Mick Fanning

Mick Fanning
File:Mick Fanning 2013 Quiksilver Pro France.jpg Fanning at the 2013 Quiksilver Pro France
Born	Michael Eugene Fanning (1981-06-13) June 13, 1981 Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation	Professional surfer
Years active	2001–present
Known for	Three-time ASP/WSL World Tour champion; surviving a shark attack during the 2015 J-Bay Open finals

Michael Eugene Fanning (born 13 June 1981) is an Australian professional surfer who has claimed the Association of Surfing Professionals/World Surf League (ASP/WSL) World Tour championship three times, securing titles in 2007, 2009, and 2013. He is also recognized for surviving a shark attack by a probable great white shark during the 2015 J-Bay Open finals held at Jeffreys Bay.

Early years

Fanning was born in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, to parents of Irish descent. He started surfing at the age of three near Mount Gambier but intensified his dedication after relocating to Tweed Heads, New South Wales at twelve years old. Growing up in the Gold Coast/Northern Rivers area alongside fellow professional surfer Joel Parkinson, he attended Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. Situated on the Queensland border, this location provided him access to a variety of surf breaks, helping him quickly gain prominence. By 1996, Fanning had achieved a top-three finish at the Australian National Titles and established himself as a leading figure on Queensland’s surf scene. In 1998, he experienced the tragic loss of his brother Sean and fellow surfer Joel Green in a car accident.

Professional career

In 2001, Fanning earned a wild card entry into the prestigious Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, where he won one of Australia's most significant competitions. He concluded 2002 as Rookie of the Year after winning the Billabong Pro at Jeffrey's Bay and securing his place on the 2002 Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour by becoming World Qualifying Series (WQS) Champion.

Following a hamstring injury in 2004 that required surgical intervention, Fanning made a successful return to competition and established himself as a top contender on the ASP world tour.

By his sixth season on the ASP World Tour in 2007, Fanning launched his title campaign with a win at the Quiksilver Pro, which propelled him to lead the 2007 ASP World Tour rankings. He clinched the 2007 ASP world championship by triumphing at the Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil. A groin injury midway through the 2008 season affected his performance, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the year-end rankings. Fanning regained the ASP World Champion crown in 2009 at the renowned Pipeline reef break on Oahu's North Shore, securing enough points to win despite being eliminated in Round 4. In 2013, he advanced to the quarter-finals and won Round five at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

On 3 December 2015, Fanning achieved his first WQS victory on Hawaiian waves by winning the Vans World Cup held at Sunset Beach, Oahu.

Shark attack

During the finals of the J-Bay Open 2015 on 19 July 2015 at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, Fanning was involved in a shark encounter just two minutes into his heat. A suspected great white shark became entangled in his surfboard leash. To defend himself, Fanning struck the shark and used his board as protection until it severed his leash. Fellow competitor Julian Wilson quickly paddled over to assist and received acclaim for his prompt action.

While initial media reports described it as a "shark attack," some marine experts argued that the shark did not intend to bite. Nevertheless, due to physical contact and damage to Fanning’s leash, the incident was officially recorded as an attack by the International Shark Attack File. A rescue team intervened to drive off the shark and safely extract both surfers from the water. Both emerged unharmed and shared victory honors along with prize money. The competition was subsequently called off.

Shortly after returning to Australia, Fanning expressed gratitude for surviving: "I'm just lucky it wasn't my time." The event attracted widespread international media coverage. Within days, he resumed surfing activities, dedicating his efforts to his late brother. In August, he surfed at Ship Stern Bluff—a location known for great white sharks—and participated in that month’s Billabong Pro Teahupoo event. Fanning finished 2015 ranked second worldwide after winning the Hurley Pro at Trestles Beach.

Personal life

Fanning was married to entrepreneur Karissa Dalton for eight years before they publicly announced their separation in January 2016. He was a co-owner of Balter Brewing Company alongside Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr, and Bede Durbidge until the business was acquired by Carlton & United Breweries in 2019. In the same year, Fanning made an investment in the Australian pet food brand Scratch, highlighting his commitment to health-conscious business ventures. Additionally, he is a dedicated supporter of the National Rugby League team, the Penrith Panthers.

Honours

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to professional surfing and charitable endeavors, Fanning was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2017. Later, in 2024, he earned induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Career victories

WSL World Tour wins
Year	Event	Location	Country
2016	J-Bay Open	Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape	Template:RSA
2015	Hurley Pro at Trestles	Trestles, California	Template:USA
2015	Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach	Bells Beach, Victoria	Template:AUS
2014	Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal	Supertubos, Peniche	Template:POR
2014	J-Bay Open	Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape	Template:RSA
2014	Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach	Bells Beach, Victoria	Template:AUS
2013	Quiksilver Pro France	Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Template:FRA
2012	Billabong Pro Teahupoo	Teahupoo, Tahiti	Template:PYF
2012	Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach	Bells Beach, Victoria	Template:AUS
2010	Quiksilver Pro France	Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Template:FRA
2009	Hurley Pro at Trestles	Trestles, California	Template:USA
2009	Rip Curl Pro Search	Supertubos, Peniche	Template:POR
2009	Quiksilver Pro France	Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Template:FRA
2007	Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast	Gold Coast, Queensland	Template:AUS
2007	Quiksilver Pro France	Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine	Template:FRA
2007	Hang Loose Pro	Imbituba, Santa Catarina	Template:BRA
2006	Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay	Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape	Template:RSA
2006	Nova Schin Festival	Imbituba, Santa Catarina	Template:BRA
2005	Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast	Gold Coast, Queensland	Template:AUS
2005	Rip Curl Pro Search	Saint Leu, Reunion Island	Template:FRA
2002	Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay	Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape	Template:RSA
2001	Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach	Bells Beach, Victoria	Template:AUS
WQS Wins
Year	Event	Location	Country
2015	Vans World Cup	Sunset Beach, Oahu	Template:Country data Hawaii
2005	Energy Australia Open	Newcastle, New South Wales	Template:AUS
2002	Mark Richards Newcastle City Pro	Newcastle, New South Wales	Template:AUS
2001	Wet Dreams Masters	Margaret River, Western Australia	Template:AUS
2000	Mark Richards Newcastle City Pro	Newcastle, New South Wales	Template:AUS

External links

• Official site
• Profile on WSL
• IMDb profile
• YouTube: Mick Fanning shark attack during contest