John John Florence’s Interview On ESPN Is Worth A Watch

Mainstream media’s coverage of surfing is can be cringe-worthy. But when newly minted world champ John John Florence sat for an interview with ESPN Sports Center host Neil Everett, dappered out in a bright yellow North Shore Lifeguard tee and baby blue Hurley boardies, it borderlined on the absurd. And why’d they make John bring his board on set? They don’t make football players wear their shoulder pads to interviews. Or skiers bring their skis. 

“What are you going to a board meeting, you going to a surfboard meeting,” says Everett.

A little bit later he notes, “Fred the lifeguard said you were a little ripper.”

Just like his surfing, John’s interviews have matured in the last year. He handles the awkward dorkiness with humour and articulates himself like a well-seasoned pro.