John John Florence, known as the most dominant Pipeline surfer, won his first surfing title at just 24 years old at the surfing world cup in Portugal on October 29th.  He dominated this year’s competition and clinched the World Title.

Although he ranked 14th in 2015, John John Florence is now the 2016 World Surfing League Champion. John John dominated the competition this year with an impressive final score of a 16.67. 

The Hawaiian native first rode a surfboard at only 6 months old, and started surfing on his own by the age of 5.  At 13, the reigning champ first found his fame by becoming the youngest person to compete in the “Vans” Triple Crown of Surfing.”  He entered this competition weighing only 85 pounds and reaching the staggering height of 4’11”.  Before this he competed in five amateur surfing competitions. 

He won the prestigious Surfer Poll award in 2014-2015 and has won the Volocom Pipe Pro four times.  John John caught the eye of a surfing legend Kelly Slater when he was a teenager.  Slater said,” John John’s going to know the waves on North Shore like no one we’ve ever seen before.”  He also has got compliments from pro surfer Mitch Crews, who said, “He makes it look stupidly easily no matter how big or small the wave is. He is the man out there, rules the line up and makes everyone look silly. He is the man, and most of us are not.”

Most WHB surfers know and look up to John John.  Local junior surfer, Jake Gaudiello said,”I wanted John John to win from the start.”  Most that tuned into this years competition wanted John John to win because of his come up story and talent.  This inspired Kelly Slater who said,“I think I’m going to take one more stab at a Title next year and really try to put a year together.”