Fanning is ready to say goodbye at Bells

MICK Fanning first visited Bells Beach in 1998, and will end his run on the WSL men’s Championship tour in the same place two decades later.

The three-time WSL champion’s last event on the full-time tour will be this weekend’s Rip Curl Pro, but he said he was not dreaming of ringing the bell for the fifth and final time.

“I’m not too fussed – I just want to go out there and put on a performance. I get to surf against the best guys in the world. Every time I paddle out at Bells, there’s so much history, so I really just want to take in the moments that come.”

Fanning watched Tuesday’s Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony held on the beach before speaking to the media, and said he was keenly aware of the legacy of the place.

“There’s so much history, from the Wathaurong people all the way up to when they started the event here at Bells. Even just the area down here has got so much history, with the major companies like Rip Curl and Quiksilver starting here.

“To me, there’s just so many stories. I first came down here in 1998, so it’s a bit ironic that it’s 20 years later. It’s just one of those things…you can feel the history down here, especially walking down the stairs; it’s just really special.”

Fanning said he still felt right about his decision to retire (which he announced in late February) but did not know what he would do next.

“Actually, I’ve been too busy to think about it, really. I don’t want to put any expectations on it, or whatever, I’m just gonna go and just surf.

“I’m just stoked that I’ve got a whole bunch of family and friends coming down, and we’re gonna have a good time.”

Fanning’s alter ego “Eugene” (the surfer’s middle name) is notorious for his occasional hijinks following WSL contests, but Fanning himself was unsure if Eugene would make an appearance this time.

“Depends how late you’re up! Yeah, hopefully not.”

For more on this year’s event, including surfer profiles and a special #cheersmick poster, see the special Swell lift-out in this paper.