Salvador, Marcelo Castellanos. Among being a former professional surfer himself, Marcelo co-founded and runs Puro Surf; a world-class surf academy & hotel based in El Salvador. He is also the official surf coach for the El Salvadorian surf team and co-star of the Sweet Adventure surf film. Marcelo and his family also have deep roots with Christian Surfers.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Discover the incredible journey of Bob Hurley, a surfing legend whose faith shaped his remarkable success in the surfing industry. Mark and Bob discuss the evolution of his faith, and the impact of relationships within the surfing world that inspired him. Join us as we delve into the phases of his Christianity and explore the pressures he faced as a successful businessman and Christian.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/ Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement.

As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this episode, Mark has a conversation with Erin Brooks who is one of the best up-and-coming surfers in the world right now. She is competing, barrel riding, going to the air, and simply leading the way for women’s progression in professional surfing.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organization, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

In this captivating podcast episode, join us as AJ dives deep into the incredible 30-year ministry journey of Phil Williams. Phil, a seasoned surfer and dedicated evangelist, shares his victories, challenges, and memorable moments in the world of Christian Surfers. Discover his sage
advice for young individuals aspiring to follow a similar path. This is an insightful conversation that blends the passion for surfing with the profound wisdom of ministry.

Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organisation, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csinternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiansurfers_/

Dive into the gripping conversation on church struggles in today's world with Pastor Mark Forman and surprise host Richard Ellerington. Mark Forman is known for leading a large church called North Coast Calvary, preaching, writing and being a father to two boys, Jon and Tim, who are members of the popular band Switchfoot. He joins Richard to explore the challenges faced by churches during the pandemic. Discover their insights on navigating the evolving landscape of church communities and their values.

Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organisation, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csinternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiansurfers_/

Discover the incredible journey of Marquito Santos, a renowned surf coach and mentor for professional surfers on tour. In this captivating episode of the Christian Surfers Podcast hosted by AJ, Marquito shares his inspiring path to knowing Jesus through the organization Christian Surfers in Brazil. From his childhood dreams of becoming a pro surfer to achieving that goal and feeling a profound emptiness, Marquito's life took a significant turn when he encountered CS.

Now a chaplain sharing his faith with everyone involved in the world surf league, Marquito's perspective on contests has shifted. No longer chasing personal success, he attends these events with the hope of introducing people to Jesus and the joy he found through his faith.

🌐 Visit the Christian Surfers website to learn more about this life-changing movement: https://www.christiansurfers.net/

Please consider donating to the Christian Surfers movement. As a non-profit organisation, your donation will help us continue to create quality content, allowing more surfers around the globe to have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus. You can donate here: https://www.christiansurfers.net/donate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csinternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiansurfers_/