John John Florence could spend 2027 chasing a fourth world title, easily being in contention for the iconic trophy. Instead, he’d rather chase the horizon.
The 3x world champ has decided not to return to the World Surf League Championship Tour next season, extending his sailing sabbatical aboard Vela. The decision also effectively closes the door on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. At 34, it’s a seismic choice.
But Florence has never been a conventional competitor. And luckily for the fans, Florence may have physically dropped off the map, but he’s been documenting his sailing journeys for all the world to see. And currently, it’s some of the best surf content out there.
Since claiming his third title in 2024, the Hawaiian has traded jerseys, judges and contest schedules for ocean crossings with his wife, Lauryn, and their young son, Darwin. Their 60-foot catamaran has carried them through remote Pacific islands, where the rewards are empty waves, unfamiliar horizons and time together.
In an ESPN interview, Florence acknowledged how difficult it was to leave competition behind. He still misses the intense preparation required to win. What he doesn’t want to sacrifice are the moments with his family that professional surfing would take away.
“That’s time I’ll never get back,” he said.
The decision came after weeks of soul-searching, including a demanding 2,200-nautical-mile passage from French Polynesia toward New Zealand. He ultimately allowed the November 1 deadline for a 2027 season wildcard to pass.
“We need more time,” Florence explained.
And the stakes reach beyond another world title. USA Surfing’s Olympic selection rules rely heavily on Championship Tour rankings, including for World Surfing Games teams. The Inertia reports that skipping 2027 eliminates Florence’s available routes to qualifying for LA 2028.
“I know this is probably my last chance,” he said regarding the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. “That’s why this decision is so hard.”
Still, don’t call it retirement. Florence hopes to secure a wildcard into December’s Pipeline event and hasn’t ruled out competitive appearances—or a future tour return.
As for 2028?
“I don’t know,” he admitted.
He knows exactly what full-time competition demands: absolute commitment. Right now, his heart is elsewhere.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the athletes and the tour. If you don’t want to be there, if your heart and mind isn’t 110 percent into it, then you shouldn’t be there,” he said. “It’s hard on the people around you. I don’t want to take a spot if my mind isn’t 100 percent there.”
For most surfers, another trophy or Olympic medal would be the ultimate prize. For John John Florence, it seems, the greatest prize is already aboard Vela: his family, the open ocean and the possibility of a perfect wave nobody else has found.
Related: John John Florence Surfs One of the Most Remote Places on Earth (Video)
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