Salt + Light in Action: Surf & Serve in Mexico June 2026

At Cobian, our Salt + Light mission is more than a statement, it's a commitment to live out our faith by serving others, building relationships, and creating opportunities for hope. That mission came to life in a powerful way as members of the Cobian team traveled to Baja California, Mexico, to partner with Artemio Rosas and the Christian Surf Team Mexico (CSTM) in their ongoing work with at-risk youth.

Bringing Hope Through Surfing

For more than two decades, Artemio Rosas has dedicated his life to reaching young people through the unique combination of surfing, mentorship, faith, and community. Through CSTM's outreach programs, surf competitions, mentorship initiatives, and youth events, Artemio and his team are helping children discover purpose, develop confidence, and avoid the destructive influences that often surround vulnerable youth. The ministry has impacted thousands of children and continues expanding throughout Mexico and California.

What makes CSTM special is its belief that every child has God given potential. By creating positive environments centered around faith, encouragement, and healthy activities, the ministry provides opportunities that many young people may never otherwise experience.

A Special Day at Santa Maria Beach

Charley Cobian, John Cobian, Rebecca Cobian and Trevor Berge had the privilege of serving alongside Artemio Rosas and the CSTM team at Santa Maria Beach in Baja California.

The day was filled with surf lessons, encouragement, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Many of the children had never received formal surf instruction before. Others simply needed positive role models who would invest time in them and remind them that they are valued and loved.

As the waves rolled in, the beach became more than a surf spot, it became a place where relationships were formed, confidence was built, and the love of Christ was shared in practical ways.

The team spent time teaching surfing fundamentals, cheering on young surfers as they caught waves, and sharing the message that God has a purpose and plan for each of their lives.

Why Surfing Matters

Surfing has a unique ability to connect people across cultures, backgrounds, and generations. It teaches patience, perseverance, courage, and respect. For many of these young people, stepping onto a surfboard for the first time is about much more than riding a wave.

It's about discovering that they can overcome challenges.

It's about believing in themselves.

And it's about experiencing a community that genuinely cares.

Through the work of CSTM, surfing becomes a vehicle for mentorship, opening doors to conversations about faith, character, and hope.

Living the Salt + Light Mission

At Cobian, we believe business can be a force for good. While we're passionate about creating comfortable, durable footwear inspired by life at the beach, we're equally passionate about investing in people and communities.

Our partnership with Artemio Rosas and CSTM is a beautiful example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Rather than simply talking about our values, we were able to put them into practice by serving alongside a ministry that is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people.

The experience reminded all of us that sometimes the most meaningful impact happens through simple acts of service, a surf lesson, a word of encouragement, a shared meal, or a conversation about faith.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful for the incredible work Artemio Rosas and the Christian Surf Team Mexico continue to do throughout Baja California and beyond. Their commitment to reaching at risk youth through surfing, mentorship, and the Gospel is changing lives and strengthening communities. 

As Cobian continues pursuing our Salt + Light mission, we look forward to supporting organizations and leaders who are bringing hope where it is needed most.

To Artemio and the entire CSTM family—thank you for allowing us to serve alongside you. We left Santa Maria Beach encouraged, inspired, and reminded that every wave can become an opportunity to share God's love.

Together, we can build a brighter future...one child, one wave, and one act of faith at a time.