Surf Scene: Mick to have one last hurrah

HE might be on the brink of retirement but don’t think you have seen the last of Mick Fanning on the waves, says Surf Scene.

MICK Fanning may have retired from full-time competition on the World Tour but don’t be surprised to see Mick pull on the jersey again and sooner than you think.

Fanning is part of the Australian team captained by Steph Gilmore at the upcoming Founders’ Cup at Kelly Slater’s Wave Pool Ranch on May 4-5 at Leemore in central California.

The three-time world champion has vowed that Australia will win in a Davis Cup-style competition against USA, and Brazil.

Tickets are still available for this sporting spectacle.

“The best of the best will be competing,” said Rabbit Bartholomew who is one of the Founders of Pro Surfing.

Bugs joins an illustrious list of the Founders of Professional Surfing from Hawaii’s Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarrick, Ian Cairns, Peter Townend, and Shaun Tomson.

The Founders’ Cup is held in the honour of those pioneers of World Professional Surfing.

“Each one (of the founders) had their time in a meaningful way through the administration guiding the sport into a new era. Each led into the other equally,” said Bartholomew when asked at Bells Beach during the Rip Curl Easter Pro what had they accomplished.

He retorted: “The best accomplishment is where surfing is today.”

Not everyone is excited about the new wave pool technology, saying it ain’t real surfing. But in terms of sporting events, new surfing technology and creating new locations, it’s hard not to be impressed.

The ticket price varies from $95 general admission to a VIP exclusive package including lessons with Kelly Slater and a one-hour surf for $9500.

On the sporting level with a live WSL webcast, it will be a thrilling format to watch Mick and the Aussies Steph Gilmore, Tyler Wright, Julian Wilson and Matt Wilkinson take on the international field.

Following the Founders’ Cup, Mick will be back in the hot seat for another fabulous Fanning Farewell party this time on the Gold Coast at The Theatre, Casino Drive, Broadbeach. Tickets are from $29.90.

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