John John Florence’s new boardshorts: The Phantom JJF ELITE II

Hyperbole is difficult to avoid when writing about John John Florence in 2015. The world’s best backside tuberider, the world’s boldest aerialist, a future world champ, insanely modest, and about to release the best surf film of the last three years (View From A Blue Moon) – John is all these things, and so much more. But one of Mr Florence’s most likeable traits is his understanding of how the world works, and that we make our own happiness. To this end, he surrounds himself with things that make him happy: His family, his friends, incredible waves, and the right equipment to best enjoy those waves.

A pair of boardshorts designed for the lifestyle of John John Florence is a challenging thing to create. They’ve gotta endure the lip and the reef at Teahupoo, or Pipeline, and accommodate inverted rotations high over volcanic coral during feverish filming sessions. They need to deal with the concrete ground of the Cholo bowl. And more pertinently to John’s newfound passion for sailing, these boardshorts will have to give everything that time on a yacht can demand. This certainly isn’t a breeze. But if anyone could do it, it’s Hurley.

Enter: The Phantom JJF ELITE II. With aesthetics perhaps reminiscent of 90s skate trends, John’s newest signature boardshorts are engineered for waves of consequence. And here’s the part where you usually switch off, but actually shouldn’t, because this is all made to help you surf longer, and more comfortably: Hurley have developed a seamless Fuse waistband, which’ll mean zero distractions and a whole lot of durability. A rigid fabric is fused to the interior of the waistband, stabilising the boardshorts on the body for a locked-down fit. And, the length is a classic 21”, so you’re covered where you need it, just the way John John likes. Yeah, these will make surfing feel a little better. Get out there.

Check out the Hurley Phantom JJF ELITE II here.

The JJF ELITE II in their preferred situation, as modelled by Mr Florence at Teahupoo.