surf, life and espresso
Gliding out of a barrel wave just as the sun breaks into the sky, burning off the morning haze to mirror the brilliant blue of the sea below. This is his element. Among the paddling surfers spread out along the curved shoreline, he moves with a flow unmatched, except by the waves. Affectionately known as “John John,” and a master of surfing, his fearless spirit and skill on the surfboard have earned him a place among the worlds surfing elite.
Starting before he was even a teenager, Florence began making a name for himself in the surfing community. He began competing in surfing competitions and quickly made himself into a professional athlete. Among his many accomplishments he won back-to-back world titles on the 2016 World Surf League and 2017 World Surf League Men’s Championship Tour. Now, he is ready for more. We’re excited to share our conversation with Florence about his life on and off the board, and how espresso plays an important role in it.
surfing has a reputation for being more than just a sport—it’s often a lifestyle for those who learn to ride the waves.
where are the best waves?
There is a beach located along the Hawaiian island, Oahu’s, North Shore and it holds a special place in John John’s heart. His roots are there, grown over the many years he spent training in the long tropical days, honing his skills and distinctive surfing style. But competition has taken him all around the world and to many amazing beaches! We wanted to know which ones made an impression on him.
What beach has your favorite waves?
JOHN JOHN: My favorite place to surf is probably Pipeline, just down the beach from where I grew up. But through my life I’ve developed relationships with other special waves; Teahupoo in Tahiti, JBay in South Africa, Hossegor in France, and Margaret River Western Australia. I could go on and on, but those are a few places that all feel special to me and have some of the best waves I’ve ever surfed.
life off the board
Outside of a busy surfing career, John John’s passions extend beyond his ocean activities. Years ago, he decided to take a dive into the world of espresso. We asked if he could share his early coffee experiences with us.
How did your love for espresso began?
JOHN JOHN: I got into coffee at 19 during my travels. It started as a fun morning routine with friends while on the road. Over time, and through meeting different people, I started learning different ways of making coffee. It turned from a casual activity into a hobby. This exploration eventually led me to espresso, which I started to like because of its strong taste and the technique that goes into it. Now it’s a hobby and a great part of my mornings.
In what ways has the Linea Mini transformed your at-home coffee experience?
JOHN JOHN: I’m so excited about the new machine! Some mornings I feel like there’s a full on coffee bar at my house. I love getting family or friends over and making coffee for everyone. I think that’s what I have noticed the most about this new machine is being able to make one espresso after another and every shot is consistent. And just having the solid feel. Great gear produces great results!
what’s brewing?
Every champion seems to build a meaningful morning routine. Recently, John John acquired his own Linea Mini and has integrated it into his morning ritual. Now, espresso has a place in his daily start-up ritual before he hits the waves…
What’s your morning routine and how do you take your coffee?
JOHN JOHN: My mornings usually start with water and some breathing even if it’s only 5-10 minutes. Then I’ll get into my coffee routine! When I’m home, I’m doing some sort of americano with the linea mini everyday! I really enjoy the hobby side of the process. I feel like there are a lot of variables to making good coffee and espresso. Sometimes I’ll mix it up and add some collagen and honey to it. When I’m on the road I like to take that time to learn new ways of brewing coffee. Different countries dictate different ways of making it and I love that.
coffee and traveling
During his travels, John John makes it a point to visit lots of local coffee shops and says that some of the best coffee he’s had was at random shops in countries around the world.
Where is a memorable place you’ve enjoyed espresso?
JOHN JOHN: Some of the best espresso I’ve had has been at a random coffee shop after surfing all morning in another country. For some reason it doesn’t really matter what coffee they are using, just that feeling of sitting back with everyone and sharing stories from the day. The more I think about it, it seems like espresso is a great way to bring busy people together for little moments.
Many wouldn’t immediately connect surfing with espresso, but John John’s life they are a perfect match. Amidst all the traveling and physical activity, he has a great appreciation for times when he can sit back and enjoy espresso with good company.
How do you feel surfing and espresso complement each other in your life?
JOHN JOHN: Coffee and surfing go together great, whether It’s getting to travel to amazing places and tasting different coffees or just getting caffeinated for a day of surfing big waves, it’s hard to beat some of those moments. I think of it as that moment in the morning on a big trip where everyone sits together in the morning for that 30 min or so and gets excited about the day over a cup of coffee. Some of the best espresso I’ve had has been at a random coffee shop after surfing all morning in another country. For some reason it doesn’t really matter what coffee they are using, just that feeling of sitting back with everyone and sharing stories from the day. The more I think about it, it seems like espresso is a great way to bring busy people together for little moments.
whether it’s a well-made board or an espresso machine, the gear is important.
Just like in surfing, the tools being used need to match the goal one is trying to reach. After having gone through different brewing methods and machines to make his morning coffee, John John feels that he has finally landed on something that feels right for him.
Does the discipline of crafting the perfect espresso with the Linea Mini parallel with the discipline in your surfing career?
JOHN JOHN: I would say the Linea Mini is good equipment. In what I do, a lot of work and thought goes into the equipment we use for competing or surfing big waves. You really need the help of that equipment to produce great results and I think that’s where the most apparent similarities are. To produce great results consistently, a lot of thought needs to have gone into the equipment.
surf’s up!
What’s next?
JOHN JOHN: Well, I’m looking forward to the La Marzocco Home team coming out to Hawaii and hosting an event. It’s going to be fun really dialing in the machine with the team, and learning more about its capabilities. As for me, I’m doing an exploration / sailing / surfing trip to New Zealand. That’ll be a lot of fun. Do you have a smaller machine I can put on the boat? Haha. Outside of that trip, I’ll be putting a lot of effort towards preparing for more competition, and also to continuing to develop my brand, Florence.
The La Marzocco Home Team is delighted to get to watch John Alexander Florence compete this summer. Fueled by espresso he continues to uncover what is achievable on a surfboard.
