Hawaiian surfing icon, Nathan Florence has emerged as a prominent name in the domain of big-wave surfing. Known as the world’s smartest surfer, who proactively decides whether to duck dive or bail, his techniques have led him to gain the title of Surfer of the Year. His surfing prowess helped him chase the gnarliest of waves with a winning mindset.

Nathan’s elder brother, the US Olympian John John Florence, took eminent pride in the 29-year-old’s glorious title and posted his sibling’s victory on his Instagram handle. As the middle Florence brother is achieving surfing stardom, let’s take a look at the post that celebrates the achievement of the breakout surfing star.

John John Florence celebrates Nathan Florence’s winning spree

US Olympian John John Florence took to his IG handle to reshare Stab Magazine’s post on his story. The post encapsulates his brother’s winningest performance in 2023, as the Stab Surfer of the Year’23 in the best male surfer category. The caption reads, “According to 45 of the surf world’s most prominent figures (and you), Nathan Florence did it best in 2023.”

It further continues, “We’ve watched him on every major swell on (almost) every continent, paddling into waves that have no business being wrangled. @nathan_florence’s watchable, likable, and uber-entertaining surf vlogs are the most inspirational content in surf media. We can’t wait to see what Slab Tour ’24 brings | @skullcandy.”

Surfing pipeline has been a Florence family affair, and Nathan has indeed lived up to it.  As the most barreled surfer last year, he has taken to redefine the possibilities on the huge waves.

Covering the waves across the map, from Indo to Namibia, Hawaii to Ireland, to Europe, and more places across the globe, Nathan is an unstoppable force. He gathered leading 84 points to become the Stab Surfer, with Ethan Ewing closely following behind at 79.5. Interestingly, Nathan Florence not only made it to the headlines but also made many heads turn his way, as his surfing comrades expressed their heartfelt encomium for the ‘Stab Surfer of the Year’23’.

Nathan’s peers praise his techniques

The post also gives insights into what Nathan’s peers have to say about him. Surfing icon, Jamie O’Brien, remarked, “He just went beast mode from start to finish. He’s got some kind of wish. I hope it’s not a death wish because he’s fu**ing crazy.” Nathan is particularly known for his dangerous surfing displays. Maui Media Cartel recently shared a clip from 2023’s Van Pipe Master surfing title where Nathan dove into the water with gigantic waves behind him without an ounce of fear.

Read More: Celebrity Surfing Sensation Nathan Florence Averts Disaster By Escaping Monster Wave With Early Exit

American surfer, Kai Lenny, also remarked about Nathan, “His relentless pursuit of riding slabs and paddle-in big waves is inspiring.” Nathan has also shared vlogs on social media wherein he uses surfing clips to share his techniques and tactics. Nathan indeed posses extraordinary surfing power to trounce the big barrels, and fans are heartily cherishing his title as he added another accolade to his already impressive resume.

Watch this story: A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline From Kelly Slater and John John Florence