Mick Fanning isn’t just a three-time world champion—he’s a surfer who embodies speed, power, and resilience. From his early days shredding the Gold Coast with childhood friend Joel Parkinson to overcoming personal tragedy and battling sharks (literally), Fanning’s journey is one of grit and glory.
| Place of Birth | Penrith, New South Wales, Australia |
| Hometown | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Year of Birth | 13 June 1981 |
| Weight | 165 lb (75 kg) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Stance | Regular |
| First season | 1999 Men’s CT |
Table of Contents
Milestones
- 3x World Champion (2007, 2009, 2013)
- ASP/WSL Championship Tour event wins: 22
- 6x Australian Male Surfer of the Year 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011
- Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductee
Event Wins
2016
- J-Bay Open, Jeffreys Bay
2015
- Hurley Pro at Trestles, Trestles
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bells Beach
2014
- Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Supertubos
- J-Bay Open, Jeffreys Bay
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bells Beach
2013
- Quiksilver Pro France, Hossegor
2012
- Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Teahupoo, Tahiti
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bells Beach
2010
- Quiksilver Pro France, Hossegor
2009
- Hurley Pro at Trestles, Trestles
- Rip Curl Pro Search, Peniche
- Quiksilver Pro France, Hossegor
2007
- Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Gold Coast
- Quiksilver Pro France, Hossegor
- Hang Loose Pro, Santa Catarina
2006
- Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Jeffreys Bay
- Nova Schin Festival, Imbituba
2005
- Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Gold Coast
- Rip Curl Pro Search, Saint Leu, Reunion Island
2002
- Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, Jeffreys Bay
2001
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bells Beach
Backstory
Born on June 13, 1981, in Penrith, New South Wales, Mick Fanning was destined for the waves. The son of Irish immigrants, he first stood on a surfboard at just three years old in Brown Bay, near Mount Gambier. But it wasn’t until his family relocated to Tweed Heads when he was twelve that surfing became more than just a pastime—it became his calling.
Growing up in the wave-rich Gold Coast/Northern Rivers region, Fanning had access to some of Australia’s best breaks, surfing both north and south of the border. Alongside his close friend and future world champion Joel Parkinson, he honed his skills at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. By 1996, he had already made a name for himself as one of Queensland’s top young surfers, securing a top-three finish at the Australian National Titles.
But in 1998, tragedy struck. Fanning’s older brother, Sean Fanning, and fellow surfer Joel Green lost their lives in a car accident. The devastating loss fueled Mick’s determination, driving him to push harder in the water and dedicate his career to his late brother’s memory.
His breakthrough came in 2001 when he scored a wild card entry into the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach—one of Australia’s most prestigious surf competitions—and took the title. That victory catapulted him onto the global stage. The following year, Fanning dominated the World Qualifying Series (WQS), secured his spot on the ASP World Tour, and was named Rookie of the Year.
However, in 2004, an untimely hamstring tear sidelined him, requiring surgery and months of recovery. Undeterred, he made a comeback for the ages, returning stronger than ever to reassert himself as a top contender on the Championship Tour.
By 2007, Fanning was at the peak of his powers. He kicked off the season with a win at the Quiksilver Pro and remained the frontrunner throughout the year. On November 6, 2007, he clinched his first ASP World Title in Brazil, defeating Taj Burrow and Kelly Slater to become the world’s best surfer.
A mid-season groin injury in 2008 briefly slowed him down, but Fanning came roaring back in 2009, securing his second world title at the legendary Pipeline reef break on Oahu’s North Shore. Despite an early exit in the fourth round, his three event wins that season sealed the championship. He wasn’t done yet. In 2013, Fanning proved his dominance once again, reaching the quarterfinals of the Billabong Pipeline Masters and claiming his third ASP World Title.
In 2015, he added another career milestone—winning his first-ever World Qualifying Series (WQS) event at the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach in Hawaii. By then, Mick Fanning was more than just a world champion—he was a legend.
Sponsors
Rip Curl, Reef Footwear, Creatures of Leisure Accessories, Dragon Eyewear, Red Bull Zen Nutrition, Skullcandy, Audi, FCS traction and fins.
Surfboards
Mick Fanning rides surfboards designed by Darren Handley and Wade Tokoro. (5’11” x 18 5/8″ x 2 1/4″)
News, Articles and Interviews
- Mick Fanning on Life Beyond Surfing
- Australian Mick Fanning defeats world No 1 in surfing return at Bells Beach
- Mick Fanning bows out but insists: ‘I’m always going to be surfing’
- ‘He held my feet to the fire.’ – Kelly Slater on Mick Fanning
- Mick Fanning enjoys magical surf beneath the Northern Lights
- The Big Read: The amazing life of Mick Fanning
Quotes by Mick Fanning
I can be surfing the exact same wave and then sometimes something will just set off, even if I’m riding the same board the whole time. Something will just set off and it just feels like you can push just that extra bit harder.
Mick Fanning
Sometimes I wish I had every different sort of board that I could just bring out for this surf when I feeling like surfing this board. I love riding old single fins and twin fins.
Mick Fanning
Interesting Facts about Mick Fanning
- Mick Fanning is often referred to as “White Lightning,” a nickname that reflects his incredibly fast and powerful style of surfing.
- Fanning made global headlines in July 2015 when he had a close encounter with a great white shark during the J-Bay Open finals in South Africa. The incident was broadcast live, and Fanning miraculously escaped unharmed.
- Fanning has won the World Surf League (formerly the ASP World Tour) championship three times: in 2007, 2009, and 2013, showcasing his consistency and competitiveness at the highest levels of the sport.
- In 2001, Fanning received a wild card entry to the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia, which he won. This victory helped launch his career on the World Tour.
- Fanning suffered a severe hamstring injury in 2004, which required surgical repair. His successful return to professional surfing is a testament to his determination and physical conditioning.
- Beyond surfing, Fanning has co-founded a brewery called Balter Brewers in his hometown on the Gold Coast, where he’s been known to serve beers to patrons.
- Fanning is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including working with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in Australia. He’s auctioned off his surfboards and other gear to raise funds for various causes.
- As an avid environmentalist, Fanning has been involved in numerous conservation efforts, including campaigns to protect the Great Australian Bight from oil drilling.
- Mick has appeared in several surf films and documentaries, which include intimate looks at his life and career, such as “Fanning the Fire” and “Missing.”