By now, everyone knows that John John Florence is the world champion. Everyone knew it was going to happen at some point–and most were surprised it took as long as it did–but still, you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief when he finally clinched it.
Most know is his story, too. Growing up on Oahu’s North Shore with Pipeline as his playground, the little blond prodigy found his way into surfing’s spotlight when he was little more than a baby. Here’s his evolution, courtesy of Matt Warshaw and the Encyclopedia of Surfing.
