HOT SEAT: MASON HO


Mason Ho on the Art of Being a Shameless Snake

Bookmark and Share

Mason Ho, 20, is the most charismatic midget you’ll ever see in the water. He rides Mayhem quads and bottle-nosed fish and his surfs are punctuated by fin-throws, old-school air-reverses, even older-school 360s, chop-hops and even backside alley-oops. If there is a Hawaii style, his is it: all warm-water, loose-limbed, afro-swinging extravagance.

Mason is also the son of Hawaiian star Michael Ho, the nephew of Hawaii’s first-ever world champ, Derek Ho, and brother to girls champion Coco Ho. If he wanted, Mason could book an audience with Fast Eddie Rothman at the tap of a few keys. Mason also likes, very much, to drop in. See 5'5" Redux for visual evidence.

I can’t remember the last time I so adored a human who so flagrantly flouted the most basic rule of surfing.

Ha!

Have you always dropped in?

Let me see. Usually, I’m not too bad dropping in, but when Joe Alani comes to film for the …Lost videos I just go on a barrage and burn…every…single…person. He comes for, like, 10 days out of a whole year and I figure I’ve got 10 days to work. And, if that includes burning people, that’s cool.

Do you like to see who your victim might be?

Not really. My theory is that I just don’t look back, so I always end up burning my friends and my Dad and my uncle and my sister.

What about Hawaii’s famously ferocious and livid regulators?

I accidentally burn them, too.

What line do you take? Obviously dropping straight down the face would result in a collision.

Frick, you draw a higher line where you’re going extra fast and then you get the bigger, high-speed maneuver right in front of their face.

Are some surfers good sports? Does the man or woman behind ever hoot your theatrics?

It used to happen all the time when I was younger. But, I haven’t had one for a while because I got good at burning guys.

What is the best strategy for dropping in?

My favorite theory is right when you burn someone, you try and hide in the barrel as fast as you can. That’s the best, and then you come out and they’re, like, more baffled. If it’s not barreling and I burn someone, I figure I gotta do an air ‘cause if I do something gayer that’s extra crook.

What’s the best turn you’ve completed after dropping in?

One time I burned this guy, got this big backside barrel and I came out and did a big indy alley-oop backside. I kicked out and said, “Sorry about that” and he said, “No, it was sweet!”

Who’s the most famous surfer you’ve dropped in?

Uncle Derek. I got him at Pipe one time and then I got him at Desert Point a couple of times this last trip.

How does Uncle Derek react?

He loves it. Because the next couple of fricken waves he rides in front of me. He looks at it as a meal ticket.

What about Kelly Slater?

Oh, I… have… dropped… in…on…Kelly. At Trestles, I burned him. I heard, “Mason!” Then I heard, “Ho!” Then I heard, “Mason Ho! Huh, huh, huh!” I looked back and went, “Oh sh--t, Slates!” That’s my problem. I just don’t look back.

From where did you learn the art?

I learned it from Coco. I figure if my little sister can burn everybody, I can, too.

How should a reader of this magazine, on his trip-of-a-lifetime to the North Shore, react if he finds himself breathing your exhaust? Should he be grateful for a close-up look at your charismatic styling?

No way! I don’t want them to appreciate me burning ‘em. But, I sure do appreciate ‘em letting me surf in front of ‘em.

READER COMMENTS

FLIPPER
Wed Mar10, 2010, 12:13 PM

Those guys are mostly Masons friends that he is riding wave with. Nothing new at Rocky's. Notice if you will, the difference between Mason and most of his constituents is that he makes most of his tricks. They are real tricks not glorified kickouts. That what happens when you are part of THE best family of surfers!..

Price
Wed Mar10, 2010, 2:08 PM

wow....Flipper - you are about two keystrokes away from goin down on the little Ho-man!

Herba
Thu Mar11, 2010, 9:10 AM

he really thinks hes hot shit....thats a shame....

lou
Thu Mar11, 2010, 1:18 PM

Even though the guy surfs really well, he still is a total dick for burning people.I assume aloha died with mason. Be carefull mason,some big idiot might not like it and pound on you,particularly when you don't have some protection like you do in hawaii

Rush
Fri Mar12, 2010, 12:33 PM

I'm big slow and surf bad. So I'm gonna get you sucker!

Hoss
Fri Mar12, 2010, 12:47 PM

The kid is a prick, which is too bad considering how good he can actually surf. If he wasn't protected by his name in Hawaii he would be teated like any other idiot that tried that - pounded.

Mike
Fri Mar12, 2010, 5:08 PM

I lost a lot of respect for Coco when she dropped in on Layne Beachley in a contest a few years back. Total class-less act. Now Mason thinks its cool too? Pretty sad.

rbs
Sat Mar13, 2010, 4:08 PM

Sounds like all the victimized crybaby kooks out at Rockies right now are coming out of the woodwork to express what they won't to his face. Learn to surf like something other than a Cali barn and maybe you could actually surf and not whine.

McGuillicutty
Sun Mar14, 2010, 1:35 PM

I thought it was a pretty cool clip. Usually people are so aggro about this kind of stuff. It's good that the kid has a different mindset... and looks like he's having fun.

Steve
Sat Mar13, 2010, 12:14 AM

This is funny that he rips and cry babies weep.

no drop in
Sat Mar13, 2010, 3:09 AM

you a dick...try that shit with me.... you gonna get pounded!!!!

RH
Sat Mar13, 2010, 5:01 PM

Uh... when you drop in in a contest you always get consequences. You can claim that Coco did it to help Carissa, but my theory is that either of those two should drop in on Layne ANYwhere where she's going to do turns, for the spectators sake (but not at Ours, where she shines). And Coco and her brother should (and do) drop in on their uncle Derek... cuz he surfs flat. And just grow up; did any of the surfers above act like they felt burned (besides Layne, who bitched a lot more than Kelly Slater did when Parko took off in a closeout section to give Andy the title)?

Nedo
Sun Mar14, 2010, 4:14 PM

Mason, come to surf in Italy and we will be happy if you burn us on waves! You are an idol that should simply RIP (REST IN PEACE) You'll find on your path somebody who will teach you how to respect others. Surfermag shouldn't give any space to those attitudes... Ciao

Kewlbrzz
Mon Mar15, 2010, 7:16 AM

It's all karma, let the little maggot have his day. But in the end he is just a punk. Burn me and I will guarentee a punch in your face and then after that if you like grapple. We can take it to the ground and I will Choke you the fuck out. Your a Dummy. Straight up.

kimbo
Mon Mar15, 2010, 5:38 PM

cannot understand what this kid is thinking and for that matter why the interviewer dosent ask him wether he knows he is an arrogant flog for doing it . unfortunatly for the Ho family there childrens antics are dimantling the credibility that they built . to the parents, please take some control .

John Boy
Mon Mar15, 2010, 7:46 PM

Hey Mason, how do you react when someone drops in on you? Just hang loose or give it to them?

el gaucho
Mon Mar15, 2010, 9:10 PM

i think this Mason is un pendejo comemierda . he feels like a hero because he gets the protection of his families name . watch out !!! you will eat your shit some day. my best regards from south america !!!

geoffrey bruce watson
Tue Mar16, 2010, 6:10 AM

Hey Mason, The good thing is that you are an idiot! The bad thing is that you probably dont know it!

santiagora
Tue Mar16, 2010, 10:18 AM

The interviewer seems to be excited asking shits like "What is the best strategy for dropping in?" or "Who’s the most famous surfer you’ve dropped in?". Ho acts like a dick, ok, but Derek Rielly is not too far from him.

Kauai Boy
Tue Mar16, 2010, 11:48 AM

So has everyone forgotten who the Ho's are? Mike and Derek are total pricks in the water and were worse when they were Masons age. Mason is like an angel compared to his dad. When ever uncle Mike came over to Kauai we would go to the other side of the island to stay clear. I've even watched him try to fight a guy I know just cuz his son beat Mason in an NSSA at PK's. Lucky for him the cops came cuz he was going to get handled. I think Mason is doing a great job of being a nice happy go luck kid that was raised by a bunch of ego filled aholes. Hopefully Masons kids will be even cooler.

ReB
Tue Mar16, 2010, 12:49 PM

Coco is a Hero for dropping in on Layne ! Sorry, winning the world title by Cheating doesn't count. Even if your sponsors are influential enough to keep the ASP from doing something. What other famous athletes have cheated, besides Pete Rose ? As for Mason - sounds like a spoiled brat. He will eventually be treated accordingly.

jmc
Tue Mar16, 2010, 1:31 PM

I'm surprised that no one knows how to deal with this whatever. Son of who? He's dead and is history. Come-on folks clean this problem up. He doesn't own the wave. As long as everyone continues to tollerates this kind of behavior you will continue to have more and more problems at each break. Take him out....... it's that simple.......Miki Dora, where are you?

Jeff
Tue Mar16, 2010, 2:10 PM

WOW!!! That just shows how this magazine is run. You run an article about Hawaiian surfing heritage one day, then show the massive degradation of the sport on the next... Insert foot in mouth... now!

Haha
Tue Mar16, 2010, 3:04 PM

This is funny, a guy totally flauting "the rule" that we all follow. Mason = Disrespectful BRAT

cliffsman
Tue Mar16, 2010, 3:09 PM

He takes off on the shouler a lot. If he took off deeper, it wouldn't be a problem. He surfs okay, but not that smooth. There are many, many people who surf better and snake less. Get over yourself Mason.

sorry4that
Tue Mar16, 2010, 4:55 PM

for him... bad thing to be an idiot, good thing not to know...hhahaa... nedo! kimbo! yes! some parental and editorial efforts would be nice... indeed...

Jo
Tue Mar16, 2010, 4:00 PM

The kid rips alright. Probably always has someone to watch his Hawaiian back wherever he surfs. If you pound him, watch for the protection. Personally there's nothing more frustrating than someone inconsiderate and acting like an asshole, especially with people to back him up. I did not expect much when I surfed Hawaii, and that is fine, got some waves. There are places and times for him to let loose but if he had some tact he would get along with surfers outside Hawaii. A brazilian droped in on me at Ulus and I hurt my foot on the reef cuz of him. I would love to have him get his foot pounded by a hammer. But it shouldn't have to be this way. I respect everyone and I dont sit on the shoulder; I wanna surf.

andy
Tue Mar16, 2010, 5:27 PM

..glad this got a lot of negativity. it is everything i hate about surfing. disrespect, people thinking they are the shit and aint gonna get touched so are above equal. im sure 99% of his vitims find it highly UNcharismatic. Seeing him take a punch to the head would have ended it well, why has no one done this? Maybe because a lot of surfers are civil!! yeah my view has slightly changed of the HO name after Coco and Mason.

Retro-NoHetro
Tue Mar16, 2010, 5:32 PM

I used to spy on Mason from his bedroom window for hours, I love you Mason!!!

Willy
Tue Mar16, 2010, 7:19 PM

All I have to say is that this is the sickest commentary section I have read in a long time. Everyone is so fired up!

taino
Tue Mar16, 2010, 11:03 PM

I actually liked it? Sick vid.

ta
Wed Mar17, 2010, 8:41 AM

i wish he would drop in on Sterling Spencer.....

whamo
Wed Mar17, 2010, 10:40 AM

Who's the man at V-Land these days? This guy looks like it could be him.

Blake O
Wed Mar17, 2010, 11:16 AM

This kid is just having fun at his home break. You guys need to lighten up! How would you feel if you wake up one day in late October just when the waves start coming and the whole world shows up at your home break surfing every wave in sight. He didn't harm anyone and overall the vibe seemed mellow and playful.

cliffman
Wed Mar17, 2010, 1:44 PM

The interviewer is equally culpable. Huge egos.

cliffman
Wed Mar17, 2010, 1:49 PM

Oh yeah, and the article should be renamed to "Surfer Mag and Mason Ho encourage Bad Behavior" or "Mason Ho, Surfer Mag. and the Killing of Aloha."

DINGO
Thu Mar18, 2010, 9:03 AM

Spoiled bret. If your parents don't do their job, someone should teach you manners. Deep shi#%. Surfs good though...

deeznutz
Thu Mar18, 2010, 9:48 PM

The kids ripz and seems to have a good attitude but if this is the way he acts on a daily basis, with no respect, then I don't see much of a future for this guy...

LOCO
Thu Mar18, 2010, 10:48 PM

Another over hyped, overpaid, untalented Seppo, having his balls licked by the surf media-the kid is NOT a great surfer and, from the video, is a totally brat that needs some smack down-Get the brat outta' the protection of his North Shore bros and he's meat-oh yeah Derek Ho-STOLE the title the year he won it-with North Shore thuggery.

jj
Fri Mar19, 2010, 12:13 AM

Did April Fools come early this year?

Halesy
Fri Mar19, 2010, 12:04 PM

Wow you guys are really comin down on the little brother.Hes a 20 year old with a video to do, or whatevas.So what he went drop in.Hes young.He will grow up,... hopefully....and Coco rips.Shes a sweet kid...but whichever one of you is without sin...go ahead, throw the first... "punch"?.

Trini - Dad
Fri Mar19, 2010, 12:03 PM

I presume his shameless behaviour is limited to Hawaii. I'm betting the rest of the surfing planet will not be so tolerant. Don't worry folks....We'll read about him again in the future. This time the interview will be done at a hospital after he gets stomped!

marksvigil
Fri Mar19, 2010, 1:42 PM

HA HA!

Surfnazi
Fri Mar19, 2010, 3:19 PM

Hey unless you shit talkers are busting air reverses and sitting at the peak at pipe/backdoor, you can all shut your traps. Not only is mason a groovy cat, he gaurenteed shreds all you haters. Mike and Derek ho are legends and the family deserves respect.

Senic one
Fri Mar19, 2010, 4:44 PM

He's from Hawaii and he can do what he want's . It's all who he burn's .... If nobody says anything then shame on them right . If he takes your wave tax him on the next one he goes on . If he is not at his home island , he may burn the wrong person .. Hopefully he just keeps that at home and doesnt travel like that . If he does that to me he will get a 6'2 squash tail up his butt which would hurt , so stay away from State park in San Clemente please .... I dont want to get sued by the ho family for teaching there ripper son about salt water sodomy . " You got to take a few to make a few " - Michael Ho

MDP
Fri Mar19, 2010, 5:10 PM

Mason's actually a chill cool kid and i dropped in on Kelly Slates so now what. He backpaddled me to go right then switched to the left i was on when it closed out. Shit happens.... pros have been hoppin regular joes for years get used to it and quit your whining, theres a set out the back!

WaimanaloBoy
Sat Mar20, 2010, 12:02 AM

Teenage Michael used to come out to Ala Mo in the early '70s...and drop in on guys all da time, even Gerry. So unfortunately, don't look for any helpful parenting in THAT family! Like father, like son. Also, why would Jr. want an audience with a respect-by-intimidation lowlife thug? Did Dick Reilly throw that one in as an implied threat of some sort? Wassup SURFER? I don't think this is what Mr. Severson had in mind all those years ago.

CPas
Sat Mar20, 2010, 2:54 AM

I like the way he surfs, good video, good surfing. Thanks for posting.

credibles
Mon Mar29, 2010, 2:44 AM

Stay O'ahu - burn your friends, uncles and everybody behind you. If that's the trip, stay O'ahu. You surf like people over there drive. If you're 50% serious, then there's a place for your head - bend forward as far you can -good - now look straight up.

question
Sun Apr 4, 2010, 10:57 PM

Who sings that song and what is the name of it? it shows sick surfing and the music works with it well.

kevin
Mon Apr26, 2010, 5:19 PM

Derek Rielly & Surfer Mag should be ashamed for glorifying this.

manrique
Sun May16, 2010, 3:07 PM

jajaja mason burning the kooks, don't cry babes and learn how to surf... costa rica pura vida.

Joe
Sun May30, 2010, 11:34 PM

No matter how good he thinks he is that kind of nonsense will get someone hurt. No wave is worth hurting someone else over ever! People that intentionally snake other people are idiots. He surfs well enough he should be able to get his own waves without the drama. Worse what about the guy that works all week finally scores one from the pack and this kid snakes him because hey his photogarpher is only there 10 days a year??? What kind of crap reasoning is this? Hopefully kharama brings him up short and teaches him a huge lesson about life.

adam
Thu Jun10, 2010, 8:52 PM

brah thats the way it is in hawaii. as long as you've got the name or a big enough pack of guys to back you up you can do whatever you want to whoever. I personally love burning guys like this out at any spot and ill continue to do it and get away with it. The way I feel is that if they're gonna muscle me around with a pack of fifty huge guys anyway I'm gonna get mines. so go for it mase. sure i got huge respect for people I've watched rip these breaks all my life but when it coems to guys like mase I'll gladly burn em all day

john
Sat Jun12, 2010, 2:37 AM

if he is a dwarf like mike or derek he will get his arse beaten severly ha ha ha sepos stay in hawaii you arrogant tool

johnny k
Mon Jul12, 2010, 5:22 AM

LMAO!let him burn all the guys in the water. it's good for surfing and gives balance in the water lol.

Email (Required, will not be shown to public):
Name :
Comment (Required, max chars: 1024):
You have characters left.
 

Subscribe to Surfer Magazine

Get Adobe Flash player

Copyright 2009 SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA. All rights reserved.