A week ago, a group of us from Christian Surfers Carlsbad returned from a seven-day surf trip that was unlike anything I've experienced before.
What made this trip special wasn't just the waves, the location, or even the adventure. It was that someone had the vision to create space for a group of men to spend a week surfing, sharing life, growing in faith, and building friendships that normally take years to develop.
This was the first time a trip like this had been organized through Christian Surfers Carlsbad, and because it was something new, there was no guarantee it would work. It took faith, effort, planning, and a willingness to try something outside the box.
Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful that Cheyne was willing to take that risk.
Over seven days, I watched guys encourage each other in the water, pray together, share stories from their lives, laugh together, challenge each other, and support each other. There were conversations that probably never would have happened during a normal Wednesday night gathering or a quick surf check at the beach.
What stood out to me most was the amount of intentional time together. In our normal lives we're busy with work, families, responsibilities, and schedules. A week away creates space for relationships to deepen in a way that's hard to replicate anywhere else.
I came home with new friendships, a greater appreciation for the Christian Surfers community, and a renewed sense of gratitude for what God is doing through this group.
I know Cheyne isn't someone who naturally likes to talk about his own accomplishments, but I think it's important to recognize when someone creates opportunities that genuinely impact people's lives. This trip was one of those opportunities.
If future trips are anything like this one, I'd encourage anyone who is considering going to make the time and take the chance.
Cheyne said it perfectly, "The waves will eventually fade into memories, but the relationships, conversations, and experiences from this week will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Thank you to everyone who made it happen.