Fuck… Mick Fanning’s been on a heater, hasn’t he? This time last year Mick via the WSL announced 2016 would be a “personal year.” If you recall, in 2015 the three-time world champ was attacked by a shark at J-Bay and lost his brother, Peter. So when he wanted to take some time off, who could blame him?
Surfing in only five events in 2016, Mick easily requalified for the ’17 tour – his best result being a redemptive win at J-Bay. But in between contests Mick’s been living the goddam life discovering new waves, according to rumors hitting up Kelly’s wave pool, surfing under the Northern Lights, and, apparently, working on his air game?
I’ll admit it. As much as three world titles is nothing to bat an eye at, until recently I found Mick’s surfing both in contests and video parts to be overly methodical. Less an artist than a surgeon, attacking sections to milk the highest point value. Think about it. The reason guys like Dane, John John, or Kelly are exciting to watch in contests is because they’re likely to go for broke. Spontaneity is the enemy of consistency, which is what’s needed to win world titles, but playing it safe doesn’t equal viral Youtube clips.
This year, though, there’s something different about Mick. He’s surfing like he’s got nothing to lose and nothing to prove. I’ll be the first to admit that my general attitude of meh toward the guy has shifted. I’m rooting for him now – especially now that he’s come out and said he’s all in for 2017. Here’s to hoping the air game is here to stay.
