The World Surf League Championship Tour is set to get underway in the sport¡¯s spiritual homeland of Hawaii this week, but without its reigning men¡¯s champion and some of the tour¡¯s other biggest names due to retirements and injuries.
Hawaii¡¯s John John Florence, who won his third world title last year, is taking the year off tour but will compete as a wildcard at the season opener in his backyard at the infamous Pipeline.
¡°I want to create the time to explore, find new waves, and draw different lines,¡± Florence said on Instagram last week. ¡°I intend to compete full on for another world title in 2026, but right now this idea of adventure and creatively pushing my surfing as far as possible is really exciting!¡±
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