Easter’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach could be the last event of Mick Fanning’s professional career, at least this year.
The top surfer in the stable of the Torquay-based company has announced he will take 2016 as a “personal year”, nominating Bells as the last contest on his schedule.
The three-time world champion would “take time off from full-time competition” after an eventful 2015 that included a dramatic shark attack at Jeffereys Bay, in South Africa, and the death of his brother.
Fanning was surfing in Hawaii for the world title in the last event of the year when he learned Peter had died. Fanning surfed again at Pipeline after learning of the tragedy but failed to win the event and finished runner-up in the title race.
“Last year was definitely intense: what happened at J-Bay, being in a title race and the unfortunate passing of my brother,” Fanning said.
“There was so much build up with everything happening. 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. At this stage, I’m going to compete at Snapper and I’m going to compete at Bells and then I’m going to take some time off from there.
“They (Snapper and Bells) are two events that I love and I’d go crazy if I were sitting at home and couldn’t go surf Snapper. Bells is like a second home as well. From then on, I feel like I have to take some time away from the tour to get out of that sort of zone to see where my head is at.”
Fanning said he decided to step back from competition after “lengthy discussion with family, friends, sponsors and the WSL”.
The 15-year world tour veteran has a record of 21 event wins to go with his three world titles.
The World Surf League paid tribute to Fanning.
“Mick Fanning is one of the most committed and inspiring figures our sport has been fortunate enough to have,” said commissioner Kieren Perrow.
“He’s been up front and open about his feelings following the 2015 season and the commissioner’s office wholeheartedly supports him taking time for himself this year. We look forward to seeing him at the opening event on the Gold Coast and at select events throughout the year.”
