Surfing legend Kelly Slater says mental fatigue is often tougher to battle than any physical injury and he understands Mick Fanning's decision to take it easy in 2016.
Fanning will only compete in a handful of events on this year's tour after an emotionally draining 12 months.
As well as narrowly missing out on a fourth world title, Fanning had a global spotlight turned on him after surviving a shark attack during the final of an event in South Africa.
He then had to overcome the death of his older brother and a marriage breakdown.
Slater - who himself took a break from full-time surfing for three years after claiming a fifth straight world title in 1998 - says the mental toll cannot be understated.
"You can easily say mental and emotional strain is worse than a physical injury oftentimes," Slater told AAP.
"He (Fanning) had a radical year last year and anyone would need some time to themselves after that."
The 11-time world champion says Fanning has nothing to prove on the tour and if he wants to take a break, or even walk away from surfing entirely, then that is a decision he's entitled to make.
"A guy in Mick's position, whose done as well as he has, should have that option to do that," Slater said.
"Whether he's on his way out or thinking about it, or just needs some time.
"Good on Mick. He knows what he wants."
When it comes to his own future on tour, 44-year-old Slater is not making any decisions just yet.
"Maybe I'll beat him to the punch, I don't know," Slater said in reference to Fanning possibly retiring.
