John John Florence's journey to the 2016 WSL championship title

22-year-old John John Florence clinched the 2016 World Surf League title at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal in Peniche on Monday, marking the first time a Hawaiian has held the world championship title since Andy Irons in 2004. Florence has competed on the WSL Championship tour for six years but his 2016 title is the first of his career. Florence’s season started slowly but he claimed a win in Brazil in May and then in Rio de Janeiro before placing second at Jeffreys Bay, second in Tahiti and third in France, beating out Gabriel Medina, Matt Wilkinson, Jordy Smith and Kelly Slater to cement his win in Portugal. Below, take a look back at the best moments and highlights of Florence's 2016 championship season.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 25, 2016