Johnny Florence, round three of the Pipe Masters, Hawaii

Johnny Florence, Vans Triple Crown champ, nailed a combined heat-total of 19.10 points in his round three heat against Damien Hobgood at the Billabong Pro, Pipeline. This tunnel, the lower of his two scoring rides (a 9.17) was followed by a full-roter attempt and much excitement on the beach. He then went on to win his round four heat against CJ Hobgood and Kelly Slater, nailing a perfect 10 in the process. “The waves keep coming in and they’re so perfect,” he said. “It’s so fun being out there with three guys and I want to go on every wave. I was so nervous going in to that heat because C.J. and Kelly are so gnarly. I’ve looked up to those guys and it’s fun surfing against them. I think it’s the second time I’ve surfed against Kelly and it’s the first time I’ve beaten him. This is definitely a dream surfing my home break with three guys out and beating Kelly, I’m so stoked.”