Peter Mel, ex-BWT commissioner, is back on the BWT Invitee list for Puerto Escondido. Photos: WSL
You know what sucked about Pete Mel’s station as Big Wave Tour Commissioner? We didn’t get to watch him surf on the Big Wave Tour. Then, back in March, after four years as BWT Commissioner, Mel passed the torch to Mike Parsons.
Of course, he stayed on the WSL commentary team and remained involved with the BWT, but he put the majority of his energy into his Santa Cruz surf shop. “I am excited for what the future of big wave surfing has in store for us,” Mel said when he stepped down. “With that, I have decided to transition my role over to Mike Parsons, who I believe will continue the amazing work we’ve done and push the sport to the next level. I will still continue my involvement with the Big Wave Tour and with the WSL commentary team, but this decision allows me to commit more time to our family business, Freeline Surf Shop, and let my parents finally retire after 48 years.”
Mel, of course, got his position as commissioner because he’s… well, he’s Pete Mel, and he’s a big wave living legend.
Now, with the green light flashing on the Puerto Escondido Challenge in Mexico–the first BWT event of the year–his name is finally back on the invite list. The forecast looks great (read: terrifying for the average Joe), with wave heights nearing 30 feet.
“We have been patiently waiting for Mother Nature to deliver the right swell, and we have one on the way,” said newly appointed commissioner Mike Parsons. “We expect surf in the 20- to 25-foot-face range that will make for some spectacular surfing. This swell we are tracking is from a very good direction for Puerto that should make for some amazing tube rides. Based on the forecasts, we will keep both Sunday and Monday open as an option to run.”
Keep an eye on the event on Worldsurfleague.com
BWT Puerto Escondido Invitees:
Grant Baker
Pedro Calado
Greg Long
Jamie Mitchell
Billy Kemper
Nic Lamb
Will Skudin
João de Macedo
Cristian Merello
Kai Lenny
Makuakai Rothman
Nathan Florence
Francisco Porcella
Trevor Sven Carlson
Tom Lowe
Mark Healey
Damien Hobgood
Peter Mel
Jamel Corzo
Rogercin Ramirez
Angelo Lozano
Jose Ramirez
Coco Nogales
Oscar Moncada
Alternates:
Aaron Gold
Rusty Long
