EP 16: PETER MEL – …and Finley, 2021 Mavericks ROTY wave, Peaks and valleys of big wave surfing, Family life, Working with CI, Darc Sport, Freeline Surf Shop & Growing up in Santa Cruz

Conner Coffin sits down for an episode of Cold Beer Surf Club with Santa Cruz legend, Mavericks pioneer, and all-around surf icon Peter Mel. Recorded just a day after the Big Wave Awards and with Conner’s dog Finley curled up on Pete’s lap the whole time, Peter reflects on The Eddie, the celebration of big-wave surfing, and the highs and lows that come with chasing the world’s heaviest waters. He talks through his 2021 Ride of the Year at Mavericks, a wave 30 years in the making, and how the pure bliss of that moment was followed by days of solitude and introspection. The conversation dives into what it means to truly commit to a life in surf, the peaks and valleys, the recovery, and the discipline it takes to keep catching your best waves at 55. From growing up in Santa Cruz and pioneering Mavericks, to his battles with dark times, addiction, and rediscovering joy through surfing, Pete opens up about resilience, purpose, and gratitude. He also shares stories about the new generation of big-wave chargers, his relationship with Channel Islands Surfboards, Darc Sport Athletics, owning Freeline Surf Shop, and how surfing has evolved from the early Santa Cruz scene to the YouTube era of surf influencers. New episodes drop every month. Follow, subscribe, and join the Club now. Follow Conner Coffin. Follow Peter Mel. Check out his surf shop, Freeline. Follow 805 Beer. Get the latest 805 Beer content, the gear, and of course, the beer. Join the conversation, follow the league, and stay updated on all things WSL.