HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – John John Florence is an artist at any time and anywhere in the world.

As he prepares for this year’s World Surf League finals, he is on the verge of a championship season.

“This year was really nerve-wracking from the start because there was so much going on between the Tour and the Olympics. I had a baby,” Florence said. “It was like, oh my God, this is going to be crazy. I don’t know how I’m going to manage this.”

This year, the Haleiwa native has done exceptionally well, shooting back to the number one spot in the world rankings, reaching the finals of four of nine WSL Tour events this year and on track to become the first Hawaii surfer since Andy Irons to win three world championships.

“He’s learned to take care of his body,” said WSL analyst Joe Turpel. “He’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ocean in terms of performance, but also what the human body can endure. The biggest difference I’ve seen this year is just so much maturity.”

According to Florence, the growth is due to a new phase of life.

He and his wife Lauren had their first child in May.

“I feel like I don’t have that much pressure,” Florence said. “I just feel relaxed and competing is a game for me now and it’s fun and I can enjoy it and approach it and it doesn’t feel like a matter of life or death because my son is my life now. So this is like a game that I can approach.”

And in this game, Florence is the final boss.

As the top seed, he automatically has a place in the championship round, which continues with a “best of three heat showdown.”

“At 31, he’s honestly surfing better than he ever has in his life,” Turpel said. “I think he still has a lot of time and energy to accomplish a lot.”

The opening day of the WSL finals in Lower Trestles, California, is scheduled for Friday.

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