A Reminder Of How Well John Florence Surfed A Decade-Plus Before The Title

In America, the prophecy of a world champion is written ten years before the making. However, the typically over-hyped groms tend to trickle out over the years. It’s like child star syndrome, the excessive spotlight at an early age can do a number on a kid’s expectations and lead them away from competitive fame in their later years.

When John was young, he was an incredible talent. Shot by everyone from Bruce Webber to Art Brewer, early on it was clear he was on the fast track to somewhere extraordinary. But in his teenage years –between 12-16 – he disappeared and was written off to be another Jamie O’Brien: astounding at Pipeline and ordinary elsewhere. At 17, John grew into his body and suddenly his superstardom was revived. And this couldn’t be more apparent today, as the man is going for his third triple crown fresh off a world title and an Eddie to start the year – in 2016 he surpassed all expectations. 

So here’s a quick clip from John’s A View From A Blue Moon featuring a young JJF and his brother Nathan and Ivan in their backyard on the North Shore. It’s that sort of feel-good nostalgia that’ll remind you why people were calling John to be a World Champ at a tender early age.