It started with a simple idea: get gear in the hands of our community, gather intel on its performance through wear-testing, make the gear better, repeat. Since then, our member wear-testing program has evolved into something much greater than we could have ever anticipated – a real community.
The program, much like the products we’re testing, is a constant work in progress. With your help, we’re looking to improve the Florence Test Pilot program with every cycle.
Direct comms with the Florence Test Pilots, members and staff.
JOHN JOHN FLORENCE
Founder and Original Test Pilot
North Shore, Oahu
JACK BARK
Paddler, surfer, diver, fireman
Torrance, California
TOA PERE
Long Distance Paddler & Surfer
North Shore, Oahu
MADDIX ALOTIS
The Next Generation of North Shore Watermen
North Shore, Oahu
ERIK KNUTSON
Head of Cinematography, Parallel Sea
North Shore, Oahu
KAIWI BERRY
Shark Diver and Outer Reefs Charger
North Shore, Oahu
HOW TO BECOME A TEST PILOT
CYCLES + HOW TEST PILOTS ARE SELECTED
Bi-monthly (6x per year) is our Test Pilot cycle cadence. The gear is always different, and it can be either a prototype or an existing piece of equipment we may be looking to improve.
A question we get often is: how are Test Pilots selected? It isn’t a science, and each cycle is different, but there are some requirements and certain things we look for in potential candidates.
REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN
- You must be a Florence member.
- You must have applied to be part of the Test Pilot program.
THINGS WE LOOK FOR
- A passion for the outdoors and/or sport.
- Being an engaged member of our social community, or the Florence Discord.
- Members who’ve left multiple, thoughtful reviews on our gear.
- Legends who absolutely send it.
From there, our selection process is fun. We narrow down candidates, get insight and recommendations from our founder John Florence, and we select the crew.
If you’re not selected, the good news is you don’t have to apply again – you’re already in the pool and will be considered each cycle.
Test Pilot Testimonial: Craig Yester
We recently hopped on the phone with our second round of Florence Test Pilots to review their findings. We love these calls – it’s a chance for us to connect to our community and hear real valuable feedback around our gear. Near the end of this particular call, Craig Yester – a test pilot from the North Shore of Oahu and a former professional windsurfer – was given the floor and reminded us all why we started this brand and this program in the first place.
