John Florence, North Point ‘Oop, WA

John Florence got to WA early. What’s he early for? The Telstra Drug Aware Pro, Margaret River. Why’d he get there early? To familiarise himself with the place and the waves. But, if you ask WA local and ex-pro Jake Paterson, who was in the lineup on the day y’see pictured, he’ll tell you John don’t need any familiarising: “That would’ve been his first session out there,” says Jake. “But he always looks so comfortable, everywhere. He wasn’t sitting out the back getting all the biggest ones, but he was snagging all the best inside ones. He’s got this ability to always be in the right place at the right time, just like Kelly does.” North Point has traditionally been a barrel-only kinda wave – not so hi-fi – until, at least, the new guard came along a coupla years ago: “North Point has a sick barrel,” says Jake. “But then there’s also a crazy air section, which you would’ve seen in Modern Collective. When’s it’s a little bit smaller it’s just got the best ramp on it and, usually, the wind howls straight into it, so it’s perfect for that. And, it’s got so much power behind it.” With that in mind, the height of this alleyoop makes sense. Plus, riding solid waves like they’re little is kinda John’s thing: “I was on a 6’6″ and he was riding a shortboard,” Jake laughs. “It was embarrassing, really!”