Justice!
John John Florence is the most popular male surfer in the world and this should come as no surprise even though he has been injured all year even though we haven’t seen him surf but for once.
But for once is all we needed and he soared to the very stratosphere, to the place once occupied by Kelly Slater.
Kelly Slater, speaking of, he is the third most popular male surfer in the world, drifting back. Filipe is the fourth most popular male surfer in the world, obviously, nipping at Kelly’s heels. Gabe is fifth with Julian and Mick after that with Dane Reynolds still there too.
But wait.
Who is the second most popular surfer in the world?
Like you didn’t already know.
Jack Freestone.
Australia’s Jack Freestone.
Jack Freestone once commented on my Instagram account (RIP) so he’s my second favorite male surfer in the world but I won’t lie. It surprises me that he’s yours.
Did he comment on your Instagram account too?
You can be honest. I won’t be jealous.
Also, his wife, the wonderful Alana Blanchard is the number one most popular female surfer in the world. Even more popular than newly minted seven-times world champion Stephanie Gilmore.
Alana Blanchard never commented on my Instagram but if she had I can’t imagine it being anything other than kind.
Other winners:
MOVIE OF THE YEAR: “Never Town”
BEST SHORT: “Octopus Video No. 4: Chippa Wilson”
BEST SERIES: “The Search”
BEST PERFORMANCE: John John Florence in “Space”
BEST DOCUMENTARY: “Andy Irons: Kissed by God”
BEST MANEUVER: Noa Deane in “Head Noise”
BEST BARREL: Nathan Florence, Backdoor
HEAVY WATER: Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca
A.I. BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMER: Caroline Marks
A.I. BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMER: Seth Moniz
AGENT OF CHANGE: 4ocean
MEN’S SURFER POLL:
10. Andy Irons
9. Griffin Colapinto
8. Dane Reynolds
7. Mick Fanning
6. Julian Wilson
5. Gabriel Medina
4. Filipe Toledo
3. Kelly Slater
2. Jack Freestone
1. John John Florence
WOMEN’S SURFER POLL:
10. Courtney Conlogue
9. Caroline Marks
8. Sage Erickson
7. Tyler Wright
6. Lakey Peterson
5. Carissa Moore
4. Coco Ho
3. Stephanie Gilmore
2. Bethany Hamilton
1. Alana Blanchard