Mick Fanning JBay
Mick Fanning rides J-Bay again!

Fanning: “It was a one off…hopefully!”

Mick Fanning and his first surf since the Great White Incident of '15!

Mick Fanning has gone to South Africa early, a few days ahead of the first day of the J-Bay waiting period to tune up, get a few waves, eat exotic bbq, etc.

It was just last year that he became a household name by fending off a great white shark while Julian Wilson rushed to his side. As dramatic as it was thrilling especially seeing no one was hurt. But a thing like that must stick in the brain, no?

Maybe no. Or maybe yes. Mick says, “…a little bit of anxiety sort of came up…” before his first surf but paddled anyhow. And how moody is that sky? The way it is filmed and edited he looks like the only man in the water. Very brave.

“Moody” anyhow must be the word tacked to the great white creative boards from Rip Curl HQ over to the World Surf League’s Santa Monica campus. Did you watch their “We were always coming back…” spot that ran during Fiji? I loved everything about it.

The moodiest!

And what would it take to end your surfing career? A brush with great white death? An extra long hold down? Ellie-Jean Coffey?

What?

First Wave - Mick Fanning Returns to J'BAY, South Africa
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Dumb Florida Redneck
Dumb Florida Redneck
10 years ago

The last one backwards crab walking naked.

Abscessed Llama
Abscessed Llama
10 years ago

I would consider dropping the microphone on hands down the best wave of my life. I have more than once taken myself out of the lineup after making a really good wave.. Recently started my first vegetable garden and find myself thinking about that more than surf. By the way his board looks good under his feet, carries the momentum well.

longtom
longtom
10 years ago

what are you growing?

Abscessed Llama
Abscessed Llama
10 years ago
Reply to  longtom

Eggplant, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Carrots, Chives, Squash, Melons, Peppers. I know Im leaving something out. Kale! I have two 4’x22′ raised beds.
If I had a world class wave in close proximity I’d be pretty content.

wincy
wincy
10 years ago

Mick ‘Bubble-in-his-Throat’ Fanning

DrunkenAngel
DrunkenAngel
10 years ago

milk it

Tom
Tom
10 years ago
Reply to  DrunkenAngel

That’s it both Rip Curl and WSL will absolutely Milk the SHIT out if this to get more views – hopefully. It’s already being shown on other outlets – just surprised he wasn’t spruiking more shit maybe surfing with a can of redbull in his hand

longtom
longtom
10 years ago

I loved that we were always coming back ad too.
best thing the WSL has ever done.

Jocks
Jocks
10 years ago
Reply to  longtom

The best thing the WSL has ever done?

In a weird way maybe you’re right. Just not how you mean it

longtom
longtom
10 years ago
Reply to  Jocks

how do you know how I mean it?

lorne
lorne
10 years ago

Mick would have to be nearly unbackable favourite to win J-Bay right? there is no way the WSL won’t milk the MICK RETURNS narrative all the way.

Tate MacDowell
Tate MacDowell
10 years ago

You let Fanning off pretty easy for once…

Chas Smith
Chas Smith
10 years ago
Reply to  Tate MacDowell

Fuck! I never try to throw salt into that man’s game anymore…I don’t think ever since BeachGrit in fact but everything I write apparently has a nasty undertone! I thought about each sentence as I was writing this time and tried to imagine another, ugly, reading….

Tate MacDowell
Tate MacDowell
10 years ago
Reply to  Chas Smith

Watch out that type of journalistic integrity does get unique page views.

Chas Smith
Chas Smith
10 years ago
Reply to  Tate MacDowell

Did you mean “does not”?

Preston
Preston
10 years ago
Reply to  Chas Smith

No, for sure “does”, right? Easy click bait BS is the obvious choice for most media these days. Including our little world. That said, are you pulling punches with Fanning, or anyone, because of past history? Please say no.

Chas Smith
Chas Smith
10 years ago
Reply to  Preston

No and never! The problem, though, with our past is that I would write what I thought was the most benign story but people would find the hidden barbs and point them out in comments. I wasn’t doing it on purpose but criticism is generally right. And now I feel totally neutered re. he. No matter what I write it’ll be seen as some slam. I just wish I could talk with him. Let him call me an asshole. Whatever! Just clear the air. I loathe LOATHE how sissified our little world is. Why can’t anyone ever step to the motherfucking mic?

Tate MacDowell
Tate MacDowell
10 years ago
Reply to  Chas Smith

BLOOD FUED!!!! Shark Bait Vs chASS HOLE !!

longtom
longtom
10 years ago
Reply to  Tate MacDowell

hahahaha

Preston
Preston
10 years ago
Reply to  Chas Smith

What’s the famous line? “Don’t ever read your own reviews”, or something like that. Please don’t let the mindless nonsense, that is abou 99% of all message board conversations, be your guide in any way.

Given your chosen line of work, if we aren’t poking fingers and asking questions, than what are we?

Mick, or anyone else who overreacted as he seemed to, is just reacting to a well placed jab. Aren’t journalist supposed to push some buttons once in awhile?

Good on ya.

Tate MacDowell
Tate MacDowell
10 years ago
Reply to  Chas Smith

Right… me not so good at wordifying

throwing disqus
throwing disqus
10 years ago

Watching Derek Hynd paddle out laughing straight after would be enough.

Chas Smith
Chas Smith
10 years ago

Ha! Good call.


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