John John Florence, Mikey Wright, Kael Walsh And Jack Robbo Shoot For the Stratosphere

Watching John John Florence’s latest post-heat interview, one might have gathered that he was a little peeved after his unfriendly encounter with Zeke Lau. 

“I just kind of laugh at it… paddling over my board and stuff,” John said to Rosie. “It’s kinda lame, because it’s fun to surf a heat, you know… with pure surfing, and not trying to win a heat by sitting on someone’s board. But it’s a competition, and maybe I’ll do that at the next event.”

That next event, which starts in a mere five days, will take place in one of John’s favorite regions and was the setting for his show-stopping performance in 2017. We’re of course talking about Margaret River, Western Australia. 

Seeing as how he was finished at Bells, and with solid waves brewing in the Indian Ocean, John hopped a flight from Melbourne to Perth and stepped straight into an aerial supersession, featuring the likes of Jack Robbo, Mikey Wright, and Kael Walsh. This was just what he needed to wipe off the stench of defeat. 

Surfing with guys of such a high caliber, John was pushed to the brink of his performance levels, which in turn motivated Mikey, Jack, and Kael to go even harder. This vicious cycle of hardcore shredding is exactly what the WSL should be looking to achieve with its rumored Air Tour.  

“Was good to see WA lads Jack and Kael performing as good if not better than their more seasoned counterparts,” sharpshooter, Tom Pearsall tells Stab. “It’s going to be an exciting few weeks.”

Scroll through the full gallery below!

Who needs hands when you’ve got Fu Wax and wind? Kael Walsh floats one at home.

John John Florence is the 26th ranked surfer in the world right now. Odds he improves upon that in WA?

Jack Robinson landed this corky rotation and might have even flipped his hair afterwards.

Never one to shy away from a section, Mikey made his presence known at this WA reef.

“Dab”. Kael.

Do you think John pictured Zeke Lau’s face on every lip he stomped?

Mistakes make the best photos. Jack.