Watch: John John and Jordy // On The Process
What at first appears like a surf version of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon heading off on The Trip - anecdotes bounced back and forth with a roving camera catching the dialogue - soon zeros in on one topic: the process of competing.
The duo park themselves on the sand - the 'trip' is over - and riff on the complexities of a surfing in a coloured vest. At times you could convince yourself both are jaded with competition, when a minute later the conversation turns and it's clear both are still deeply invested in the process of competition.
It's a long video, clocks in at 37 minutes, so really only for pro surf tragics or those curious about the pro athlete mindset. For mine, their recollections of competing against each other are the high point.
Comments
Actually really liked the insights into their mindset and at the end they still just have fun in the sea :)
Great to see Jordy and JJF speaking honestly about their feelings on competitive surfing. Jordy's surfing at J-BAY is way ahead of everyone when he got those two 10s in one heat. JJF surfing at Margaret River was next level with those top power turns when most other surfers struggled to keep the board from spinning out.
The title and the still frame pic drew me in, and then I read it was 37 minutes and thought there's no way in hell I can sit through that. Here I am 38 minutes later, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. John was way more outgoing than I expected, and the dynamic between them was really interesting and entertaining. Will definitely tune in again to the next instalment
I really enjoyed this too. A nice change to the usual videos, for me.
A great insight into the human beings who happen to be elite WSL surfers.
Very refreshing to hear them speak openly about the real 'on tour' life and competitors, without the filter of the WSL hype and all their on camera, whitened teeth, PR-speaking rules.
Clearly they are both not mathematicians nor public speakers, and of course do not claim to be, ie. normal young guys. Both stumbled with their age and how long on tour etc., funny and no big deal, but if they deleted all the word "f--k" and in particular all the countless word "like" it would only be half as long..... Ha ha.
I really hope Jordy wins a world title sooner than later and JJF continues towards Kelly's incredible 11 record.
Anyway, just my 5 cents worth & well worth the 37 minutes for me, amongst all the numerous surfer viewing options available these days.
God Bless them both
Best bit of surf related content for a long time. This is a beauty.
I really enjoyed it too, well worth a watch.
So first and foremost: Jordy is a great surfer. Though he reminds me of Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite. The mental gymnastics he performs in his head are complex when the reality is simple.
While JJF has the ability to beat Italo, Medina and Toledo, I don't think his body has the capability any more. Jordy doesn't even have the ability to match it with them. Just be happy you got paid a kings ransom to surf the best waves on the planet for over a decade instead of doing the 9-5 and prepare to live out the rest of your life with a healthy mind. Especially with all the other Durbanites living through a pretty fucked up situation.
Cool watch though, I didn't think I would make it the whole video but being under the influence of edibles made sure I did!
edibles lol i was on valium and couldnt watch the whole thing. I guess i should have given it a crack but i got bored of the politics etc Jordy could win a world title i reckon but just cant quite make it happen.
I think JJF has lost interest in more world titles too.
His wetsuit brand that came out last year sold out of wetties very fast, seems hes getting more into business with his name, kind of in the same boat as kellys business ideas. Also Mick Fanning and his estate of properties throughout the Gold coast and renting out houses to his mates at a cheap price.
I got about ten minutes in. As much as I like both surfers, I personally couldn't give a rats what they think tbh.
Haha I made it 7 mins in.
But Stu did say "so really only for pro surf tragics or those curious about the pro athlete mindset."
Watch out for my duck hook on the 17th.
Seeing as Swellnet is on an Oscar Wilde tip, we could also remember that other great insight of his: “those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.” Both good guys, but they are performance athletes who spend all their days considering the insane details that will aid success in their body moving a surfboard, they don’t spend all day learning to talk about it. Asking them to carry half an hour of dialogue takes them away from what makes them special, rather than giving any insight into it - as for many artists.
Great Insights abound in honesty
Q. What drives people to perform at they best?; challenge, opportunity, goals, forgiving yourself and others. & Perspective eg. In the big scale of things, I still gotta wipe my ars*.
Issues for Dirk & WSL to resolve....
1. current unclear 'pro' judging system favours ......?
2. The gap between winning and loosing is minimal....in the top 30 pros.
eg "I didnt surf sh** waves every day" to win WSL (like the Braz*****)
PS. Im not a robot.... so forgive any errors or omissions.
REALLY enjoyed that - I find the insights into mentality of performance fascinating and guess that would be a swing factor that's key to my experience of it - I would be doubly fascinated if Italo and Gabe could have been in the same frame had they also bee able to be as freestyle and authentic in that setting ... and then get to se the best on a wave I've rode more often and not nearly so well - of course
I like to watch em surf , not to hear em talk. Tell it to ya mother. Yo.
Hows that kook on the foil getting in the way!
A great insight and had me drawn in. Loved it.