Mick Fanning – The White Lightning
“Speed, Power, Precision”
🌊 Basic Info
Full Name: Michael Eugene Fanning
Nickname: Mick, White Lightning
Born: June 13, 1981 – Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality: Australian
Surfing Stance: Regular
Favorite Surf Spots: Jeffreys Bay (South Africa), Snapper Rocks, Bells Beach
🏆 Career Highlights
Championships & Titles:
3× World Champion (2007, 2009, 2013)
Won over 22 CT events across his career
4× Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach champion
Notable Competitions:
J-Bay Open, Pipeline Masters, Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast
Made history with his consistent performances under pressure
Best Performances:
2013 J-Bay – flawless rail game in pumping surf
2015 J-Bay – famously fought off a great white shark mid-heat and returned to surf again that year
2013 World Title race – defeated both Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson in one of the tightest finishes ever
Signature Moves:
Known for his deep rail carves, lightning-fast transitions, and explosive snap turns
Blended traditional power surfing with modern progression like no one else
🏄♂️ Surfing Style & Equipment
Board Preferences:
Rode for DHD Surfboards (shaped by Darren Handley) – boards custom-built for speed and control
Often surfed 5’11”–6’1” thrusters with sharp outlines for precision
Wetsuit & Gear:
Longtime ambassador for Rip Curl, wearing their wetsuits and gear his entire career
Also backed by Reef, Red Bull, Dragon, and Creatures of Leisure
Training & Fitness:
Ultra-disciplined – combined cardio, surf-specific strength training, and flexibility routines
Also trained in breathing techniques and mindfulness after 2015’s shark encounter
Wave Preferences:
Preferred long, high-performance right-handers – Jeffreys Bay was his temple
Also performed exceptionally in beach breaks and heavy reef conditions
🌍 Life Beyond Surfing
Hobbies & Interests:
Loves golf, motorsports, and fishing
Co-founder of Balter Brewing, a popular Aussie craft beer brand
Social Causes:
Supports mental health awareness and recovery programs
Active in ocean protection and Aussie wildlife conservation
Fun Facts:
Survived a live shark attack on camera and went viral around the world
Close friends with fellow legends like Joel Parkinson and the late Andy Irons
Wrote a memoir and appeared in multiple surf documentaries, including Missing and Savage Pencil
🎥 Photos & Videos
Look for his J-Bay performances and final Bells Beach win – absolute masterclass in flow and speed
📢 Latest News & Updates
In 2025, Mick continues to mentor rising Aussie surf stars and remains active with Rip Curl
He’s currently working on a surf travel series across remote Australia
Balter Brewing just launched a new “White Lightning Lager” inspired by his legacy
📱 Social Media
