Gold Coast, Australia
Australian surfing icon, Mick Fanning, first learned to ride the ocean waves at just five years old. But after moving from the landlocked suburbs to the southeastern shores, the legend of ‘White Lightning’ was born. Fanning would garner the nickname thanks to his remarkable speed(and sandy blond hair, of course).
For nearly two decades, Mick’s been chasing waves around the world, surfing almost every continent and even surviving a shark attack off the coast of South Africa. In the end, his 22 WSL Tour wins, 11 top-5 finishes, and three world titles helped cement his legacy as arguably the greatest Australian surfer ever.
Now retired, we were lucky enough to catch a minute with him between traveling and surfing new waves.
For nearly two decades, Mick’s been chasing waves around the world, surfing almost every continent and even surviving a shark attack off the coast of South Africa. In the end, his 22 WSL Tour wins, 11 top-5 finishes, and three world titles helped cement his legacy as arguably the greatest Australian surfer ever.
Now retired, we were lucky enough to catch a minute with him between traveling and surfing new waves.
What goes through your head, when you first wake up in the morning?
I immediately want to get eyes on the ocean...the waves usually dictate what my day will be like.
What are the three most essential things you need to surf?
Waves, surfboard, and energy.
What goes through your head, when you first wake up in the morning?
I immediately want to get eyes on the ocean...the waves usually dictate what my day will be like.
What are the three most essential things you need to surf?
Waves, surfboard, and energy.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
Surfing is all restlessness. I surf as much as I can, then I’m looking for the next adventure.
Where’s your favorite place to surf?
We have such incredible waves here on the Gold Coast, but I also love Africa and Fiji.
If there’s any love-hate relationship with an aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
As much as I love chasing waves around the world, I also hate having to leave my family behind.
I’m happiest when...
I’m surfed out and hanging out with my family.
What sound or noise to you love?
The ocean because it's so calming.
If you could bring anybody in the world (dead or alive) to surf with you, who would it be?
Taking Will Ferrell surfing could be one of the funniest things in life.
What would be your day job, if you weren’t doing what you’re currently doing?
I’m scared to think.
If you could do anything better, what would it be?
Every aspect of life...the moment you're complacent is the moment you give up.
What haven’t you accomplished that you aspire to do in your lifetime?
After retiring, my goal was to travel and surf waves I've never surfed...so many places left to go.
What does YETI mean to you?
Supporting adventure.
How would you explain what YETI represents?
The best outdoor accessories on the planet.
What does it mean to be built for the wild?
Tough, durable, and reliable.
What’s the one YETI product that you can’t do without?
My Rambler® 36 oz. Bottle...always need something to hold water.
Which other YETI products do you use?
The Lowlands® Blanket on picnics...also the Hopper® M30 Soft Cooler and Rambler® Coffee Mugs.
How has any YETI product changed what you do, or how you do it?
After having a son, YETI® bags, blankets and coolers are everyday items for me. Their products are amazing for keeping everything cold, but also reduce waste—perfect for trying to keep the ocean clean.