Mick Fanning retiring? Don’t count on it. Photo: WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
Bells wasn’t exactly a storybook ending to begin Mick Fanning’s indefinite haitus from professional surfing. But as dejected as we all may feel at the absence of number seven on Tour, don’t stress too much—the three-time world champion has hinted that he wishes to one day put on a jersey again. When will that be? Well, it may be sooner than you think.
To say Mick Fanning had a tough year in 2015 would be a massive understatement. From the incident at J-Bay to his brother’s passing, and the difficult breakup with his wife Karissa Dalton of eight years—all the while fighting to secure a fourth world title—took an immense toll on Mick. Consequently, he announced that 2016 would be a “personal year” after he competed at Snapper and Bells.
“There was so much build up with everything happening,” said Mick in an interview with the WSL. “I got to a point at the end of the year where I felt empty. I didn’t feel like I had much to give back. This year, I’m going to take some time off and have a bit of a personal year. Just to regroup and re-stoke the fire.”
Following his semifinal exit from Bells, Fanning took to Instagram to bid his farewell to professional surfing (for now).
“It’s Holiday time!!!!” wrote Mick. “Thanks to everyone for the support over the last couple of weeks had a great time at Bells!! Also huge congrats to @mattwilko8 so stoked for you brother!! I’m off on an adventure so will see you all soon!!”
Mick Fanning, the guy we all know and love, is a natural-born competitor. It’s hard to imagine professional surfing without him, and I’m sure he feels the same way. My prediction is that Mick will do some traveling, get barreled off his head, and miss the feeling of competing. In an interview with the WSL last February, Fanning hinted that his return to competition may be sooner than most had previously anticipated.
“I want to go back to J-Bay,” said Mick. “I feel like there’s something there that I want to go and face. I want to make sure that I scratch that off the list. I think the main thing will be that first surf. I probably won’t be getting up at dark and getting out there before the sun gets up anymore. If I go and do that event, there are going to be a lot of eyes on me. A lot of people will be seeing what reaction I’ll have. I don’t think I’ll be paddling out early for heats, but I think after a surf or two, I’ll feel fine.”
