Blood in the water.
Surfing is riven with various competing claims. Best boardshort, best wetsuit, best traction, best shark deterrent, best wax, best changing poncho, best bottle-opening sandal etc. though nobody, not one person and especially at the World Surf League Championship Tour level, has ever suggested anything other than John John Florence making the best waterproof jacket.
The multi-talented seaman, and 2x professional surfing champion, has charted his own course, charging various obscure waves, sailing the open Pacific, creating a line of outerwear that is as functional as it is functional.
Florence Marine X burst onto the scene as a pure reflection of John John’s true passions after his sponsor Hurley was sold to a beard oil outfit necessitating his abandonment. The Hawaiian prodigy left millions, likely, on the table to create outerwear that he actually needs. Warmth and dryth on the high seas.
And let us examine the Rain Pro 3-Layer Waterproof Shell (no relation to Albee). Promising a 10k rating with coated zippers, it is undeniable (buy here).
Except.
On-again-off-again Italian upstart Leonardo Fioravanti has just signed a deal with a French company that claims to make the waterproof shell “par excellence.”
“Proudly announcing our collaboration with @leofioravanti,” K-Way posted to Instagram. “Can’t wait to have fun and start this journey together.”
A shaka emoji was added, for good measure, rubbing salt deep into Florence’s wound.
K-Way, born in Paris in 1965 and claiming to be the first windproof, waterproof jacket ever, have long been a “category leader” and while superiority may be true, challenging John John so directly, so… personally is certain to create friction.
Which leaves a most important question for you.
Team Florence Marine X or K-Way?
