CJ Nelson is a global icon in Longboarding, steering surfing style and board design. An artist and mentor. He is the creative force behind CJ Nelson Designs, a surfboard company that blends modern performance with classic lines. CJ is an integral part of Flying Diamonds of California, CRIME Surfboards and Thunderbolt Surfboards. CJ Nelson’s story is one of raw talent, adversity, grounded by a love for surfing, and uplifted by purpose, art and dedication. Now a coach & mentor to world champion Soleil Erico and Kai Ellice Flint. A lifetime of experience he has gained, he gives back to us in his board and fin designs, and a youtube channel full of gems! Check in with our available CJ Nelson Designs here.
From Beau Young
'CJ Is a lovely human being, he will go out of his way for anyone. In terms of his surfing he could ride a door incredibly! He thinks outside the box in terms of design and performance because he understands hydrodynamics to such a fine degree. The proof is in his designs and seen through his incredible surfing. Lovely, intelligent, warm human being.'
From Ben Skinner
'When I was younger I looked up to him as one of the best longboarders in the world, and now I can call him a friend. He's a very talented in board design, fin design, and the art of longboarding too. He's just a very very knowledgeable guy and that comes out in his surfboards and his surfing. So a lot of people know CJ as a traditionalist longboarder but actually right at the start he was one of the most progressive and it just shows he can do everything you know, every style of longboard, and I feel it comes out in his board designs. He's a top bloke.'
Santa Cruz's Longboard Icon
Mark Charles James Nelson III, has carved out a legendary place in the history of longboarding. Raised in the dual worlds of Stockton and Santa Cruz, CJ was immersed in surf culture from a young age. His father and grandfather, both devoted ocean lovers, instilled in him a deep respect for the sea. By age four, he had already caught his first wave at Capitola Jetty. Surfboards and skateboards weren’t just toys in his home—they were tools of expression.
Skateboard Roots and Switch-Foot Genius
CJ's teenage years in the 1990s were dominated by street skating, which left an indelible mark on his surfing style. He brought the quick-footed, creative energy of skateboarding to longboarding, pioneering a dynamic approach that included performing in switch stance. This fusion of disciplines elevated his surfing into something radical and fresh. “He’s at another level,” said Joel Tudor, commenting on CJ’s boundary-pushing noseriding.
Surf Film and Industry Influence
CJ’s rise to fame came during a golden age of longboard revival. He was featured in genre-defining surf films like Sprout by Thomas Campbell and A Paradigm Shift by Steve Cleveland. These appearances and many more showcased his powerful blend of precision, grace, and innovation with a natural sense of rhythm on the board.
CJ became a student of surfboard design, learning from legends like Israel Paskowitz, Darryl Butsko, Michel Junod, and Bob Pearson. Spending time in shaping bays and surfboard factories, he developed a deep understanding of board mechanics and design philosophy.
In 2017, CJ made a triumphant return to competition, winning both the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational and the Mexi Log Fest in Saladita. He called it “a dream” a deeply personal victory that marked a full-circle moment in his life and career. 
Photo by Billy Watts.
Images sourced via https://flyingdiamondsca.com/en-ca/pages/cj-nelson
Words compiled from many sources, and original quotes by our friends Beau and Ben, and to the best of our knowledge the information represented here is factual.