Charm Isn’t Just A Decoration With Mick Fanning

Roughly a week ago, Mick Fanning joined the TODAY show Australia. After a montage that ran through his competitive career, very much highlighting the shark encounter that shook the surf world (and gave Mick his place as the most famous surfer on earth), the two hosts talked about his “legend” status.

Then Mick showed on screen. Beneath his talking head read, “KING OF WAVES”.

In the subtext changing by subject, the screen read:

“LIFE AFTER COMPETITIVE SURFING WITH LEGEND MICK FANNING”

“MICK FANNING SIGNS ANOTHER TEN YEAR CONTRACT WITH RIP CURL”

“FANNING RETIRED FROM THE WORLD TOUR IN 2018”

“NEW ONLINE VIDEO ’STAB IN THE DARK’ LOOKS AT ECO-FRIENDLY BOARDS”

“WHAT’S NEXT FOR SURFING LEGEND MICK FANNING?”

From an American perspective looking in, the knowledge and media attention given to surfers in Australia never ceases to baffle. In the states, this would only happen on ESPN or, maybe in the golden days of FUEL TV. The Stab in the Dark plug would likely be overlooked by much prodding on the shark incident. Really, in the US, the only time surfing’s featured prominently is on local news during a large swell with a warning to stay away from the coast; when Kelly Slater opens up a wave pool; or a 60-Minutes episode with G-MAC driving a jetski while Anderson Cooper holds tightly to his waist.

Hit play above for the always charming Mr. Fanning fielding an array of post-competitive surf questions courtesy of the TODAY show. Here’s a sea breeze of insight from the 3x World Champ, ranging from the future of Australian surfing, learning to chill, and his plans to track swell and chase the best waves around the world.