When you're on top you're earning. While the pay gap in surfing is considerable, the cheques of the premiere ladies and gentlemen might surprise. A money-wise, skilled surfer can pull in upward of a few mill a year. Which is pretty cushy when you consider they spend their time travelling the world in search of the highest quality waves. These are the one percent who never listened to the old surfing will leave you bankrupt riff. Without further ado, let's get to the numbers:

1. John John Florence.

2016 was John John’s year, from The Eddie win to the world title to the triple crown. John’s profits align with his competitive success – JJF is the highest paid surfer in the world, earning what equates to an astronomical $700 an hour. What you might find interesting is that this is the first time in over 10 years since Kelly Slater that the world champ has owned the biggest pay cheque in the world. Before John’s almost-$4m-a-year deal with Hurley, the largest contract was Dane Reynolds’ $3.5m deal with Quiksilver, who peaked competitively at fourth in the world in 2010.

John is Hurley’s first male world champ, who also picks up the standard world title million dollar bonus. Well, standard if you ride for any of the big surf co’s (last year, Adriano didn’t get the big bonus from Hawaiian Dreams, who own the space on his nose).

John has a smaller energy drink deal; because his hat is owned (entirely) by Hurley, it's not co-branded with Monster. Energy drinks live and die by the hat but this was a non-negotiable for Hurley. And, for a guy like John, the most precious commodity for him is time. The less obligations he has, the better. Less cash and more time for surfing? Of course, said John.

Nixon’s team is an interesting study. The team all have to agree on new signings and they’re all paid the same amount. Obviously, some get more funding for projects and trips but the base salary is the same. John picked up $406k in prize money on top of his $75k for winning the Eddie and a further WSL world title bonus of $150k. John also rolls with Nike as his unofficial footwear sponsor because Hurley is owned by Nike. He wears no stickers, however.

John signed with DaKine for 2017 so next year he’ll be earning a touch more than his 700 bones an hour, even while he sleeps.

Sponsors: Hurley, Spy, Stance, Monster, Futures, Nixon and Pyzel surfboards.

2016 prize money: $631k

Total earnings: circa $6.1m