Mele Saili in Australia

March 27, 2020

Story by: Mele Saili
Photos: @rare____visuals

Although California has a lot to offer I love searching for new places to get my feet wet.

When I started traveling years ago I noticed how my surfing improved. Some people ask me what my favorite wave is in the entire world and I always pause and think for a moment. Although it’s hard to choose an all-time favorite, I always think of my time spent in Australia.

Mele Saili in Australia Bing Surfboards

Noosa, in particular, will always have a special place in my heart. That’s why I’d like to share my most recent trip and explain how my travels to Australia have actually played a huge part in the design concepts of my signature model ‘The Pocket Knife’ with Matt Calvani.

Bing Surfboards Mele Saili Pocket Knife Model

The way I like to surf is by navigating the wave with smooth, almost slowed down transitional movements while at the same time moving at a high speed across the face. It’s like going slow motion at a high speed if that makes any sense. That’s why I’m drawn to Noosa because it has the potential to provide that speed with a long open face.

Mele Saili in Australia with her Bing Pocket Knife
Mele Saili Surfing Noosa Australia
Australia Surfing Mele Saili Noosa
Mele Saili Surfing Australia

In Australia, the waves break faster than California typically does. So you’ll notice how most longboards there have a more slender nose that allows them to fit in the pocket while keeping their speed on the nose. These concepts are what inspired The Pocket knife design. Personally I like maneuvering a more slender board anyway because rather than feeling my board is too wide and stiff, I prefer it to move with my body. I also think that wider boards are great for learning to walk the nose but if you come to a place in your surfing where you feel comfortable in your nose riding abilities, a wide nose may not be necessary. 

Legs of Mele Saili
Mele Saili Cheater Five in Australia
Mele Saili at Noosa Australia
Bing Surfboards Pocket Knife Mele Saili Noosa Australia

This last visit to Oz, we found ourselves in the Sunshine Coast then eventually ended up down in the Gold Coast in search of waves. I was so thankful for such a versatile board this trip since we got all sorts of conditions. Whether it was smaller one day or a bit choppy I can count on my board to perform.

Huge thank you to Bing for providing such great equipment!


For more info about the Pocket Knife Model, click here.

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