JONATHAN "GORDO" MELENDRES
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m from Punta de Mita, Nayarit MÉXICO
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU START SURFING?
I just started surfing 3 days ago LOL! I’m kidding, I started about 10 years ago when my older brother let me use one of his shortboards. I knew absolutely nothing about surfing and I even was a little bit scared of the ocean. My brother gave me a little explanation on what to do before diving in with me. I was so nervous even though we never made it past the shorebreak.
After “catching” my first wave and falling after like 5 seconds, I was so stoked by the adrenaline I felt and I’ve haven’t stopped doing it since. I started with a shortboard, then tried sup surfing, and finally longboarding. I realized how much I enjoyed surfing with a longboard over everything else.
WHAT TYPE OF BOARDS DO YOU NORMALLY RIDE?
I usually go for a 9’6" single fin log, but sometimes I'll ride a 9’4". Now my go-to is the new Izzy Rider 2.0. It’s easy to maneuver and great for executing my drop knee and nose riding. I also like the Pintail Lightweight model because it’s more performance oriented and allows me to turn and maneuver even more.
FAVORITE SURFERS WORLDWIDE?
One of my favorites is Joel Tudor. I like his style because his maneuvers are strong, but at the same time he knows how to make it look smooth with flow.
I also like C.J Nelson’s style because his power unreal and his drop knees are AMAZING!!!
Harley Ingleby does a more high performance type of longboarding, but he amazes me every time I see him surf as well.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SURFING AND THE WAVES WHERE YOU LIVE?
Luckily we have a lot of point breaks, but my favorite is Anclote because it's a very long wave. A lot of people call it Mexican Malibu or Waikiki, it’s the perfect right for longboarding. You can do a lot of different maneuvers while riding it and work on your style.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT SURF TRIP
A long drive with a lot of stops for surfing, taking a couple days to surf each wave. Making sure we get to know every single beach along the way, with my log and shortboard, but mostly sharing the trip with special people.
OUTSIDE OF SURFING HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
Napping, eating, and cuddling with my lady HAHA.
I also like woodwork with recycled wood I find on the street or donated from old houses. I also try to spend a lot of time with my favorite people.
ANY TRAVEL PLANS FOR 2022?
Of course I've always got plans. I’d really like to go to Spain and California for some surf contests while getting to know the people and culture while I'm there. My main goal with surfing is to travel and enjoy the lifestyle, but hopefully make an impact on the younger generations, so they start surfing someday.