John John Florence
John John's rap sheet is long and extensive: three National NSSA titles, including the Boys Open, Menehune and MiniGrom divisions; eight prestigious Rell Sun Menehune contest titles (his first at just five years old); and he is the youngest surfer, at 13, to ever compete in the Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore. But it's his potential beyond the achievements in his first 12 years of competitive surfing (and 17 years of life) that has the surf world waiting to see what John John Florence will do next. John John has evolved from the uber grom to become the ultimate Hawaiian surfer: capable of anything. His goal is simple: to be a world champion, several times over. In a world where the only sure thing is that the waves will sort the surfers out, there's little doubt that John John will continue to whip turns and turn heads well into the future.
Now seventeen John John has now matured past the double name that inspires the thought of a child prodigy. This past November he solidly put his name in the class of greats on the North Shore. He shined where it matter most. He went four rounds deep into the Pipeline Masters weaving through cavernous barrels taking out the world's elite. Then in January he found himself once again riding huge barrels in the Volcom Pipeline Pro reaching the semi finals. His performances as of late have sent a strong and clear message to the surf world at large, John Florence is the real deal.
Ultimately his surfing credentials lie is his ability to charge huge surf. He loves charging big Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea, Mavericks, and even tows into the outerreefs of Oahu, and legitimate T'eahupoo. He is the best young big wave surfer on the planet and his small waves prowess is remarkable. The progression of his surfing career is something that will be inspiring to watch.
John Florence takes his big wave act to Mavericks.
After a solid Hawaiian season, Florence takes on California’s premier big wave break. Grabbing a few bombs and making his making his claim as an all around waterman.
Florence Makes the Semis at Da Hui Sponsor Me Sunset Open
Today in powerful 8-10' foot surf in the renowned arena ofSunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu. Team O'Neill's highlights were seventeen year old John Florence and Florida's own Nils Schweizer.
John Florence powered through four rounds in the event to reach the semifinals. He came up short in his heat by not having a strong backup wave. Despite not making the finals his surfing was some of the loosest and most progressive surfing in the challenging surf. He was repeatedly scoring waves in the 8 + range. Being so young and surfing at that level amongst some of Hawaii's best is even a greater indication of things to come. He is also on the heals of an amazing run, reaching the Quarter finals beating the worlds best at the Pipeline Masters back in December.
Another Highlight was Nils Schweizer who grabbed the highest single wave score in the entire event. He was awarded a perfect 10 for a big long barrel to a huge carve which was a total crowd pleaser.
The next event will be the Volcom Pipeline Pro starting Jan.23-Feb 5. Tune in and check out updates and Highlights of O'Neill team riders Cory Lopez, John Florence, Bret Barley, and Nils Schweizer.
Finally a Pipe Day
Pipeline finally awakens. After a good month of no Pipe, the Banzai finally comes to life and the boys were on it. Cory Lopez, Timmy Reyes, Roy Powers, John John Florence, Brett Barley, and Charly Martin score some good ones. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Tony Heff.
Off The Wall Photos
Cory Lopez, John John Florence and Kieran Horn get a couple at Off The Wall. Photos courtesy of Freesurf's Mike Latronic and Eric Baseman.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Glass on fins or fin systems? Fin system
Favorite surf destination and wave? Hawaii, Pipeline
Favorite maneuver? Airs
What's in your traveling quiver? 6'2", 5'10", 5'11"
Biggest influence in your life? Nathan Fletcher because he can surf anything. Big waves and small waves, it doesn't matter.
Favorite Surfers? Kelly, Bruce, Andy, Parko, Tom Curren
What traits in the opposite sex do you find most attractive? She has to be fun to be around.
Worst wipeout? Pipe. Free falling and getting sucked over the falls.
Words to live by? Live every day like it's your last