John John Florence: Aerial Master

You gotta have a board that can handle both deep carves and explosive launches. Think a good-performance shortboard with solid rocker to get up and over the lip cleanly. Traction is everything, so a solid pad set-up for those in-air adjustments. Most importantly, it’s about matching your stick to the waves you’re actually surfing. John John’s boards are dialed for North Shore power—trying that on a weak beachbreak won’t get you the same pop, brah.

Watch his footage in slow-mo! Break it down. See how he sets up his bottom turn, where he looks, how he positions his body on takeoff. Notice he’s never rushed; everything is smooth and purposeful. Don’t just watch the airs—watch the waves he chooses and the lines he draws to get there. Then, go out and focus on one element at a time, like generating more speed off your top turn. It’s a slow build, but it pays off.

Start with the basics: generate maximum speed down the line. Without speed, you got nothing. Practice hitting the lip with intention on smaller days to get the timing dialed. Begin with straight airs—just get comfortable leaving the wave. Watch footage, but feel it on your own board. It’s all about repetition and commitment. And remember, bailing hurts less in softer waves while you’re learning the feel of getting airborne.

Style is what makes surfing an art, not just a sport. Anyone can do a trick, but doing it with flow and grace is what’s memorable. John John’s style links powerful turns with innovative airs seamlessly. It’s about making it look easy, not forced. Good style shows you’re in tune with your board and the wave. It’s the difference between a robotic maneuver and a soulful expression. Rippin’ with style always earns more respect in the lineup.