Three Minutes Of Mick Fanning And Snapper Rocks Making Love Like It’s 2005

In 2004, a mistimed floater in Indonesia tore Mick Fanning’s hamstring clean off his hipbone.

Title aspirations for 2004 were immediately dashed, and whispers of doubt began swirling about his future as a professional surfer. He spent the entire season rehabbing.

His return came in the first week of March 2005, at the opening CT contest of the following year. 

The Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks.

And, despite the shadowy doubts, despite the year spent licking his wounds, a 23 year old Mick Fanning returned razor sharp — mincing Andy Irons and Chris Ward en route to his first CT win in front of his hometown crowd. 

It’s been two decades since that double-edged triumph… enough time for Mick to collect a trio of World Titles, 1.2 million Instagram followers, a few more injuries, and a 60-minute special on his Great White encounter, before gracefully stepping into retirement.

If the above clip from beloved lensman Dan Scott is any indication, Mick is still as precise as ever atop his sticker-splattered DHD.

Click above for some action behind the rock (and behind the curtain.)