John John Florence

Quick Facts

• Sport: Surfing

• Specialty: Men’s shortboard

Biographical Information

John John Florence is an American professional surfer and one of the most talented pipe surfers in the world. He was born and raised on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, and grew up just steps away from Pipeline, one of the most famous and dangerous waves in the world. By the time he was five years old, Florence was already surfing and showing incredible talent for the sport. 

Florence has a deep connection to nature and is passionate about sustainability and ocean conservation. He enjoys sailing and spending time with his family and friends in Hawaii. Florence is also the founder of Florence Marine X, an eco-conscious clothing brand dedicated to adventure and environmental sustainability.

Olympic Highlights

Florence proudly represented Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, when surfing made its historic debut. He qualified and competed in the men's shortboard event reaching the round of 16.

He returned to the Olympics to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He reached the third round, falling just shy of his previous mark at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

World Championship Highlights

John John Florence achieved his first World Surf League (WSL) championship title in 2016, establishing himself as one of surfing's elite competitors. In 2017, he defended his WSL championship title, becoming a two-time world champion, and the first Hawaii-born surfer to secure back-to-back championship titles since Andy Irons. 

Seven years later in 2024, Florence achieved his third WSL championship title in 2024, making him one of the most decorated U.S. surfers on the world stage, and tying him with Tom Curren for second-most all-time for an American surfer. 

Early Career

At just 13 years old, Florence became the youngest surfer ever to compete in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, a prestigious Hawaiian surfing series. He quickly made a name for himself on the Qualifying Series.

By 2011, Florence had qualified for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, where he began competing against the world’s top surfers. His career breakthrough came in 2016 when he won his first WSL World Title.

Olympic Experience

• 2-time Olympian
  • Olympic Games Paris 2024, 9th (Shortboard - Men)
  • Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 9th (Shortboard - Men)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2021 – 10th
• Years of participation: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
• Medals: 2 (2 gold)
  • Gold – 2017, 2016