Confirmed– John Florence signs with Hurley

The bubbly has been popped. Currently lighting up the Agenda Show in Long Beach, California, are campaign posters and flyers that show Mr John Florence leading the new Hurley squad. Y’may remember six weeks ago when Stab reported that Nike would be downsizing their involvement in surfing, shifting all head-to-toe riders over to Nike-owned company, Hurley. Stab noted that the next marquee unveiling on Hurley’s new super-team would likely be John John. Now, a printed piece of thick paper with the Hawaiian’s head next to a Hurley logo seems to have confirmed it. After 15 years on the O’Neill roster, since age six (when his deal consisted of competition entry fees), John wasn’t up for renewal til September 2013. But, wanting to strike while his market value was peaking, John brought negotiations forward via his new manager, Terry Hardy, who also manages Kelly Slater and heads-up ZoSea. Post-hustle, John’s landed in-house with Julian Wilson, Kolohe Andino and more. The originally-proposed deal would’ve seen the Hawaiian in Hurley get-up and rubber, and Nike kicks. While the poster confirms nothing about what’ll cover his valuable feet, it does confirm the new home at Hurley. And a comfortable one it’s sure to be for Mr Florence, considering his market value lands between three and four million annually, all sponsors included. After watching the clip John released two days ago, called Departure Delayed, it ain’t hard to see what all the fuss is about. – Elliot Struck