What do you think?
Rate this book
Surf For Your Life: Mick Fanning
World champion surfer Mick Fanning may only be twenty-eight, but he's already experienced more than most of us ever will. How does it feel to lose a brother? Win a world title? Rip your hamstring muscle clean off the bone? Weave through a zippering Superbank barrel for twenty to thirty seconds or paddle over the ledge at places like Pipeline and Teahupo'o? Walk into the bar of a Brazilian hotel dressed in a G-string bikini to make your mates laugh, only to find your mates have left and there is only a puzzled bartender staring blankly at you?
Mick's journey so far has definitely been a mixed bag, but it is the extremes of that journey that make him so interesting.
Mik tells his life story candidly - in turns funny, sensitive, thoughtful, self-deprecating - while providing intimate insights into personal lessons gained along the way; with practical tips on surfing technique, fitness, nutrition, board design, travel, competitive strategies and sports psychology. His story proves that what doesn't kill you really can make you stronger.
Ultimately, though, it's Mick's humanity, his readiness to give back, that might provide the greatest surprise and inspiration.
Mick's journey so far has definitely been a mixed bag, but it is the extremes of that journey that make him so interesting.
Mik tells his life story candidly - in turns funny, sensitive, thoughtful, self-deprecating - while providing intimate insights into personal lessons gained along the way; with practical tips on surfing technique, fitness, nutrition, board design, travel, competitive strategies and sports psychology. His story proves that what doesn't kill you really can make you stronger.
Ultimately, though, it's Mick's humanity, his readiness to give back, that might provide the greatest surprise and inspiration.
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
46 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Tim Baker
13 books63 followersTim^^^Baker
Tim Baker has contributed to GQ, Playboy, and Rolling Stone, is the author of Go Surf, and is the coauthor of Bustin' Down the Door, Occy, and Surf for Your Life.
Tim Baker has contributed to GQ, Playboy, and Rolling Stone, is the author of Go Surf, and is the coauthor of Bustin' Down the Door, Occy, and Surf for Your Life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 7, 2025
I think this one deserves 4 stars. I did really enjoy this but wasn’t in love with it. The actual content from the book felt like it was all written by Mick (even though it was a joint task with Tim Baker). It’s an amazing story, with elements of sorrow that you hope no one would ever have to experience. The setbacks and resurgence to career best form truly show you what kind of person Mick Fanning is and the mentality it takes to get to the top. Although this was released in 2009, it felt like a story of recent success. The shark attack happened after this, so I hope we get to hear about this in the next book, along with what he has done since finishing up with Pro Surfing. Would I recommend this book? Yes. It may not be for everyone, but it is a great story about an Aussie conquering the world of Surfing. Would I read it again? Probably not, but I would be interested to read another book by Mick or Tim.
August 13, 2012
THIS BOOK IS A SHORT BIOGHRAPHY ABOUT MICK AND HIS BROTHERS LIFE, FILLED WITH PICTURES AND INSPIRING STORIES, THIS BOOK IS GREAT FOR NOT JUST A SURFER BUT A INSPIRED SPORTMAN WHOS WILLING TO PUT IN THE HARD WORK.
January 14, 2020
Great book - aside from wanting to make me surf more and appreciate what the sport does for the soul, this book also shows anything is possible. Good inspiration on how to make a plan to achieve goals, stay positive and stick with it through all adversity.
January 23, 2023
You don't have to be a big surfing fan to read this book. Mick Fanning is just one of those very likeable blokes, that we are all glad that he became a world champion. Tim Baker has done an exceptional job in telling Mick's amazing journey so far. 5/5 Star Rating.
September 24, 2023
Such an Aussie Icon and all round positive bloke, Mick Fanning shows his ability to overcome both natures’ beasts and his own. Really enjoyed delving into his life and those around him. If you like surfing, this book is for you.
October 4, 2023
I really liked this book because it's different to most other things I read because its a biography. It was interesting to read more about his life during his surfing career and all the struggles he went through. It's also very well written.
February 5, 2024
We got this book for Cenzo for Christmas and he suggested I read it too. I like that the author included perspectives from key people in Mick's life -- his mom/manager, his coaches, etc.
April 28, 2024
Pretty interesting. Honestly raw. Has an interesting lay out. Wouldn't call it a biography.
August 27, 2025
Jealous of how much travelling he did and how much beachfront property he was able to buy in his twenties
December 20, 2025
it is more like a surfing lesson than about Mick's life.
June 7, 2023
A comprehensive biography of Mick Fanning’s life, from grommethood through his first two world titles, interjected with backgrounds on the people who’ve helped him along the way, and a few lessons for us lay-surfers. An enjoyable read.
December 9, 2015
I finished this book quite a few days ago, I have been sitting on the memory, rolling the aftertaste around in my mouth, trying to put a review together in my head...
I am not a surfer, absolutely love watching them but I can't do it myself. When I took a lesson I found that my complete inability to so much as body surf was less of a problem than my inability to control a surfboard twice my height. I nearly smashed my brains out with it an no one else in the water was safe either.
The point I am making is that you do not need to be a surfer to enjoy this book!
The early story of how Mick Fanning became a professional surfer and multiple title holder is fascinating reading, in the early parts it documents a little of his early childhood and family background. It goes on to describe his adolescence near surfers paradise, the lucky breaks that helped him get sponsors and the slow development of his professional career. Through this book I have come to understand so much more about the professional world of surfing than I ever did before, but now I want to know more!
The narrative style of the book is unusual; rather than a single progressive story it back-flips in time a bit. It tells parts of the story from the perspectives of lots of different people, Mick Fanning himself, of course, but also his friends, family, personal trainers and associates. I think this style of writing may be aiming at people who are not so much avid readers as avidly interested in Mick Fanning and his career, that's fine - but I found the writing style a little fragmented and at times, disconnected.
One thing that I loved about it, Fanning himself came across as a deeply admirable individual: Committed to his sport and giving it his best, as having a big heart for the people around him and a sense of humility in the face of an extraordinary career. There are so many sport heroes in the news for less than admirable behaviors it is great to read about someone who has worked so hard to be the best they can and seems to totally deserve doing as well as he has.
Go the 2015 title Mick!
I am not a surfer, absolutely love watching them but I can't do it myself. When I took a lesson I found that my complete inability to so much as body surf was less of a problem than my inability to control a surfboard twice my height. I nearly smashed my brains out with it an no one else in the water was safe either.
The point I am making is that you do not need to be a surfer to enjoy this book!
The early story of how Mick Fanning became a professional surfer and multiple title holder is fascinating reading, in the early parts it documents a little of his early childhood and family background. It goes on to describe his adolescence near surfers paradise, the lucky breaks that helped him get sponsors and the slow development of his professional career. Through this book I have come to understand so much more about the professional world of surfing than I ever did before, but now I want to know more!
The narrative style of the book is unusual; rather than a single progressive story it back-flips in time a bit. It tells parts of the story from the perspectives of lots of different people, Mick Fanning himself, of course, but also his friends, family, personal trainers and associates. I think this style of writing may be aiming at people who are not so much avid readers as avidly interested in Mick Fanning and his career, that's fine - but I found the writing style a little fragmented and at times, disconnected.
One thing that I loved about it, Fanning himself came across as a deeply admirable individual: Committed to his sport and giving it his best, as having a big heart for the people around him and a sense of humility in the face of an extraordinary career. There are so many sport heroes in the news for less than admirable behaviors it is great to read about someone who has worked so hard to be the best they can and seems to totally deserve doing as well as he has.
Go the 2015 title Mick!
September 24, 2020
As a keen (but rubbish!) surfer, I was absolutely gripped by Mick Fanning's life story. He's not only one of the world's top surfers and an Australian sporting icon, but also a fascinating individual who has led a full and eventful life.
With honesty and intimacy, Mick reveals the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete and his experiences surfing at iconic surf spots around the world. He opens up about everything from the heartache of injury, pressure of competition and tragic loss of family members. Sports fans will be fascinated to learn about his training techniques and methods of recovery from injury.
Surf For Your Life manages somehow to be both sad and funny, as well as moving and inspirational. I don't often cry when I read books, but this one made me cry twice. Always a sign of powerful writing.
With honesty and intimacy, Mick reveals the highs and lows of life as a professional athlete and his experiences surfing at iconic surf spots around the world. He opens up about everything from the heartache of injury, pressure of competition and tragic loss of family members. Sports fans will be fascinated to learn about his training techniques and methods of recovery from injury.
Surf For Your Life manages somehow to be both sad and funny, as well as moving and inspirational. I don't often cry when I read books, but this one made me cry twice. Always a sign of powerful writing.
February 7, 2015
A wonderful book written by a great Australian surfer. I've always heard the name Mick Fanning and now after reading his book I'd love to get into supporting the surfing scene. This book gives you a feeling of warmth, friendship, loss and love. The book went above and beyond my expectations and now I'm excited to read more books about surfers. Fanning really opens up in this book and the love he has for friends, family, surfing and the world is truly amazing and inspirational
February 2, 2016
More like 3.5, but bumped it up b/c it made me want to surf while I was in Australia! For those non-surfers out there, this was a good intro on how you can fall in love with surfing. This is also the dude that got bit by the shark this past year while in competition.
January 17, 2013
Really enjoyable read. There is more to this prosurfer than meets the eye. A great outlook in life with some inspiring tales.
April 15, 2013
A very good book. Inspirational and funny at times. I feel like I'm friend with Mick fanning now. A must read for surfers
June 19, 2014
Great book. Motivating and inspiring.
September 27, 2016
Mick is a surfing legend and inspiration.. the challenges he has faced is immense. Totally worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews