It’s been a long time since we’ve seen John John Florence surfing for points. The last time, in fact, was back at G-Land, when he wrecked his already-wrecked knee. He surfed much of that event with a piece of hardware holding his joint together, and although he surfed relatively well, it was clear he wasn’t 100 percent.
So it made sense when he announced he’d be taking a bit of a break from folding his legs violently onto the top of a surfboard. He went on a long sailing trip, both to fill up a water bottle and to simply go mess around on the ocean blue with good friends for a few months. But now he’s back on the North Shore, surfing like a man without a bum knee. Surfing like a man, dare I say, who wants another world title.
While the waves weren’t exactly perfect for his return, John John managed to eke out a win over Wiggolly Dantas, Gatien Delahaye, and Taichi Wakita. He’s moved into the Round of 32, where he’ll surf against Keanu Asing, Jordan Lawler, and Kalani Ball.
Watch the Haleiwa Challenger on Worldsurfleague.com.
