SAN CLEMENTE, CA-- Local surfer and Iraq war veteran, Brian Knoblock, is on a quest for waves as he pursues his dream to become the first recognized combat veteran in action sports. An avid surfer since the age of seven and a strong believer in his faith, Knoblock resided in Orange County for most of his youth. After graduating Riverside Christian High School, Brian spent over a year in the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. He then took some time off of fighting fires to snowboard in Alaska and surf in Hawaii.
Who knew Brian’s dreams of becoming a professional surfer would be put on hold by a devastating car accident. Firefighters found him stumbling around the scene of the crash, about 100 feet from the collision. His back had been broken and he suffered from severe heart trauma and brain hemorrhaging.
Brian spent the next two years of his life in recovery from the devastating crash. Thankfully, the doctors said he was young enough to be able to skip surgery, but he had to wear a back brace and spend over six months in physical therapy. “The scariest and most emotionally challenging part was having to learn to walk all over again, using a walker,” said Knoblock. “But the greatest challenge physically was restoring the level of fitness I was at before the accident.”
Instead of picking up a surfboard to pursue his life long dream, it was Brian’s remarkable patriotism and unselfish desire to serve his country in a time of need that drove him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after our tragedy of 9/11 took place. “If it wasn’t for people fighting for our freedom, we wouldn’t be able to have action sports and other activities that we love,” exclaimed Knoblock. He honorably spent out his contract with the United States Marine Corps.
When Brian returned home, he was fearful about picking up his board and returning to the waves because he was unsure about how his body would react surfing again. Never in his wildest expectations did he think he would be able to progress in the manner that he is already progressing now.
Quickly recognized as an upcoming talent in the sport, Knoblock was added to the Sullen Clothing family as the newest edition to their surfing team. Also surfing for Tommy Moore Shapes, Brian works with Moore closely on each board designed for him in order to progress in his surfing abilities. Brian wants to give back to charities benefiting those in the military, those who have served in the military, and those who have spinal cord disabilities. Brian’s mission in life is to share his story and make people realize that you can still achieve your dreams no matter where life takes you and what obstacles you have to overcome. “Everyone has a dream of what they want to be or what they want to accomplish. People just need the courage to go out there and make things happen,” said Knoblock. “I want to show others that achieving their dreams is possible even in these hard economic times.”
Brian Knoblock wants to inspire others and be a good role model for not only the youth, but people of all ages as well.
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