Celebrated two-time world champion and Olympic surfer John John Florence has recently embraced a new role – fatherhood. Just days before competing in the high-stakes Tahiti Pro on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, Florence welcomed his first child with wife Lauryn Cribb.
On May 21, Florence confirmed the happy news to PEOPLE, revealing that their son was born a week and a half prior. He had subtly hinted at this life-changing event on Instagram by pairing a surf video with a caption about his latest YouTube post documenting his surfboards and equipment. “Also, most importantly, this was my first dad surf!! Pretty stoked on that!” he concluded.
The couple had initially announced their pregnancy in December 2023, expressing their excitement for their baby boy’s May arrival. Now, with the birth of their son, Florence has described the experience as transformative. “I just went into the whole thing of being a dad really open-minded — and the moment it happened, it was just the coolest experience ever,” he told PEOPLE. Although unable to disclose the baby’s name yet, Florence shared his relief and happiness, saying he feels “a lot lighter” after the seamless arrival.
Despite his joy, Florence admitted to PEOPLE that balancing fatherhood with his professional commitments is challenging. “It was really hard to leave home, actually, to come and do this,” he confessed, acknowledging the difficulty of departing for the Tahiti Pro so soon after such a significant personal milestone.
The Tahiti Pro, which commenced on May 22 and runs through May 31, attracts elite surfers to tackle the formidable Teahupo’o wave. Known for its power and machine-like consistency, the wave is also one of the most dangerous due to its capacity for handling heavy swells and the shallow reef beneath it. Florence noted, “It’s dangerous for a few reasons… it can get so big, it can handle so much swell and so much power.”
Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, Florence is familiar with both the challenge and thrill of Teahupo’o, having had memorable encounters there, including a legendary heat against 11-time world champion Kelly Slater in 2014. Reflecting on his past performance, Florence expressed his wish for a rematch with Slater, emphasizing the importance of excellent wave conditions for such a contest.
As Florence embarks on this new chapter of his life, his resolve and focus on achieving greatness in his sport remain undiminished. His recent experiences underscore not only his prowess as a top-tier surfer but also his adaptability and commitment as he navigates the dual roles of athlete and father.