MELE SAILI
Mele Saili (pronounced Melly) grew up in Pacific Beach with deep roots in San Diego surfing history (Granddaughter of Larry Gordon of G&S surfboards). She began surfing at age 13 and entered her first contest less than a year after and placed 3rd over all.
Mele creates and sells her artwork which consist of primarily acrylic paintings on wood & canvas as well as charcoal and ink drawings.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
San Diego, California.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START SURFING?
I was fortunate to have grown up in a family of surfers & shapers. Some of my earliest memories are playing in the foam dust of my Fathers shaping bay so, in a way, surfing has always been a part of my life. After catching my first wave at age 12 I knew it would be a lifetime pursuit.
WHAT TYPE OF BOARDS DO YOU NORMALLY RIDE?
I've been on the Continental for the last year but it's losing its luster, so I'm excited to hop on something more narrow. The best boards suited for my style are lean noseriders with a "piggy" aesthetic - features that have essentially inspired the design of my models, the Pocket Knife & Pocket Knife Speed Shape.
FAVORITE SURFERS WORLDWIDE?
WOMEN:
Jen Smith
"Worm" Erin Ashley
Belinda Baggs
Karina Rozunko
Rell Sunn
MEN:
Harrison Roach
JJ Wessels
Dane Peterson
Jared Mel
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SURFING AND THE WAVES WHERE YOU LIVE?
It's mostly beach breaks with a few little reefs and points. Pretty fun year round, but also pretty crowded!
WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SURFING SO FAR?
- Becoming the first female rider in Bing’s history to have a pro model.
- Getting invited to the first women’s Ductape invitational and years following.
- Featured in Movies such as Nasicaa by Ondenostre & California Soul by Tatsuo Takei.
DESCRIBE YOU PERFECT SURF TRIP?
My perfect surf trip would b renting an RV with a bunch of my favorite surfers and driving through New Zealand for a few weeks.
OUTSIDE OF SURFING HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
Outside of surfing I spend most my time painting, drawing, and block printing.
I also work full time in early childhood development as an Atelierista.
ANY TRAVEL PLANS FOR 2022?
We've got a road trip lined up in Europe and we'll be surfing our way through Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.
Instagram: @mele_saili