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Mel said he went through a mini depression Saturday, noting he wanted to be isolated and non-social. A video of the ride posted by Powerline Productions had garnered more than 600,000 views on as of Wednesday afternoon. Mel, who serves as an analyst for the World Surf League, said it was one of the best waves ever ridden at the storied break.Īs expected, social media exploded once footage of the ride surfaced. Photographers, including Santa Cruz’s Audrey Lambidakis, and videographers were on hand to capture the epic ride. (Audrey Lambidakis – Special to the Sentinel) Santa Cruz big wave surfer Peter Mel, 51, caught the “wave of his life” on this barreling 40- to 45-footer at Mavericks on Friday. The wave curled over and created massive barrel that Mel thoroughly enjoyed. Nicknamed “The Condor,” for his massive wingspan, Mel’s arms were spread wide as he maintained his balance, rocketing down the face. His slightly bent legs were shoulder-width apart as he dropped down the face. It gave us some time to figure out what just happened.”įrom his ferocious paddling to completion, Mel’s memorable ride lasted roughly 20 seconds. After that wave spit him out of the barrel, the conditions changed and there were no waves for 30 minutes to an an hour. “It was super surreal to see that ride - and to see my father doing it.
![surfer 13 to 8 surfer 13 to 8](https://www.retroplanet.com/mm5/graphics/00000006/59579_main.jpg)
“It was a pretty emotional thing,” John said. But Mel emerged squeaky clean as a mountain of water came crashing down around him. Then it tosses them around like they’re in a heavy rinse cycle in an unrelenting washing machine. Often, surfers get swallowed by the wave when riding in the barrel. John said surfers were bowing to his father and calling him “The King.”