Fanning announces he won’t be competing for a world title this year

AFTER a heartbreaking 2015 season for Mick Fanning three time world champion has decided to take a break this year, announcing he won’t be competing in the full WSL tour.

MICK Fanning has announced he will not compete in the full WSL World Championship Tour this year.

The three-time-world champion and local treasure suffered intense heartbreak in 2015 with the death of his brother Peter Fanning, being attacked by a shark in South Africa during competition and recently splitting with his wife Karissa Dalton.

MICK FANNING IS A BORN FIGHTER

Despite tragedy the 34-year-old pushed through all the horrific set backs to finish second in the world.

After a devastating 2015 for Mick Fanning, the former world champion is taking a break from competition this year.

“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.

Mick Fanning announced early this year he was breaking up with his wife, Karissa Dalton. Picture Craig Greenhill

“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.”

Funeral service for Peter Fanning, the older brother of three time world surfing champion Mick Fanning. Picture: Jerad Williams,

He has just launched his own brewing company ‘Balter Brewing’ with mate and fellow world tour surfers — which he will be able to have more focus on through the year.

The decision to not compete in the WSL tour this year came after speaking with family and friends and WSL executives.

“When I first came to this decision, I rang up Kieren (Perrow) and Paul Speaker and gave them an idea of what I was thinking and seeing if it was okay with them,” Fanning said.

“Between those two and the whole WSL being supportive, it’s been really incredible.

“Even last year, with all the things happening, they were the first people that would reach out to support and make sure everything was okay.

“I’m really thankful that they’re giving me this opportunity to be selective with events and see where I’m at.”

The horrifying moment Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark on live TV during competition at Jeffreys Bay.

The shark incident at Jeffreys Bay in July became a top international news story, vaulting Fanning into a level of public recognition never before seen in the sport.

And while he’s taking a back seat, Fanning said he will return to the infamous break where he cheated death.

“I want to go back to J-Bay,” Fanning said.

“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.

After talking to his family Mick Fanning has made the tough decision to take a break from competing. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

“I probably won’t be getting up at dark and getting out there before the sun gets up anymore.

“I think it’s more about jumping in and surfing once or twice and then I’ll be fine.

“It’s the same thing as when I came back and surfed Snapper for the first time.

“You’re a little bit wary and it’s in the back of your mind, but you get to a point where you start to feel comfortable again.

“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.”

A 15-year veteran of the elite WSL Championship Tour, Fanning has amassed an impressive 21 event wins and three world titles.