John John Florence, the three-time World Champion surfer, is back with a new project that's sure to captivate wave chasers and adventure enthusiasts alike. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his latest endeavor, the six-part film series titled VELA, which takes viewers on a journey into the heart of remote surfing destinations. With a unique approach to storytelling, Florence aims to showcase the raw beauty of nature and the thrill of discovering uncrowded waves.
A Different Kind of Project
What sets VELA apart is its focus on the process and the journey rather than just the final result. In his own words, Florence explains, "I’m definitely not like my brother with the YouTube personality. So I liked having some more time and doing it differently. I enjoy that more, especially the cinematography side of it. I just thought it’d be fun to start doing like a series about being out there in the middle of nowhere and looking for waves."
This project, supported by Yeti, is a testament to Florence's passion for storytelling and his desire to share his unique perspective on surfing. The first episode, almost 16 minutes long, sets the tone for the series, showcasing Florence's talent for finding and riding perfect waves.
The Thrill of the Hunt
One of the most captivating aspects of the series is Florence's ability to convey the excitement of discovering waves in remote locations. He describes a perfect right-hander, saying, "That was as perfect as it gets with zero people out. You’re just so excited. You can’t even contain yourself. It really is the best thing ever."
His enthusiasm is infectious, and it's clear that he relishes the challenge of finding and riding waves that few have ever seen. The series aims to capture this essence, providing viewers with a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking and uncrowded waves in the world.
A Cinematic Adventure
VELA is not just about surfing; it's a cinematic adventure that showcases the beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration. Florence's awareness of the difficulty of reaching these remote locations adds a layer of depth to his storytelling. He says, "I just try to be really aware of not showing where the wave is. I mean, there’s so many reefs and those places are so hard to get to. I almost want to give someone a hug if they managed to get out there and score too."
This attention to detail and his appreciation for the challenges of reaching these locations make VELA a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of surfing and the beauty of the natural world.
A Weekly Release
Each episode of VELA will be released weekly on John John Florence's YouTube channel, providing a steady dose of surfing adventure. The series is a testament to Florence's dedication to his craft and his desire to share his unique perspective with the world. As he continues to explore and document his surfing journeys, VELA promises to be a captivating and inspiring series for wave chasers and adventure seekers everywhere.