"Melanie Bartels grew up on the rough and tumble westside of O'ahu, giving her a competitive edge that has seen the talented Hawaiian develop into one of the most explosive surfers on the planet. As a grom, she learned how to surf and bodyboard with some of the best watermen in the world and her innate oceanic prowess has surely reaped dividends throughout her life. She was acknowledged in high school for her athletic abilities when she won the Kaimana Award, recognizing student athletes who excel both on and off the field. Coming from a place that breeds talent, but with minimal financial resources for sponsorship, Melanie has worked hard to get to her professional surfing status.

In 2002, Bartels won the prestigious ASP WQS Foster's Cup at Lower Trestles, CA which put her on the map within the industry. Although yet to put together a consistent season amongst the elite, make no mistake, all the top seeds on the ASP Women's World Tour have their eye out for Bartels as she is capable of putting in world class performances at any given moment." - aspworldtour.com