Johnny Florence, champagne shower, Hawaii

Johnny Florence had just come in from losing to Kelly Slater in the quarters of the Pipeline Masters. He went to sit in the Johnson’s yard (Jack’s parents’ house, where Kelly’s stayed for years) and watch the remaining match-ups. He watched Michel Bourez lose to Kieren Perrow in the semi-final and, as soon as the heat had officially ended, Johnny disappeared momentarily amidst a shower of beer and affection (sure, we know it’s beer, but ‘champagne shower’ sounds way more romantic, huh?). Michel was his last remaining challenger for the Vans Triple Crown title and, as soon as he lost, it meant Johnny was the champ. In front of the house that was the regular hangout for the Momentum crew when they were groms, the new guard was sprayed with liquor in celebration of his best surfing achievement yet. Watch out for this kid, he’s here to stay.