Without question, the fastest surfer on the planet, Mick "Eugene" Fanning's story is one for the ages. Prodigal up-and-comer in his youth, sought after by the biggest names in the industry, the tragic loss of older brother Sean, his unparalleled ascendency with the Coolie Kids, ASP Rookie of the Year, devastating injury, recovery and then...the ASP World Title. Fanning's rise throughout professional surfing's ranks has been well-documented and chronicled.

In an age dominated by the likes of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, Mick Fanning's 2007 ASP World Title is a testament to his tenacity and consistency. The title brought joy to the whole of Australia, which hadn't had a men's champ since Mark "Occy" Occhilupo is 1999, and Fanning became the No. 1 target in 2008.

It takes untold amounts of effort to attain an ASP World Title, and even more to remain at the top. 2008 was a year of ups and downs for Fanning. The Gold Coast kid married his beautiful wife Karissa early in the year, and put in blistering performances at home on the Goldy at Jeffreys Bay and at Trestles, but unfortunately was pushed back to ASP World No. 8.

Sometimes, all we need is a year to recharge and with an impressive nine ASP World Tour victories already under his belt, Fanning is a proven winner and will be out to set the record straight in 2009.