If you were forced to get very, very nitpicky with John John Florence’s surfing, you could argue that a younger John lacked the fundamentals to excel in smaller waves at an elite level. This is understandable, given how much power is hurled at the North Shore every winter.
But John has worked hard over his career to elevate his ability when the waves go soft. As his Pyzels have evolved, we’ve seen his overall timing and flow improve (Did you see him at Lower Trestles this month?).
Frame: Futures
But John has also been tinkering with equipment below the surface. Futures, his fin sponsor. just released John’s new signature thruster set designed for blitzing waves that don’t offer much resistance. The fins use the Scimitar template, which has a blunted tip Futures released 18 years ago. The idea is that the smaller surface area allows for tighter turns and better release.
In John’s new setup, the side fins have concave to generate speed and lift. They’re made with Vapor Core construction, meaning they’re thicker but lighter than your average fin. A key element is that the back fin is stretched out further than the side fins, giving it a touch more control and drive.
“It essentially makes my boards feel lighter and feels like skimming on top of the water more,” John said. “And you have the back fin that’s drawn way back with the rake. I think that adds a lot of drive to the fin set. When you have a lot of concave it can make it squirly sometimes. But having a backed fin that’s raked way back gives it a lot of drive as well.”
Not one to mince words, John concludes his promo with a brief that summarizes his surfing philosophy: “When I grab these fins, all I think is go fast, have fun.”
Related: World No. 1 John John Florence Sets Sights Lowers World Title Showdown (Video)
Related: John Florence and Jon Pyzel Release New Board Model, the Power Tiger