What does a 3x World Champion do when he is not chasing the world’s most intimidating swells? For TGR favorite and surf icon John John Florence, the answer lies beyond the shoreline. Instead of anchoring himself to a traditional home with a foundation stuck to the earth, Florence chose a life of pure exploration. He is currently navigating the Pacific with his family aboard Vela, a 48-foot Gunboat catamaran. This vessel is engineered for a completely off-grid life in the elements.
Step Aboard the Vela in Fiji
In the latest episode of Huckberry Homes, the crew heads out to Florence’s current location in Fiji to step onto the craft. Living aboard a catamaran operates on a similar philosophy to a tiny home. Space is intentional, forcing a strict limit on what you bring. Yet, this lifestyle provides an unparalleled advantage for an athlete.
When your entire living quarters sit on the water, you are connected to the ocean. You watch weather patterns shift in real-time, monitor changing currents, and anchor directly outside the reef. This connection allows Florence to surf new breaks almost everyday.
A Masterclass in Intentional Family Living
Beyond the obvious benefits of tracking down pristine surf, this setup forces a beautiful shift in daily life. Without the endless distractions, chores, and clutter of a traditional household, life slows down to its purest form.
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For Florence, this environment offers the ultimate space to raise a family. Spending the last year navigating remote island groups means every single sunrise, meal, and ocean crossing is experienced together. That togetherness creates a sense of presence and connection, where success isn’t measured by possessions, but by the quality of time spent together. Teaching the next generation to respect, understand, and live in harmony with the natural world.
Tour the Ultimate Floating Homestead
This immersive, off-grid lifestyle is proof that stripping away the noise allows you to focus on what truly matters. If you are ready to see exactly how the Florence family operates in the middle of the Pacific, you can watch the walkthrough right now.
Marlee Knight
Content & Event Coordinator
Marlee Knight is a Content and Event Coordinator at Teton Gravity Research, helping support film premieres, events, and the stories that bring the action sports community together. When she’s not working, she’s usually outside — snowboarding, backpacking, or out with a camera.
