Brands We Love: Florence Marine X
Florence Marine X NZ – Technical Surf Clothing & Boardshorts
If you've spent any time following surfing content on social media, in magazines or on YouTube, you've probably come across Florence Marine X. Founded by world champion surfer John John Florence, the brand grew from a partnership between John John and legendary surf industry figure Bob Hurley and his family.
Bob Hurley, founder of Hurley and one of the most influential figures in modern surf apparel, had already worked closely with John John during his professional surfing career. When John John began developing a brand of his own, that relationship continued, with Bob and his family helping bring Florence Marine X to life.
The result is a brand built around John John's experience in some of the world's most demanding ocean environments, combined with decades of experience in technical surf apparel and product development.
Rather than simply creating another surf clothing label, Florence Marine X was built around a philosophy of making functional equipment for modern ocean and outdoor conditions.
At FlowState Surf + Sport, we're proud to offer a growing range of Florence Marine X clothing and equipment, helping surfers throughout New Zealand access technical apparel developed with performance, durability and life around the ocean in mind.
What Is Florence Marine X?
Florence Marine X is a performance-focused surf and outdoor brand founded around the experience of professional surfer John John Florence.
The brand's approach is simple: create products that work.
From Florence Marine X boardshorts designed for movement and durability to technical rash shirts, UPF sun shirts and performance tops, the range is designed for people who spend serious time in and around the water.
Florence Marine X combines technical fabrics, functional construction, lightweight materials and extensive testing to create apparel suited to surfing, paddling, fishing, sailing, hiking, travelling and everyday outdoor use.
The result is clothing that doesn't just look at home around the beach — it is designed to perform there.
Who Is John John Florence?
John John Florence is one of the most accomplished surfers of his generation and a multiple-time World Champion.
Growing up on O'ahu's North Shore, John John developed his surfing in some of the world's most powerful and challenging waves. His experience in heavy surf, big-wave surfing and ocean exploration has had a major influence on the philosophy behind Florence Marine X.
That experience is important to the brand because Florence Marine X wasn't created from a purely fashion perspective. The products are influenced by the practical requirements of someone who spends enormous amounts of time surfing, travelling and exploring the ocean.
The Bob Hurley Connection
One of the more interesting parts of the Florence Marine X story is its connection to Bob Hurley.
Bob Hurley has played a significant role in modern surf culture and apparel, having founded Hurley and helped shape the development of technical surf clothing.
His relationship with John John Florence developed during John John's professional surfing career. That connection eventually evolved into a partnership to develop something new — Florence Marine X.
Combining John John's experience as a world-class surfer with the Hurley family's knowledge of surf apparel and product development created a strong foundation for the brand.
The result is a range that puts performance and function ahead of unnecessary complexity, with products designed for surfers, watermen and outdoor athletes.
Why Choose Florence Marine X?
Florence Marine X has become popular with surfers looking for a combination of technical performance, durability and everyday wearability.
Depending on the product, features across the range include:
- Lightweight and quick-drying fabrics
- Four-way stretch for unrestricted movement
- UPF sun protection
- Breathable technical fabrics
- Durable construction
- Recycled materials across many products
- Functional pockets and utility features
- Designs suited to both water and land
- Clean, understated styling
Whether you're heading out for a dawn surf, spending a day fishing, paddling offshore or travelling to your next surf destination, Florence Marine X is designed to work across different environments.
Florence Marine X Boardshorts
Florence Marine X boardshorts are one of the brand's key product categories and are designed specifically around movement and performance in the water.
Rather than treating boardshorts as simply beachwear, Florence Marine X approaches them as technical equipment.
For example, the Florence Marine X F1 Zero Boardshort uses welded construction, four-way stretch, quick-drying recycled fabric and functional features designed for demanding conditions.
For surfers looking for a combination of durability and breathability, the Florence Marine X Cordura Airtex Boardshort combines high-strength Cordura® fabric with breathable AIRTEX side panels and four-way stretch.
Another option is the Florence Marine X F1 Airtex Gamma Boardshort, which uses AIRTEX side panels to increase airflow and water drainage while maintaining the flexibility required for surfing and paddling.
Key features found across the Florence Marine X boardshort range include:
- Four-way stretch
- Quick-drying fabrics
- Comfortable waist construction
- Above-the-knee performance lengths
- Functional pockets
- Utility loops
- Scalloped hems for movement
- Durable construction
If you're looking for Florence Marine X boardshorts in New Zealand, FlowState Surf + Sport stocks a growing selection of the range.
Florence Marine X Rash Shirts & UV Protection
One of the most useful parts of the Florence Marine X range for New Zealand surfers is its selection of rash shirts, rash guards and UPF sun shirts.
New Zealand has some of the world's strongest UV levels, making reliable sun protection particularly important for anyone spending long periods in the water or outdoors.
The Florence Marine X Standard Issue Long Sleeve Hooded Rash Guard is designed specifically for extended sessions, with UPF 50+ sun protection, long sleeves, a close performance fit and an integrated hood for additional coverage.
For surfers looking for a lighter technical option, the Florence Marine X Airtex Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt combines breathable AIRTEX fabric with moisture-wicking, quick-drying performance, stretch and additional coverage from its integrated hood.
The Florence Marine X Sun Pro Long Sleeve UPF Shirt provides another option for long days in the sun, with UPF 50+ protection, moisture-wicking fabric, stretch and breathable panels.
Florence Marine X rash shirts and UV tops can be useful for:
- Surfing
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Boating
- Lifeguarding
- Hiking
- Beach days
- General outdoor activities
For anyone searching for Florence Marine X rash shirts in NZ, the range offers several options depending on how much coverage, stretch and sun protection you need.
Florence Marine X Airtex
AIRTEX is one of the technologies you'll find across the Florence Marine X range.
Designed around breathability and performance, AIRTEX fabrics are particularly useful when you're working hard in warm conditions or moving between land and water.
The Florence Marine X Airtex Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt is a good example, combining lightweight construction, breathability, moisture management, stretch and sun protection.
AIRTEX technology also features in products such as the Florence Marine X Cordura Airtex and F1 Airtex Gamma boardshorts, where breathable side panels help with airflow and water drainage.
More Than Just Surfwear
While Florence Marine X has strong roots in surfing, the range extends well beyond traditional surf clothing.
Depending on the season, the collection can include:
- Boardshorts
- Rash shirts
- UPF sun shirts
- Performance T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Hoodies
- Jackets
- Walk shorts
- Caps
- Wetsuits
- Accessories
This makes Florence Marine X particularly versatile for people who spend time outdoors.
The same technical shirt that works for a surf session can also be useful while fishing, paddleboarding, hiking, travelling or simply spending a long day at the beach.
Florence Marine X in New Zealand
New Zealand's coastline offers everything from warm summer beach days to cold winter surf sessions, making versatile technical apparel particularly useful.
Buying Florence Marine X in New Zealand through a local retailer also means local customer service, NZD pricing and easier access to sizing and product advice.
At FlowState Surf + Sport, we're building our Florence Marine X range with New Zealand surfers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind.
Whether you're surfing Auckland's west coast, chasing winter swells, heading south for a surf trip or travelling overseas, technical clothing can make a noticeable difference to comfort and performance.
Choosing the Right Florence Marine X Gear
The best Florence Marine X products for you will depend on how you plan to use them.
For Surfing
Consider:
- Technical boardshorts
- Rash shirts and rash guards
- UPF sun shirts
- Lightweight caps
- Quick-drying performance apparel
For Long Days in the Sun
Look for:
- Long sleeve UPF shirts
- Hooded rash guards
- Breathable AIRTEX tops
- Lightweight caps
- Technical boardshorts
For Travel
Consider:
- Performance T-shirts
- Walk shorts
- Lightweight layers
- Hoodies
- Versatile caps
For Everyday Wear
Look for:
- Casual T-shirts
- Shorts
- Caps
- Jackets
- Comfortable performance layers
The versatility of Florence Marine X means you can build a kit that works both in and out of the water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Marine X
Is Florence Marine X available in New Zealand?
Yes. FlowState Surf + Sport stocks a growing range of Florence Marine X clothing and equipment in New Zealand, including boardshorts, rash shirts, UPF sun protection tops and other technical apparel.
Is Florence Marine X only for surfers?
No. While the brand was developed from a surfing and ocean-focused perspective, Florence Marine X products are designed for a wide range of outdoor activities including paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, hiking, travelling and everyday wear.
Does Florence Marine X make rash shirts?
Yes. Florence Marine X produces a range of rash shirts and rash guards, including long sleeve and hooded options designed to provide sun protection and unrestricted movement in the water.
Are Florence Marine X boardshorts worth it?
Florence Marine X boardshorts are designed as technical surf equipment rather than simply fashion-focused beachwear. Features such as four-way stretch, quick-drying fabrics, durable construction and functional details make them suited to regular surfing and water use.
Does Florence Marine X use recycled materials?
Many Florence Marine X products incorporate recycled materials. The brand focuses on technical performance while also considering material selection and product durability.
Who created Florence Marine X?
Florence Marine X was founded by professional surfer and multiple-time World Champion John John Florence, with Bob Hurley and his family playing an important role in helping establish and develop the brand.
Shop Florence Marine X NZ at FlowState Surf + Sport
Looking for Florence Marine X in New Zealand?
Shop the full Florence Marine X collection at FlowState Surf + Sport and explore boardshorts, rash shirts, UPF sun protection tops, performance apparel and other technical gear.
From the Florence Marine X F1 Zero Boardshort and Cordura Airtex boardshorts to technical rash shirts and UV tops, we're continuing to expand our selection of Florence Marine X products for Kiwi surfers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you're chasing waves around New Zealand, preparing for your next surf trip or simply looking for technical clothing that can handle life outdoors, Florence Marine X is built to perform wherever the ocean takes you.
NZD