Peter Mel

Peter Mel (born November 24, 1969, in Santa Cruz, California), is an American professional surfer. Mel began his surfing life in Capitola, California before moving on to Santa Cruz. He is known as a 'big wave' surfer and son of John Mel, a four time surfing National Champion.

Career Throughout the 1990s, Mel participated on the World Surf League domestic and Qualifying Series, before finally finding his niche of big-wave surfing during California's El Nino winter of 1997–1998. The Big Wave World Tour concluded its third successful season crowning Mel as Big Wave World Tour Champion winning the Billabong Pico Alto Invitational.

In 2018, Mel participated in an interview with a surfing periodical with journalist Shelby Stanger to discuss personal issues he fought with and overcame. In the interview Mel discusses how he prepares for big wave riding, family, and personal demons. Mel also appeared with Laird Hamilton to discuss balancing life as an athlete and family.

Contest wins YearPlaceContest19971st O'Neill Cold Water Classic, Santa Cruz, California 20111stBillabong Pico Alto Copa Burn 20121stBig Wave World Tour 20131stBody Glove Mavericks Invitational

Retirement Following the end of the 2013 season, Mel entered retirement from the pro surfing circuit, and, subsequently, becoming the World Surf League's (WSL) first Big Wave World Tour (BWWT) commissioner for the WSL's inaugural 2014–2015 season. Mel retired as commissioner of the WSL BWWT in 2014 to run his surf shop and compete again on the Big Wave Tour.