Fanning did not compete in all the World surfing circuit this season

Australian Mick Fanning announced late on Wednesday that it will not participate in all stages of the World Tour (WCT) this season. Triple champion of the world and vice in the last two years, he wants to stay a while without competing after the second race of 2016 at Bells Beach (AUS), March 24 to April 5.

"Last year was definitely intense. What happened in Jeffreys Bay, be in title contention and the death of my brother. I reached a point at the end of the year I felt empty. I did not feel I had much to give," said the Australian.

"This year I will take time off and have something like a personal year. To regroup the forces and rekindle the fire. At this point, I will compete at Snapper Rocks and Bells, and then I will take time. These are two events that Love and I'd go crazy if I was at home and could not go surfing at Snapper. Bells is like a second home to me. from then on, I feel I have to take a circuit of time to see where my head is, "he added.

Fanning plans to compete in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, when last year suffered a shark attack. Back in December, his brother Peter died during the final stage.

"I want to return to J-Bay. I feel I have something there I want to go and face. I want to be sure to scratch it off my list. The principal will be surfing for the first time. But I do not think I'll wake up even before dawn and go surfing even before the sun comes out, "he said.