CJ Hobgood, basking in the afterglow, Tahiti

The best contest we’ve seen in a minute wrapped up yesterday in Tahiti. The Billabong Pro absolutely hammered on all fronts – the swell pulsed, the top 34 charged and wore appropriate beatings. While Owen Wright and Matt Wilkinson took two of the most public whippings, CJ Hobgood took the backstage award. After scratching for a bomb – a real bomb, almost a tow wave – he couldn’t get in but had wanted it so bad that he’d paddled a little too far. It was hard to see from the webcast, but he was sucked over the falls like it was nobody’s biz. Washed over reef, picked up by water safety, a moment’s composure and back in. What an animal. We love! His run in the event ended in less thrilling fashion during round three,when he tied with Bede Durbidge and lost on a count-back. Nobody wants to lose like that, especially after charging like Ceej did. But this morning, Mr Hobgood got in the mix for a little more before heading to California for the Hurley Pro at Lowers. “Really good waves this morning,” says photographer Ryan Miller, who was in the water with a lens. “Smaller than yesterday, but with the most perfect wind and light. Just about the most perfect day-after-contest conditions you could ever ask for.”