John John Florence
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| John John Florence | |
| Born | John John Florence October 18, 1992 Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Residence | Haleiwa, Hawaii |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Jon Jon, Two John |
| Occupation | Surfer |
| Height | 4' 11 |
| Weight | 100 lb (45 kg) |
| Known for | Surfing |
| Parents | Alexandra (mother) |
| Relatives | Nathan, Ivan (brothers) |
John John Florence (born 13 October 1992, Honolulu, Hawaii)[1][2] is an American surfer.
[edit] Life
Florence is the oldest of three children, and grew up in Haleiwa, Hawaii, in an ocean side house at the Banzai Pipeline. His parents split up after a bad marriage, and he resides with his mother, Alexandra, and his two younger brothers Nathan and Ivan.[3] He was introduced to surfing by Alexandra, who is a surfer herself.[1] She brought up John John and his two brothers alone, and she has described how she raised the family in their "own little world" on the beach. She has said John John's progression seemed natural to her.[4] Florence claims he rode a surf board with his mother at the age of six months, who put him in a life vest on her own board,[1] and he was riding on his own by the age of five.[2]
[edit] Fame
Florence became well known in the winter of late 2005 and early 2006 when he became the youngest ever surfer to compete in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.[2] He had previously won four amateur awards, the 2003 1st NSSA Nationals Open Mini Grom, the 2004 1st NSSA Nationals Open Boy's, the 2005 NSSA Open Boys and the Explorer Menhune Champion.[1] He did not pass the first round, but he did score higher than Shane Dorian, a professional surfer twenty years Florence's senior.[2] Afterwards, Florence said he was "pretty scared" but that he was "happy with how I did".[5]
Florence is also friends with surfer Kelly Slater, whom he has admired since the age of seven.[2] Slater has said of Florence "John John's going to know the waves on North Shore like no one we've ever seen before."[1] Singer Jack Johnson, who grew up in the same town as Florence, said he is "a little unprecedented".[3]
Florence's signature move is the air reverse, and his worst injury was a broken ankle after doing a floater in Mexico. He also enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding and drawing.[1] In order to stay healthy, Florence only eats natural food, and his favorites are salad and seafood.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Schreiber, Dave. "Sports: Up Close: John John Florence", Sports Up Close, St. Petersburg Times, 2 December 2005. Retrieved on 2007-09-20.
- ^ a b c d e f Stellar Profile: John John Florence. Retrieved on 2007-09-20.
- ^ a b John John Florence - Surf - Lat34.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ John John Florence - Outside Online. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
- ^ "Thirteen-Year-Old John John Florence Tackles Huge Haleiwa At Op Pro Haleiwa. - SURF Magazine", Transworld Surf, 17 November 2005. Retrieved on 2007-11-19.
