Two-time world surf champion John John Florence is having lots of fun, and that spells bad news for his rivals ahead of the El Salvador Pro in Punta Roca.
Florence shot to the top of the World Surf League (WSL) rankings late last month with a barrel-riding run to the final of the Tahiti Pro.
Although Brazilian Italo Ferreira walked away with the Tahiti crown in a result that rocketed him from 16th to fifth in the world rankings, Florence's performance was enough to propel him to No.1 for the first time since 2021.
It's a position the Hawaiian plans on keeping in El Salvador, which is stop No.7 out of nine before the top five compete in the WSL finals.
"That's the magic of what I found last year, and coming into this year - I'm just having fun, and I'm keeping it light-hearted," Florence said.
"When I can let go and just surf, I have so much fun whether I win or lose.
"To surf how I want to surf ... not having that over-tense feeling, it's just like, 'This feels so good'."
American Griffin Colapinto sits second in the men's rankings, with Australians Jack Robinson and Ethan Ewing occupying the next two spots.
In the women's draw, Australia's two-time world champion Tyler Wright has plenty of work to do to secure her place in the WSL finals.
Wright dropped to ninth in the rankings following her quarter-final exit in Tahiti.
World No.3 Molly Picklum is the only Australian currently in the women's top eight.
Costa Rica's Brisa Hennessy, who took time away from the tour last year to focus on her mental health, is the new No.1 after reaching the final in Tahiti.
"The last time I was in the yellow leader jersey, it was so new for me to be at the top," Hennessy said.
"And to feel all those different emotions. I don't think I knew exactly how to handle it.
"I was so worried about the future, making the top five and all those different stressors.
"Now I honestly think the reason I'm in this position is because I'm actually enjoying the process and the journey, really for the first time - the lows, the highs.
"I'm grateful for every moment, and it's celebrating all the little moments and the little wins."
The El Salvador competition window opens on Thursday (11pm AEST).
