World Surfing League champ John John Florence wipes out before even entering water

Current world champion surfer John John Florence. Photo / Getty

It was a bad day at the office for two-time defending World Surf League champion John John Florence.

The Hawaiian has failed to advance past the second round of the Quiksilver Pro event on the Gold Coast - the opening event of the year.

Florence's early exit followed an embarrassing moment when he entered the surf. The 25-year-old took a nasty spill while arriving at some rocks, falling face first.

It's his first round-two exit in 25 events on the WSL, after losing to Aussie Mikey Wright in the elimination heat.

Florence had no answers to the variety and power of 21-year-old Wright, who combined 7.83 and 7.27 rides.

Florence had lost his first-round heat on Sunday at the World Surf League season opener at Snapper Rocks, something he didn't do once during his successful 2017 campaign.

His scores of 5.83 and 4.93 didn't come close to Wright, who has been impressive in the qualifying series so far this year as he attempts to join older brother Owen and sister Tyler on the tour fulltime.