EXCLUSIVE Surfing icon Mick Fanning opens up about his chances of coming out of retirement - and the everyday task he loves since quitting the tour
Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning has lived a life few could imagine - but it turns out simple pleasures such as the after-school run are now top of his to-do list.
Speaking ahead of his annual Charity Golf Day at the Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club on June 13, the three-time world champion is loving life away from the gruelling professional tour - and the 43-year-old has no plans to emulate fellow icon Kelly Slater.
Remarkably, Slater is still competing at 53.
'I definitely don't have itchy feet,' Fanning, who stepped aside from WSL events in 2018, told Daily Mail Australia.
'When I was on the tour, I threw everything into my performance.
'I've competed as a wildcard in a few events, but I'm definitely happy to be retired, I've got plenty of life projects to focus on.'
One of those projects is the Mick Fanning Charity Golf Day, which sees plenty of Aussie A-list stars take part.
The likes of Dylan Alcott, Sally Pearson, Ellyse Perry, Pat Rafter and Karl Stefanovic are expected on the greens this Friday, with the focus securing much-needed funds for those in need.
'Since 2022, we have raised almost $2million, which is something I am very proud of,' the Gold Coaster said.
'I'm not much of a golfer myself, I just like having a hit with my mates. 'Knowing it is for such a good cause, that motivates me.'
Fanning will also 'celebrate' the 10-year anniversary of his infamous shark attack this July, where he became a global sensation.
Competing at J-Bay in South Africa on July 19 in 2015, Fanning fought off a great white when competing in the final against his great mate Julian Wilson - and lived to tell the tale.
The vision was seen by millions - and Fanning knows it is the first question on many people's lips when they meet him.
'I've dealt with it, I've moved on,' he said. 'It was a big incident at the time, I get it is a talking point. It was a crazy moment.'
In 2016, Fanning - along with fellow surfers Joel Parkinson, Josh Kerr and Bede Durbidge - founded Balter Brewing.
The windfall has been staggering, with Carlton United Breweries (CUB) eventually buying out the brand three years later.
It is rumoured the return was around $200million - not bad for a bunch of laidback surfers.
Born in Penrith, the die-hard Panthers fan has watched on with pride as Ivan Cleary's men have created a dynasty in the NRL after winning four successive premierships dating back to 2021.
Much like his own career in the ocean, Fanning linked their sustained success to incredible athleticism, seizing big moments and calling on an expert coaching staff.
And when it comes to the future of professional surfing, 'White Lightning' is excited.
'The world has evolved so much since I was on tour... look at sports science and how professional everyone is,' he said.
Now a father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop off - and after school activities on the Gold Coast
'Adding surfing to the Olympics has also been great... sponsors are now getting behind athletes as they compete on the ultimate stage.
'I can only see the sport going to another level.'
A father of two, Fanning loves the daily drop-off - and after school activities, one of which naturally for his son Xander, is surfing.
He also has a daughter, Lyla Skye.
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