Rip Curl Pro 2016: Mick Fanning happy ahead of his surfing sayonara at Bells Beach

HE’S one of the most emotional men in surfing but Mick Fanning says he doesn’t expect he will be upset at all when he makes his early season farewell at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

Bells Beach Mick Fanning wins. Picture: Jason Sammon Thursday 10th April 2015

HE’S one of the most emotional surfers on the world tour but Mick Fanning says he doesn’t expect he will be upset at all when he makes his early season farewell to the World Tour at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach event.

The four-time Bells Beach winner is “ready” to step back from the world tour and live life away from the spotlight for a while.

“I want a holiday,’’ Fanning said.

Mick Fanning showed incredible board control on his way to a fourth Rip Curl Pro crown. Pic: Jason Sammon.

Fanning is at the Victorian surfing hot spot for what could be his final world surf league event of the year.

He could also create history at the event by winning an historic fifth Rip Curl Pro crown.

In the wake of his shocking shark attack last year, a marriage breakup and the death of his brother, Fanning decided he needed to take a break from the world circuit after contesting his favourite events of the year — the Quiksilver Pro at his home break at Snapper Rocks and the Rip Curl Peo Bells Beach.

“I don’t think I’ll be emotional about it at all,” Fanning said of his impending departure from the championship tour.

“I’m ready for a break.”

Fanning plans to spend time working on business projects, including a boutique brewery with fellow surfers including Joel Parkinson, chasing some big waves and exploring a quieter life away from the glare of attention which has surrounded him since being attacked during competition in South Africa.

Mick Fanning after winning last year Pic: WSL/ Cestari

Fanning is also privately very active in charity work and said he would like to spend more time doing this.

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is very rewarding,” he said.

“It’s exciting, to be able to go away and do different things.

“To step away from the spotlight a little.”

The Rip Curl Pro could start as early as Thursday with good swell being forecast for the weekend.

Australians Matt Wilkinson and Tyler Wright go into the Rip Curl Pro wearing the No. 1 bibs after their victories in the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros.

Mick Fanning with the famous bell trophy.

Injuries to Owen Wright (AUS), Bede Durbidge (AUS) and Alejo Muniz (BRA) will see their positions filled by Adam Melling (AUS), Stuart Kennedy (AUS) and Sebastian Zietz (HAW).

Brazilian Filipe Toledo has been replaced by injury wildcard Mason Ho from Hawaii with Jack Freestone’s spot to be filled by Dusty Payne.

On the women’s side, injured American surfer Lakey Peterson will be replaced by Australian Bronte Macaulay.

Originally published as Rip Curl Pro 2016: Mick Fanning happy ahead of his surfing sayonara at Bells Beach