Three-time World Surf League (WSL) champion John John Florence has revealed plans to take a break from competition in 2025. Instead, the renowned surfer will focus on traveling, exploring new waves, and filming, with a goal of returning to the WSL in 2026 to compete for another world title.
Florence, a Hawaiian native, shared his decision in a social media video that highlights various scenes of adventure, including sailing and wave chasing. His announcement, which had been widely speculated, marks a major shift in his competitive career.
In the post, Florence explained, “I’ve decided to focus on surfing in a different way this year. I want to create the time to explore, find new waves, and draw different lines. I intend to compete full on for another world title in 2026, but right now this idea of adventure and creatively pushing my surfing as far as possible is really exciting! The ocean is so big and there are so many different types of waves to explore. I’m stoked to be filming into some new projects and planning to share the amazing places we get to go along the way.”
Florence’s decision comes after a transformative year, both personally and professionally. The 31-year-old celebrated the arrival of his son, Darwin, with wife Lauryn, and his namesake brand, Florence, saw significant growth, including the opening of a flagship store in Hawaii and the addition of his brother Nathan Florence to the team. These developments have fueled speculation about his commitment to the WSL in 2025.
In response to Florence’s announcement, the WSL confirmed that Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr. will take his place on the Championship Tour for 2025. The league also stated that Florence will be granted a wildcard for the 2026 season, allowing him to compete once again for the world title.
Florence’s hiatus mirrors a previous break he took several years ago, when he stepped away from competition to sail across the Pacific in search of new waves. While his exact plans for 2025 remain uncertain, his younger brother Nathan has hinted at the possibility of a “Slab Tour 2025,” suggesting that Florence’s journey may still include exciting surf adventures outside of the competitive circuit.
The surf world will undoubtedly be watching as Florence embarks on this new chapter in his surfing journey.
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