Danny Melhado

One of the East Coast’s most stylish performers, Melhado began, like many, as an ESA competitor. During his stellar career, Melhado became a three-time East Coast Champion and winner of the OP Junior Pro in Huntington Beach CA, a well-known stepping stone to the pro ranks. Melhado went on to fulfill his destiny on the ASP World Championship Tour winning numerous pro tour events in the 1990’s.

His pro career also included the ASP East Pro Tour title an unprecedented three years in a row. Melhado was considered a true sportsman, one who represented the East Coast with as much style out of the water as in. Melhado appeared in numerous surf videos including “Heavy Hitters,” the entire “SurfNRG” series, and more. Today, Melhado and his family live in Okinawa, Japan, where he surfs and coaches young surfers on the finer points of developing their talent and competing.

Photos by Tom Dugan / ESM, Dick “Mez” Meseroll / ESM and courtesy of Danny Malhado / Happy Surfing Okinowa

INDUCTION YEARS

1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024