North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
John Florence is a surfing prodigy, and being one of only five surfers in the Men's Championship Tour history to clinch two World Titles back to back is a prime example. He catapulted to fame at just eight years old when he fearlessly conquered the most famous wave in the world - Pipeline. But his genuine character defines him far beyond a champion athlete. John is a passionate, down-to-earth soul who loves to travel the world, make films, chase storms, and feels the peak of his happiness anytime he's in the company of his mom, brother, and good friends.
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning before you surf?
One of my favourite parts of being home is waking up and checking the surf. It's a daily ritual on the North Shore. We might end up surfing or sailing or foiling, or doing something else, but the day always starts with the ocean. We are lucky where we live because there are so many ways to enjoy the water.
Where is your favourite place to surf?
Pipeline.
How do you up your game year after year?
It's interesting, because there are so many ways to approach performance. For me, it has been an open mind, and a mindset that I want to learn. I've really enjoyed that approach the last few years. I'm trying to continually look for weaknesses and ways to get better - not just with surfing, but with anything I'm doing, or any part of life. With surfing, it's helped me to improve, but I'm finding I also enjoy it more at the same time.
If you could do anything better what would it be?
Have a more positive impact on the ocean and earth.
Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?
My Mom has been a pretty incredible influence for my brothers and I. I also find myself looking up to people who aren't afraid to push the limits at what they do - people who go outside their comfort zone.
What haven't you accomplished that you aspire to do in your lifetime?
Sail around the Pacific.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
The ocean.
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
The negative impact we have on the ocean is big. I know I am a part of it. There are parts of surfing and things I do every day that are harmful to the ocean and we all should look at how we can keep it healthy.