Headworx

Johnny is one of Britain’s hottest surfers, and looks set for a bright professional future. The 22-year old goofy-footer from the Isle of Wight dominated the junior scene as a grommet winning 3 British and 2 English junior titles with his progressive style and super-keen attitude. Known for his progressive surfing, Johnny frequently graces the pages of glossy surf mags with his trademark aerials and huge backhand snaps.

A product of the ESF’s coaching programme, Johnny is the reigning BPSA North East Champion and was one of the stand-outs at last year’s European Championships, helping England to 4th place. In 2006 he was one of a four-man British team who achieved the nation’s best result in modern times at the World Surfing Games in California. Johnny reached the 4th round to finish 26th overall, against many of the world’s top pro surfers. In 2007, he is setting his sights on the BPSA Tour title and the WQS circuit.

The 22-year old is a popular and respected face on the British and European contest scene. Growing up on the Isle of Wight, Johnny has already made a huge impression despite battling through long flat spells and struggling to access consistent spots as a grom.

“Compton Bay is my local spot. I used to surf it all day, every day - no matter what the conditions were like. If there were waves I felt like I had to make the most of every session before the next flat spell came along… Not to say it doesn’t get good – when its on there’s sick waves to be had and I love to go home and surf all my favourite breaks.”

This commitment has made Johnny legendary among his peers as “Mr. Keen” - always the first man in and last man out of the water. So much so that he actually surfed himself into hospital through exhaustion after one eight-hour session at Porthleven as a grommet.

“The waves were so good and I had to go home the next day. It didn’t feel that long at the time, but I guess eight hours without food or water in the summer heat is probably a bad idea! I still can’t help myself to this day…”

Johnny has spent the winter training in Morocco in preparation for a new season on the WQS and BPSA circuits. After injury spoilt his chances in 2005, and with a slower than usual start in 2006, Johnny sees 2007 as a big year for him, and is looking forward to living up to big expectations.