Here’s Johnny

John John Florence is the new king of Pipe. The 19-year-old Hawaiian snatched victory from Jamie O’Brien in the Volcom Pipe Pro yesterday in one of the most thrilling finals ever seen on The Rock. O’Brien held the lead for the entire four man final until a set reared in the dying seconds and Florence – who had already given JOB a congratulatory hug – swung late into a Backdoor bomb. He scored a 9.93 which, coupled with an earlier 10 pointer, was enough to give him the win for the second year in a row.

The event went off in epic 8-12 foot conditions and featured stirring performances from the usual suspects: Bruce Irons, Kai Barger, Jamie O’Brien, Flynn Novak, JJ Florence and Nathan Yeoman. Also earning a mention on the honor roll were Aussie Mitch Coleborn (who made the quarts) and New York’s Balaram Stack (who scored a perfect ten).

The event will be remembered, however, for cementing John Florence into the number one slot at Pipe. In the last 12 months he’s won the Backdoor shootout, the Vans World Cup at Sunset, the Hawaiian Triple Crown and the Volcom Pro twice. In his first year in the Billabong Pipe Masters he was pipped by Slater in the quarters but you have to figure he’ll be the favorite next season.

“I see John John as the guy to beat,” Slater has said of his young rival’s debut.” He’s probably the best guy all around out here now. I think he’s better than everyone else in this contest.”

John John Florence will be winging his way to our fair shores in the coming weeks to contest the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper. I wouldn’t be surprised if scores of dedicated surfing fans are already wading into the shorey and staking out their turf for what is shaping up to be a smoking hot contest season. Johnny Florence, the teen king of Pipe, will be an autograph worth chasing.