John Florence

John Florence

Biography:

THE WONDER KID
John's personal resume is already impressive, and he's still only a teenager: 


• 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 to ever compete in the Triple Crown of Surfing on the famed North Shore – he was 13.
 
But it's his potential beyond those early achievements that has the surf world curiously waiting to see what John Florence will accomplish next.   He has evolved from a prodigy surfer with huge potential to becoming the quintessential Hawaiian surfer and a skilled rider who is capable of hoisting multiple World Championship titles. 




JOHN JOHN GROWS UP
Now 18, John has matured to compete against the world's best and there's little doubt that he will continue to whip turns and attract attention well into the future.  He went four rounds deep into the Pipeline Masters a few years back, weaving through huge barrels against the world's elite.  Shortly after impressing at Pipe, John found himself back in the barrel at the Volcom Pipeline Pro, where he reached the semifinals. 




GO BIG OR GO HOME
Some of John's favorite spots include Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea, and Mavericks; and he even tows into the outer reefs of Oahu and Teahupo'o.  Already the best young big wave surfer on the planet, the progression of John's surfing career is something that will be inspiring to watch as this once-in-a-generation athlete grows up before our very eyes.  His prowess in small waves is remarkable and will likely keep his name on the winner's podium for years to come.  

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Road to Victory with John John Florence

Big congrats to John John for winning the 2012 Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson! JJ now sits at No. 6 on the CT, he will look to carry the momentum from today's victory to the upcoming event in Fiji.

JOHN JOHN WINS BILLABONG RIO PRO

O'Neill team rider John JohnFlorence (HAW), 19, has won his maiden ASP ASP World Championship Tour event,taking out the Billabong Rio Pro over Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in barrelingthree-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra da Tijuca.

Florence, currently in hisrookie year on the ASP WCT, proved unstoppable on the final day of BillabongRio Pro competition, topping prodigious Australian Julian Wilson (AUS), 23, andJosh Kerr (AUS), 27, on his way to triumph over Parkinson.

 

"This is the best feeling inthe world," Florence said. "I had that bad heat at Arpoador to start and we hada couple of lay days and I had to just sit and think about it. I can't evenbelieve this right now. I'm in shock. I was just sticking to my game plan andnot thinking about the other guys. I'm so happy right now."

 

Florence, who now sits at No.6 on the ASP WCT, will look to carry the momentum from today's massive victoryto the upcoming ASP WCT events in Fiji and Tahiti.

 

"This helps my confidence somuch," Florence said. "I have a lot of confidence going into events withbarreling waves like Pipe. Obviously I have a lot of confidence in barrels frommy experience at Pipe, but coming here, I wasn't expecting a big result. I wasjust hoping to make a few heats."

 

Michael Heath, GlobalMarketing Director at O'Neill, said: "Everyone at O'Neill is super-proudof John John after what he accomplished earlier today in Brazil. We're justdelighted for him and his family - congratulations John John!"

Through the Eyes of John John

Through the Eyes of John John Florence showcases his journey throughout the Nike Pro at Lower Trestles. John John's performance was on point the whole event nearly winning every heat. Unfortunately, he lost in the semi finals against Glenn Hall. Watch the video for the full out look!

Nike Pro: Final Day

Final day at the Nike Pro

These boards have made the last three finals in a row

John John running out for his quarter final heat against Tanner Gudauskas

JJ dominated his quarter final

John John was the crowd favorite during the whole event

One more these and John John would have been surfing against Gabriel Medina in the final

No matter what happens John John always has a smile on!

The final day of the Nike Pro was the most action packed day of the event. John John Florence looked on point form the start defeating Tanner Gudauskas in the quarters but fell short to Glenn Hall in the semi final. Only losing by half a point, John John was bummed but went out in the expression session and expressed to everyone that he deserved that spot in the final.

Nike Pro: Day 4

JJ the master of both crafts

Waves were going off so John John was amping to get out there.

John John releasing the fins on every turn.

Blow tails like this made sure he would advance through to the quarter finals

Cory's two magic carpets.

Cory Lopez flies higher then anyone.

Cory's backside has been spot on this whole week. Unfortunately, John John and Cory surfed in the same heat and John John came out on top.

Cory and his number one fan.

John John Florence's interview after his win.

As the day wrapped up we saw John John Florence overtake Cory Lopez in the round of 19. John John goes straight to the quarter finals against Tanner Gudauskas. If JJ keeps up his explosive surfing he will have a very good chance at the win! Don't forget to check back to see who is crowned 2012 Nike Pro Champion.

Nike Pro: Day 3

This heat was stacked! John John Florence, Cory Lopez, and CJ Hobgood let the fireworks begin.

John John in competition mode.

Turns like this help solidify his heat win.

Air of the event? This went down after the buzzer sounded off. It did not get scored but the audience on the beach scored it as a 10.

This was a no loser round which made it interesting. Everyone was going for broke.

Cory was absolutely ripping but couldn't surpass John John and he took the second spot with pride.

Everyone wants a photo with John John Florence.

John John showing love for his fans!

Day 3 is over and we still have Cory Lopez and John John Florence in the running! Check back tomorrow for a update on our quarter finalist.

Nike Pro: Day 2

Cory Lopez in the zone before his round 4 heat.

Cory laying it on rail to take the win and advance through the next round.

John John Florence letting you all know he came here to win.

John John's surfing has been spot on the whole event. Here he is surfing his way through round 4.

Timmy Reyes checking in for his heat.

Timmy did not advance today but never the less he still was ripping.

As day two came to a end we had a few upsets losing Timmy Reyes and Roy Powers. Our last surfers still in the running for the win are Cory Lopez and John John Florence. Come down or watch from your home and support these guys. Stay tuned for tomorrow's update!

Nike Pro: Day 1

John John had the highest two wave score of the day. This photo incorporates it all.

Even though Ian Crane lost in the trials his performance was spot on.

Timmy Reyes is known for his man carves and used them to his advantage.

Jake Davis was blowing up! Unfortunately he could not pull through during final round of the trials.
As day one came to a wrap, John John Florence, Cory Lopez, and Timmy Reyes have advanced to round 2 and are one step closer to the win. Stay tuned for tomorrow's update.

Preparing for the Nike Pro: Day 2

John John getting psyched before his surf.

Fireworks were going down today at Lower Trestles.

Long day at the office with John John Florence.

Preparing for the Nike Pro: Day 1

JJ blowing up all day!

Shaun Ward giving John John a quick pep talk.

If you don't know yet John John Florence is in town and ready to do damage.

FLORENCE WINS & MANUEL RUNNER UP IN MENS & WOMENS 6* DRUG AWARE PRO MARGRET RIVER.

John John Florence has won his 3rd consecutive WQS event, (Sunset, Pipeline & now Margret River) dominating the Hawaii-esc conditions all week to become the 2012 champ, walking away with $40,000 & 6500 ratings points.

"I've been having a lot of fun this week," Florence said. "The waves are a lot like home, even the wind when it's good for airs is a lot like Hawaii. The waves have been fun in all of my heats. I'm so stoked to win. This gives me a lot of confidence going into Bells because I hear the waves are similar".

Malia Manuel has also continued her amazing Rookie Season & Australian leg (5th Roxy Pro, 2nd Newcastle 6* WQS) finishing runner up to last years defending champ Courtney Conologue. The second place finish pushes Manuel to 1st on the Women's World Ranking making her the most consistent female in the world so far this year. 

John John & Malia will both travel to Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro ASP WT event starting April 3rd thru 14th.

John John Collection

John John Florence putting on a show in Newport preparing for his 2012 WT debut.

John John Wins Back to Back Titles at the Pipe Pro!

John John Florence wins the 2012 Volcom Pipe Pro. Photo: JC - Transworld Surf

Congrats to John John, Jaime O'Brien, Kai Barger and Nate Yeomans for one of the best finals Pipeline has seen. Jaime O'Brien looked to shut the door on the rest of the pack early on with a 9.0 on his first wave and an 8.33 for a follow up in the first 5 minutes.
Jaime had three 9+ rides in the heat and had the field combo'd. Kai Barger battled wave for wave with Jaime and paced him nearly wave for wave with an 8.87 and a 9.3. Jaime's third 9+ wave was a 9.93 that put Kai back in combo land, but not before John John caught a picture perfect Pipe barrel and scored a perfect 10.

Photo: Bielmann/SPL

With his high 9′s, Jaime knew John John was his only threat and with two minutes to go he shadowed John John. With the surf apparently going flat, John John congratulated Jaime in the water… until he spied a bump coming his way.
Before Jaime saw what was happening John John bolted, first going for the left then changing to the right where he dropped into a backdoor barrel and scored a 9.93 to bump Jaime out of the top spot as the horn sounded the end of the 2012 Volcom Pipe Pro! Epic! Special thanks to Transworld Surf/Brian Bielmann/JC for the photos!

7 Mile

John's Hawaii Season

Featuring John John Florence and his 2011 experiences at home on the North Shore

7 Mile

Team O'Neill highlighted on the North Shore. Starring John John Florence.

John John Florence Becomes Youngest-Ever Triple Crown Winner with Dramatic Performance on Home Break at Pipeline

Teenage prodigy caps remarkable month of surfing in Hawaii and delivers memorable Triple Crown for O’Neill

O'Neill, the original surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, is happy to congratulate team rider John John Florence on clinching the prestigious Vans Triple Crown of Surfing® in front of his friends and family at Pipeline, a break he has been surfing since the age of eight.  Florence's Triple Crown victory vaults the 19 year old to Hawaiian surfing legend status and a top contender for the 2012 ASP World Title.
Competing in his seventh Triple Crown after debuting at 13 years old, Florence came to Pipe with the lead after winning the World Cup at Sunset Beach last week and finishing 5th at Haleiwa in November.

Riding his home break, John John remained consistent throughout the three days, riding deep inside the barrels of 10-15 foot Pipeline waves. On day one, he claimed the event's first perfect 10, then went on to defeat Kelly Slater and the Hobgood brothers in head-to-head heats during day two, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Slater.  Florence officially won the Triple Crown after Michel Bourez lost his semifinal heat to Kieren Perrow. 

"I really can't believe this has happened, winning the Triple Crown has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember," said Florence.  "It's been a really fun year, getting to compete on the ASP Tour and learning from a lot of the guys out here.  To win at Pipe in my backyard with close friends and family watching is such an incredible way to finish the tour." 

Florence was off to a dominant start in 2011, winning the Da Hui Back Door Shootout and Pipe Pro in January.  He then went on to the ASP World Tour, where he earned a top 10 finish in Portugal, reaching the quarterfinals.  He qualified for the 2012 ASP Tour and will finish the year with a big jump in world rankings.
"We've all known for years that John John had the talent to be one of the best surfers in the world," said Garth Tarlow, O'Neill's Director of Sports Marketing.  "This year has proven that he'll be a force on the scene for years, maybe decades, to come."

With the Triple Crown win, John John joins other Triple Crown legends such as Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Sunny Garcia and Derek Ho, making him a serious threat to take the 2012 world title.
 "This kid is a phenom, and with his confidence riding high, there's no limit to what he can do," said Toby Bost, CEO, O'Neill Clothing USA.  "Team O'Neill will be a force in 2012."
Florence started his memorable week by taking home the Andy Irons Breakthrough Performer Award at the Surfer Poll Awards on Wednesday.

O'Neill CWC Santa Cruz - Day 4

Video Highlight Day 4

As the O'Neill Cold Water Classic 2011 moved towards its closing stages, four quarterfinalists were decided as contest organisers once again took full advantage of the event's mobile format.

Nat Young

Willan Cardoso, local boy Nat Young, Nic Muscroft and Josh Kerr all made it through the non-elimination heat straight into the quarterfinals at Waddell Creek before the event was called off for the day as the swell died off.
 
But it was Josh Kerr who made sure that all eyes we be firmly fixed on him for the rest of this competition. The Australian posted both the highest heat and wave scores of the day in a high-pressure heat against both Jordy Smith and Tiago Pires in the non-elimination round to advance into the quarterfinals.

Nat heading to Wadell

"I was thinking that, all three of us guys are World Tour guys and I'm into the Quarters now, and I think the way it works is that I'll have Jordy (Smith) in my next heat and that's going to be tough. I'm going to get a good night's sleep and try and get psyched up for that," said Josh following his victory.
 
But Josh's performance wasn't the only talk on the beach. At the start of the day local surfer Nat Young took out one of the event favourites the in-form Julian Wilson in front of supportive crowds at Steamer Lane.
 
He then followed this up with a victory in the 4th round to take him straight into the quarters.

William Cardoso

"Getting in to the Quarters and skipping that round is nice," said Nat. "It'll be good to take a break and not have to surf again today. I'm stoked to make it to the Quarters, but I want to keep going in this event."
 
The Cold Water Classic Series rankings and the $50,000 prize money was also causing quite a stir on the beach. Still in the lead, but out of the O'Neill CWC Santa Cruz is Brent Dorrington.
 
However, had Adam Melling made it into the quarterfinals today he would have taken the lead in the series rankings, but would still have faced competition from Willian Cardoso, Tom Whitaker and Miguel Pupo, all still in the running.
 
Instead, Adam finished second behind Nic Muscroft so the suspense for Brent Dorrington continues into another day.

Josh Kerr

On this fourth day of competition in sunny Santa Cruz, another morning start at Steamer Lane for heats 5 – 8 of round three, was once again followed up by a northerly move up the coast to the sunning yet challenging beach break of Waddell Creek to finish off the round as well as round 4.

A Week With John John

Interview Achievements