Lessons learned on toughest of breaks

JOHN John Florence was as captivated as anyone by Owen Wright’s magical Quiksilver Pro win last year.

But the world champion is determined to eventually claim the title for himself as he chases a third consecutive World Surf League crown.

Florence fell in the semifinals to Matt Wilkinson last year, to claim his best result yet at Snapper Rocks.

“I think each year I learn the wave a bit more,” Florence said.

“In Hawaii we don’t have any long point breaks like this, so it’s a little bit different, it’s really short, compact, powerful waves (at home), whereas this is longer with a little less power.

“But I’ve been here a few times over the past few years now surfing it and I feel really confident surfing these waves and I feel confident in my boards too now.

“I’d love to win one of these events.”

Florence came as close as he ever has last year, scoring a 9.5 on one of his waves against then-defending Quiksilver Pro champ Wilkinson in a sign he looked set to make the final.

But he was unable to find a solid back-up and had to watch Wilkinson clinch the finals place against Wright.

“Last year I wanted to win and then Owen (Wright) got it and it was so cool after Owen’s big comeback,” Florence said.

“I was really stoked for him. He’s such a good guy and a great competitor, so it was awesome to have him up there battling for the world title straightaway like that.

“It’s one of my goals to start the year off with a big win would be awesome, so I’m just going to keep working towards that.”

Florence’s World Surf League title charge came down to the wire after a lull in Brazil and Fiji.

But the 25-year-old valued the lessons he learnt through the tough times.

“I learned a lot and I learned things I might not have if I’d won those events,” he said.

“That was one thing I learnt last year, almost to enjoy a loss a little bit and taking a lot away from it.”

Lesson learnt, he hopes he won’t have to repeat it on the Coast starting tomorrow.

I WAS REALLY STOKED FOR HIM. HE’S SUCH A GOOD GUY AND A GREAT COMPETITOR, SO IT WAS AWESOME TO HAVE HIM UP THERE BATTLING FOR THE WORLD TITLE STRAIGHTAWAY LIKE THAT

FLORENCE ON OWEN WRIGHT (INSET)

Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS John John Florence has had quite the learning curve at Snapper Rocks but is hopeful he can put that acquired knowledge to good use now.