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John John Florence announces WSL break

World Champion John John Florence has announced he will not compete in this season’s WSL Championship Tour.

The Hawaiian-born three-time champion will take a break from the tour after an intensive year which saw him claim his third World Title.

“Ive decided to focus on surfing in a different way this year.” he opened. “I want to create more time to explore, find new waves, draw different lines.”

His seamless style makes him one of the most popular riders on tour, and he will be missed by surf fans worldwide.

But the good news is: he will be back.

“I intend to compete full-on for another world title in 2026, but right now the idea of adventure and creatively pushing my surfing as far as possible is really exciting.”

John John Florence, a new dad, will also no doubt enjoy not having to stick to a rigid and strict CT schedule, which will allow him to focus on his new family. 

WSL tour events

There have been some changes to the competition events this season, including a new finals day at Cloudbreak, in Fiji. We’re excited for these changes, Check out the full schedule of the WSL here.

WSL Tour absentees

He joins a long list of absentees on tour this season. Brazilian Gabriel Medina is also out for the first three legs of the season as we wait for more news about Crosby Colapinto’s injury ahead of the season opener at Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii.

Johanne Defay has also withdrawn from the first event of the season and eight-time champ Stephanie Gilmore will continue her extended break as she welcomes in a new and exciting phase in her life, motherhood, and as we read, surfing while pregnant might be fun, but perhaps not competing!

Well, the first leg is about to kick off and we can’t wait for the action. The tour will usher in new rookies, nine in total and there’s plenty of fire in the line up! Look out for amazing wildcards, hot rookies and more incredible action this season. 

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