Mick Fanning Wins The Best Pipe Heat Ever Surfed?

#superheats often underwhelm. It’s the nature of surfing. What looks incredible on paper, can very easily fall victim to an unwilling ocean.

But just a minute ago, final buzzer sounded on a heat between John John Florence, Kelly Slater, and Mick Fanning. And it was far from underwhelming. In fact, Pipe came to the party and all three gents stepped right up, and it may have just exceeded expectation.

Prior to the heat, few would’ve picked Mick Fanning as the winner. Which would’ve been ok, because it was a no-losers round. But when it was dusted, the scoreline read:

1. Mick Fanning 17.30

2. Kelly Slater 16.47

3. John John Florence 15.16

If you missed it, give yourself an early christmas gift and go watch this thing in Heats On Demand.

Mick now moves to the quarterfinals, and one step closer to a fourth world title.

“When you’re paddling out against John Kohn and Kelly, two of the greatest tuberiders, I dunno, if (the waves) come, they come,” said Mick. “I just do my best and… I got it.” 

Earlier today, news broke that Mick’s older brother, Peter, had died in his sleep last night, adding another unimaginable layer of emotion to Mick’s world title showdown.

“It’s been a huge day, I’ve got some personal stuff going on at home, it’s kinda heavy to talk about,” he said after the heat, with his head down.

And before giving Mick a hug, Pete Mel said it, simply, better than anyone:

“Mick Fanning, you are unbelievable.”