D er ek H o 1964-2020
v 1 7 # 9
#stillfree
Photo: Ryan "Chachi" Craig
Rest In Paradise
Photo: joliphotos
MATT MEOLA AND LUCAS DIRKSE WEARING= THE PINNACLE OUTERWAR
MATT MEOLA | LUCAS DIRKSE | DAMIEN HOBGOOD | CJ HOBGOOD
F R E E
P A R K I N G
Whether in the throes of a world title competitive battle or redefining our preconceived notions on the physical limits of age, Uncle Derek has done it all at Pipeline with style and grace. Derek Ho, at home in his kingdom - Pipeline - gliding into bliss. Photo - Brent Bielmann
Let’s talk mastery. To become proficient at attaining goals in life is pretty standard survival 101. There’s lots to navigate through a lifetime so to actually get good at a particular skill means you paid attention, learned to meet criteria and generally get things done. For those that strive for excellence there’s mastery and this means you dedicated your heart and your life to that. For Derek Ho it was all about surfing. Father, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many, Derek Ho has left this Earth. Derek’s passing this July was sudden, unexpected and sent shockwaves through the entire surfing community, especially here in Hawaii where Derek was born and raised. The Ho family is indeed surfing royalty and Derek was upholding the dynasty’s regal tradition of solid surfing in waves of consequence, just weeks before at 10-15’ Pipeline. Derek went to the hospital not feeling well due to what later would be diagnosed as a heart attack, slipped into a coma and passed at age 55. Father Chico was a Waikiki Beach Boy, so Derek took to the ocean early and began surfing at age 3. Later groomed in the tricky but powerful surf at Sandy Beach, it wasn’t long before he ventured to some of the better spots in town and the north shore. I got a rare opportunity to cruise with Derek in our adolescent “hanabata days,” after an amateur event we both made finals. Upon invite I ventured into Waimanalo and got to see a glimpse of his world. Derek showed me brother Mike’s trophy collection and even a coveted
P U B L I S H E R ' S
N O T E
By Mike Latronic pair of “Stubbies” board shorts. Of course, I was in awe and I’m sure that was the desired effect. Derek liked to be impressive. He liked to be in the lead. Psychologically he was always in the lead. Derek
support, Derek put his energy into surfing and winning heats. Ho was out of trouble and like a young master, applied that Waimanalo beach survival training to his life and career with great success.
Mike and Derek Ho on tour together presented a whole new level of matching DNA in action. Spanning 3 decades of performance accolades they are perhaps the most blood related victors of all time in the sport of surfing. They are Masters. Factor in niece Coco, nephew Mason and all the uncles and cousins in their extended family and it’s clear the dynasty is real. As competitive as Derek Ho was, he had so much heart for the act of surfing itself. Derek put in more hours of surf time than most even when the waves weren’t great. Even in the last few months of his life Derek Ho put as much time in perfecting his equipment and in the water as anyone.
was special in this way. The guy was like “Fonzi Fonzerelli,” or the junior “Don” of Waimanalo and soon to be the world. His swagger matched his confidence and both were proven with results. Make no mistake Derek Ho was a teenage rascal. Raised in the local beach town of Waimanalo running with a tough east side crew, Derek was forced to hustle and fight for what he got. He offered more than his fair share of inappropriate juvenile behavior and when he finally got in trouble at age 18 it was either get serious or get dropped into the correctional system. Longtime family friend Brian Suratt came on the scene and helped Derek avoid detention, organize sponsors and travel for the qualifying surfing tour. With a newly pointed direction, solid family and community
Derek Ho was instantly a name to reckon with when he hit the pro scene in his late teens. Elder brother Mike was already a dominating force on the world stage and by all early indications it was only a matter of time before Derek would make a bigger mark. Reared in the tricky waves of Sandy Beach coupled with growing experience in big north shore surf, Derek became a threat in any surf conditions. At the age of 22 he won his first Pipeline Masters and in the coming years would accumulate multiple wins as well as 4 Vans Triple Crown Titles. Derek’s competitive pinnacle was with his 2nd Pipeline Masters title in 1993 where he actually became the first ever male surfer from Hawaii to clinch the coveted ASP World Title
One wind-blown day at extralarge Sunset I ventured out to join a handful of bomb seekers in the churning 10-15’ line up. It was chunky, north Sunset and big enough to make anyone nervous and unruly enough to make it dangerous. After about 20 minutes and a few waves the few guys that were out all went in or got cleaned up by a large set. Left solo I was thinking simple protocol : surfing large surf by yourself on Oahu’s north shore is just plain old stupid so just as I was about to take a last ride, I caught a glimpse of another surfer on his way out. It was Derek paddling smooth and steady. I kicked out and paddled back stoked. We shared a few sets and a few easy words all by ourselves. Derek “won the heat” again and that’s the last time I was ever on a surfboard with him in the same line up. I will cherish this memory for a lifetime and with all of you reading this bid our friend aloha.
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
08 Free Parking 10 Publisher’s Note 12 News & Events 16 Environment 20 Friends 34 Uncle Derek 46 Aperture 56 Stuff We Like 60 Industry Notes 66 Last Look
Photo - Brent Bielmann
IN MEMORY OF
DEREK HO - RIDE IN PEACE
DEREK HO - PIPELINE
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8/11/20 11:22 AM
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N E W S
&
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Coco Ho and Filipe Toledo Win Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble at the Ranch
Filipe Toledo Photo Kenny Morris/WSL Kelly Slater Photo Kenny Morris/WSL
Coco Ho Photo Kenny Morris/WSL
Coco Ho (HAW)and Filipe Toledo (BRA) have won the Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold Rumble At The Ranch, a one-day, winner-take-all surf showdown in the perfect waves at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. 16 of the world’s best surfers paired up for the first-ever mixed tag team event, with prize money going to charity. Inspired performances from Ho and Toledo saw them defeat Olympic qualifiers Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) to take the event title thanks to a nearperfect wave from Toledo (9.67 out of a possible 10) and the highest scoring wave of the day. The winning pair nominated Surfrider Foundation’s LA Chapter as the recipients of a $10,000 charitable donation in their name. Ho and Toledo powered through the draw to reach the Final, defeating Alyssa Spencer (USA) and Kolohe Andino (USA) in the Quarterfinals, and then eliminating Sage Erickson (USA) and the 11X WSL Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in the Semifinals. Igarashi and Weston-Webb dominated their opening match-ups, with two of the highest heat totals of the day, sending home Lakey Peterson (USA) and Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the Quarterfinals, followed by Caroline Marks (USA) and Adriano de Souza (USA) in the Semifinal. However, the pair fell short in the Final and weren’t able to post the excellent-range scores required to take the win.
Seth Moniz, Photo Kenny Morris/WSL
Carissa Moore, Photo Kenny Morris/WSL 16
“We all compete to have those situations where we get to perform under pressure, and that’s what I’ve been missing the most these past few months,” said Igarashi. “I definitely got my dose over the last couple of hours. It’s an epic format and Tati has been surfing so good.” “It was fun out there today and it felt good,” said Slater. “It’s different because there’s not so much on the line but there’s a little bit of that competitive feeling there. Sage and I have been having fun and having some practice sessions, getting ready and talking about our game plan.” "Yesterday was surreal to watch that beautiful empty left and imagine and celebrate Uncle Derek. It was awesome,” said Ho. “I’m very thankful to everyone for making it happen."
Tatianna Weston-Webb, Photo Kenny Morris/WSL
DEREK HO 1964 - 2020
ED SLOAN
1993 WORLD CHAMPION FORE VER WITH US
N E W S
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E V E N T S
Filipe Toledo and Coco Ho, Photo Kenny Morris/WSL
Final Results 1: Coco Ho and Filipe Toledo (16.24) 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb and Kanoa Igarashi (14.63) Semifinal Results SF 1: Coco Ho and Filipe Toledo (15.96) def. Sage Erickson and Kelly Slater (10.33) SF 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb and Kanoa Igarashi (16.50) def. Caroline Marks and Adriano de Souza (16.17) Quarterfinal Results QF 1: Coco Ho and Filipe Toledo (14.07) def. Alyssa Spencer and Kolohe Andino (11.34) QF 2: Sage Erickson and Kelly Slater (14.32) def. Carissa Moore and Seth Moniz (13.70) QF 3: Caroline Marks and Adriano de Souza (15.60) def. Kirra Pinkerton and Conner Coffin (10.20) QF 4: Tatiana Weston-Webb and Kanoa Igarashi (16.03) def. Lakey Peterson and Griffin Colapinto (15.87)
LIGHTWEIGHT PADDED RASH GUARD
The Ribby was great! Surfed 2-3 sessions per day and no rash or any irritation on my ribs! — M AT T H E W G E N N A
S U R F R I B BY. CO M
F R I E N D S M
uch like the iconic surf breaks of Waimea, Sunset, Haleʻiwa, and his beloved Pipeline - Derek Ho was a fixture in the North Shore community. His groundbreaking performances, including becoming the first Hawaiian to win the world title, paved the way for a new era of Hawai’ʻ’s champion surfers - including Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons, Carissa Moore, and John John Florence. But perhaps his greatest legacy was his unwavering dedication to his lifelong passion for surfing. A source of great inspiration for surfers of all levels and ages. Beyond the titles and accolades, it was this commitment to his craft and his love for surfing that resonates deeply with those that knew him well. Despite his exalted status, Uncle Derek had a deep aloha for all, knowing all too well how personal the journey of surfing is for everyone. He always made time to recognize a fellow surfer on their path, living their dream, and staying true to their love. That's how he lived, and always led by example. The following are some memories of just a few, of the many, who were there with him along the way, and those who continue to follow his lead.
G E R RY L O P E Z This wave was during the most amazing swell I've ever seen at the Pipeline. It started, if I recall correctly, on September 2, 1991. That day was a solid 10'+ with 30 wave sets and almost no lulls... it was worth your life just trying to paddle out. The next day was 10'-15' with cleanup sets rolling through from the 2nd reef...luckily it wasn't quite as consistent as the day before just bigger. Day 3 was about the same and I believe this wave was from then. The lineup outside is indefinite, basically I'd see one go through that looked good then sit on that spot and wait for it to come again. I picked this one up way outside, Derek caught it further in and mushy like those 2nd reef waves are, he dropped low so I crossed over. Thinking he'd want to do another go-behind, I cut down but Derek didn't take the opening and by then the wave was hitting the inside and starting to run. Derek locked in right under my rail and the lip pitched out over both of us. Most of the time, Pipeline is a one man wave... this time it was friendly to the both of us. I'm gonna miss that boy...we all are.
Photo - Brian Bielmann
Hawaiian surfing royalty - Johnny Boy Gomes, Sunny Garcia, Derek Ho, Kaipo Jaquias Photo - Gordinho
J O H N N Y B OY G O M E S Brother Derek, was my brother from another mother. I’ve learned a lot from him, in and out of the water. I still can’t believe it. I miss and love you champ. #derekhoforever
JONAH MORGAN He was the most dedicated surfer I ever met , unstoppable. We would be at Pipe, and I’d ask him “Are you going to surf again?” He would say, “Yeah, I’ll be back at 4:30.” And sure enough, he was back at 4:30 on the dot. He’d tell me all the time, “Come on, let’s go J! It’s not going to look like this tomorrow,” or “You’re not gonna get the wave sitting there on the couch.” Big, small, stormy, any conditions, he was on it. Even if it wasn’t that good, something other surfers wouldn't even give a second look to, it didn’t matter, it didn’t deter him. D was on it. He had a very special connection with the ocean, that’s for sure . He could, and would, get any wave he wanted, at any spot . But, his favorite was the secret spots. He always wanted to go to some secret spot with just us. And we all know, you better get your waves right away, because D would catch a bunch of waves, then he was out of there hahaha… He was always helping me out, and encouraging me, with everything. D helped me find sponsors, and always had advice and ideas for my boards and fin placement. He shared his amazing art work on my boards. He always gave me tips in the line up at Pipe. His love for the ocean and desire to help other surfers be their best was just endless. He’s one of my best friends and the master of his craft… 22
Photo: Bielmann
Aloha, Uncle Derek
Photo - Brian Bielmann
TOM CARROLL He was just really tough to compete against. He had an uncanny sense of how to place things together. It was almost like the opposite to what I was. I was such a different competitor than what Derek was. Derek was able to piece together a heat really clearly for himself. He had that classic ability to pull something out of nothing and actually see it. He was playing with the wildness of Pipeline. And, that was really a personal journey for him. Then to place yourself within that four man format of competing, which was really tricky. He had a great sense of the ocean, an ability to see more out of things in the water. Derek was such a great tactician, in that regard. He knew Pipeline so well, I had to get a guide from him on many occasions. He pulled me in, in many ways. And, it even happened at the wave pool in Allentown, Pennsylvania, we had a final in what was the first wave pool event on the tour. I’m talking the complete opposite of Pipeline. And, he brought the same kind of level to it. We had some crazy battles and that was one of the craziest. He just made me so sharp, that was absolutely true from my experience at the time. The cool thing about Derek, he also bestowed a lot of respect for every competitor. I'd never heard him say anything other than a respectful word for his competitors. That's what I really liked about Derek, he carried that consistently and never changed.
E R I C A R A K AWA
Our relationship started from his brother Mike, because I was doing boards for Mike. Derek wasn't even on the radar. He was just a kid, but he was surfing - and surfing really good. I remember Mike said, ‘Hey, I want you to make a board for Derek.’ I made him a board, it was a 6’8” double-wing swallow. It's unbelievable. I remember that. I can barely remember what I ate for dinner the night before, but certain things stick out in your memory. I remember seeing Derek riding it for the first time. It was out at Pipe, more of a playful day, and they're getting some barrels and doing turns. Mike told me he was going to be there and Derek was going to have the board. I got myself down to the beach to watch them catch a couple of waves. I remember Derek on this wave, on the 6’8,” and you know, he's a small guy. He came out of a little barrel, and was in the really steep part of the wave, and he just laid it out, extending his body. Just carved this turn. And I'm going, “Whoa, Hey, this kid's surf's really good!” He had great style and he knew how to use the rail. He was the next generation. I kept making him boards and the rest is history. The last project we were working on together, we were reproducing some of his iconic Pipe boards back from the Island Classics days. I have the original order forms with all the details, the actual templates I used, the measurements, rocker, measurements, thicknesses, nose, and tail. I’ve kept them over the years and in their designated folders. So, I gave him the choice of which one to reproduce. He says, “I want my 7’6” Pipe Masters board, with the green rails.” He gave me the dimensions and everything amd I'm going, “How do you remember that? Are you sure? I don't remember doing any green rail boards for you.” I pulled open the folder and there's literally a couple hundred orders in there and I'm going through it, going through the 7’6”s, we did so many 7’6”s for him, and I'm going through the years and there's a 7’6.” It’s got green rails. I pull it out, and it's the original order. And, he says, ‘See? There it is. I told you.’”
Photo - Brian Bielmann
We reproduced that board and I handshaped it with him. Like he always did, he was looking over my shoulder, making sure everything was right. Derek knew exactly what he wanted. He'd literally be over my shoulder, making sure his fins were in the right place, the angles were right, and the rails were foiled enough - everything. There was that late season swell at Pipe last spring. He gets that one crazy wave where he takes off late, does a big soul arch, and it looks like he's gonna fall back. The spit blows out, and it looks like it might've helped get back up on his feet. That was the board.
PIPE “We will carry on your big beautiful heart of gold forever.” I love you Daddy, Kiana Ho
“Every wave I surf is dedicated to you. Rest in paradise, Dad.” I love you! Makoa Ho
photo: Mike Latronic
“I love you so much, with all my heart. Rest peacefully, my love. xo” Tanya Ho
“Forever riding with you Uncle D.” Eternal love, Coco Ho “Uncle derek! I will forever carry your energy with me and I’ll share it with the world the best I can.” Aloha, Mason Ho “Derek Ho is my brother. We are very close. He is friendly, loving, kind, talented, well-spoken. He rode barrels effortlessly. I love him dearly. RIP, D.” God bless, Michael Ho
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G AV I N B E S C H E N
I met uncle Derek when I was like 16 or 17. I had a chance to surf in the Bells Juniors Contest, and I hitchhiked to the gas station to get some ice cream and he pulled up with my brother. I don't even think he was aware I was Shane's brother at first. But, he got out right away and was super welcoming. Someone of that stature can be pretty intimidating. But, it was his aloha and warmth, that overtook the intimidation factor. He was a very major influence in guiding me, and just accepting me for who I was. We ended up hanging out the rest of the trip. Then coming in as a young kid to the heavy waters of Hawai’i, the guidance and acceptance he showed was so true and pure. But, It was all up to us. They could show you and teach you, but, at the end of the day it was, let's see it, grab your board and when the waves are good, you gotta surf. He really led by example in that aspect, of just staying dedicated to what you love, throughout it all.
Photo - Tom Servais
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Derek Ho
A Tr u e H a w a i i a n L e g e n d 1964- 2020
N AT H A N F L E T C H E R It's interesting to know somebody as your father's friend, as a six year old child, just starting to surf, and [Derek] already being somewhat of a professional, and then becoming the Pipe Master, World Champion - all of these things - but then still surfing with him through those years as a little kid, then growing up and becoming an adult. When you're watching Derek, you're seeing people do stuff that nobody's ever done for his age; When you're watching Michael, you're seeing people do things that they don't do at that age. It's never been done. This is a first for that age division. They’re making it possible for Kelly Slater to do what he's done; for me to do what I've done‌ for everybody, you know? Cause if you look at their lineage, the only person I know that's older, that still does it is my dad. And if you talk to Michael Ho about my dad, he's been a huge inspiration to Michael in his life. And, that's what we have to look up to. Those are our elders and that's who we're going to try and carry the torch for and make them proud so when Derek is resting in heaven, he knows that his tribe's down here still doing his work ‘cause that's what we're here to do - to surf and have fun.
Photo - Mike Latronic
lines
MARK HEALEY My earliest memory of Derek was the Pipe Masters, those waves, and watching that on TV before I was even considering surfing Pipeline. The way he won that event, it was absolutely amazing. Those waves hold up today, they'd be straight up tens. I kind of always felt like all pipeline waves are kind of compared to those. And he did that in a heat, over and over again, throughout the course of a day with a ton of pressure on him. Whenever I'd see or talk to Derek, I'd always just think back to that. My first impressions as a kid seeing that performance. It's pretty rare that you get that deep of a genuine love for surfing and that amount of talent at the same time. A lot of guys, they get a little burnout, they feel like they've been there, done that, or they've just surfed so much and made it a job for so long - it kind of can take the passion out of it. But, Derek and Mike, they never lost the passion. I think either one of those guys surf more in two months than I do in a year, probably. Pipeline is not going to be the same place without Uncle D in the lineup, that’s for sure. It feels like the end of an era. He contributed so much to Hawaiian surfing, being the first Hawaiian world champ, his Pipeline performances, and setting the bar for performance at his age. Those kinds of humans don't come around very often. And, those are some big shoes to fill out there. I don't know if they will ever be filled.
Photo - Brent Bielmann
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UNCLE DEREK Memories from niece and nephew, Coco and Mason Ho
Without question, as a “Surfing Family,� the Ho’s inhabit an unparalleled sacred ground. The pinnacle, from which very few other familial surfing tribes even begin to compare. Competitive and physical accomplishments aside, it is the character and true aloha spirit that emanates from them all that commands such reverence. Derek was an irreplaceable pillar of this family unit. Niece and nephew Coco and Mason Ho recall the immeasurable influence their World Champion Uncle Derek had on their lives as surfers, and upon the greater surf culture.
Derek Ho, Photo - Keoki
Mason When I was really young, surfing seemed pretty scary. You’d hear the stories when they'd come home, whether it'd be a good day or bad, the good days sounded scary and the bad sounded scary. So I wasn't too into surfing. But, when I would see Uncle Derek's boardroom, with all these colorful surfboards, I just remember that's the thing that made me want to go surfing - Uncle Derek's bright surfboards. And, sometimes, if I wanted one really bad, he'd give me one, like maybe not that exact one, but here's another one that's just as bright, you know? And I'd so be into surfing until that board, like got a little old or beat up. And then I wouldn't really be into surfing until I got my new bright Uncle Derek board again. And, my dad had boards of course, but they didn't look like Uncle Derek’s. I was like, I don't want to ride those pops. (laughs) I just remember. I was like, “Hey, I got the bright board. I'll look cool. I got my friend Burger. He's keeping me laughing, this will be a good time.” So, we went and I was hooked. Those are kind of my first real memories of Uncle Derek and surfing. It was him giving me these super cool looking surfboards with all the dreamy logos and art on there.
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Coco I think my very first surfing memories of Uncle Derek would be when I started surfing. I was six or seven and my brother and we'd watch old surf movies every morning before we'd surf. We'd always watch dad's part and Uncle Derek's part. And I think at that age, I couldn't decipher the difference. And then I just remember one Christmas up the hill with the whole family. I noticed he had a way bigger trophy than my dad, and Mason explained Uncle Derek's a world champion. And, I didn't really understand the tour yet or rankings. And I just remembered this way cooler trophy that we didn't have at our house. We had the Duke trophies, and we had the Eddie Aikau invite trophies. There were a lot of similarities. And then there's this one, silver, perfect trophy. I was like, which ones that? And that's my very first memory of Uncle Derek.
In the timeless schoolyard banter of “So, my uncle is…” It’s pretty hard to top, “My uncle is Derek Ho.” Photo - Tom Servais
Mason
I do remember in 1993, the day he won the World Title, I was in kindergarten and the teacher got up and said, “Hey class, give Mason's uncle a round of applause. He just won the world title across the road.” And I was like, “What does that even mean? Do I clap? Is it for me?” (laughs) And the teacher said, “No, clap, it’s for your uncle. He's the first Hawaiian world champ.” I remember thinking, ‘Whoa, that's pretty rad.’ That was the coolest feeling ever.
Coco
I always talked about this with my cousins. When you're really little, your dad is your dad, so they're not as special or whatever. And then, to me, Uncle Derek was so special. He almost had this starlike power. My dad was just as famous, but to me, Uncle Derek had something a little more special and cool. And, maybe it was because he was a world champion, I don't know? But, we discuss it all the time with our cousins and they say they feel that about my dad. For me, Uncle Derek, when I was young, was just like, almost extraordinary. He has a little beyond my dad to me. He has the coolest, he had just this power to him. And I don't know how to explain it, because he respected everyone. But, there is something so powerful about him. I always felt that.
Mason
He was like a god. I'm just a North Shore boy who grew up and fell in love with surfing. I loved surfing from before I even knew it. But eventually I realized surfing's the love of my life. Every little study or focus I possibly have is for surfing, whether it be waves or surfers’ styles, I'm just like, “Surf, surf, everything surf.” There're all these world champions and people I look up to that are what some people call “surf gods” or whatever, but that’s what they're literally like, to me. It just so happens to be that I'm related to one of these guys, and my dad, both who I've looked up to my whole life, and wanted to be exactly like. It just hits real deep.
Photo - Tom Servais
I'm so into surfing, I’ll use it to hypnotize myself from all the bad stuff in the world and all the bad feelings in life. I know how to tune out all those feelings. If it's negative, I already know how to be - go surf! With this one I've tried, but it's really messing with me, you know, and my feelings. I surfed all day, after it all happened. And, I just felt bad. Like I still had to mourn. But then I thought, Uncle D. wants me to surf, literally, no matter what, all the time, no matter what. That's one thing I’ll remember and know of him and will take on for the rest of my life. Nothing would stop him from surfing, at all. So, I gotta get in the water. He wants me out there, whether it's this big or that big, or windy at a hundred miles per hour. That was Uncle D., that was his style.
A picture says a thousand words. A lifetime of smiles and stoke. Photos - Tom Servais
Michael and Derek Ho Photo - Tom Servais
Photo - Courtesy Ho Family
Coco
I was thinking about it the other night. There's a lot of families that surf. There's a lot of different kinds of bonds in surfing, which is so cool - moms and daughters, siblings, twins, and everything in between. But I thought, “Wow!” that something so special about our family. It was my father, uncle, and a brother. And it’s so rare to be so accomplished, they’re all just so one with the ocean. My dad and uncle, they were raised by the ocean. I watched an interview of Uncle Derek the other day and he said, “It was never a matter of, can we go to the beach? It was, can we go home from the beach?” Because his dad was a beach boy and that's where they were raised and it's all they had. Their bond to the ocean is so strong and I think it has to be something in their DNA. But sometimes, I wonder why I'm not on all the good waves like my dad and uncle. But, I can work on that. (laughs)
Derek Ho with fellow goofyfoot masters - Rob Machado and the late Ronnie Burns. Photos - Tom Servais
The Ho Legacy continues. Photo - Brian Bielmann
Mason
You know when it's 10 foot Pipeline, everyone will go check it and watch it. What I always thought was funny. Uncle Derek would walk up, and sometimes not even look at it, just straight from his car. If he knew it's gonna be West, eight foot, four foot, to 20 foot. If it's gonna be West, he was just like, “Perfect, I'll see you guys out there.” Like, he'd always just put on his wetsuit. He was just going out, you know?
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I noticed everyone would always be like, “Oh, Uncle Derek's going out right now this must be the time.” It was always the same thing. Uncle D’s going out, it must be firing. All the gnarliest guys, when Uncle D would move, everyone's gears would go. He was everyone's gauge.
Coco
The longevity of Uncle Derek is, to me, a big result of being a product of his environment. I think if you love surfing and if you are ingrained in it, how my family is, you couldn't look at these waves we have here and not go surf. I think the goal for them is if Pipeline is breaking, I'm going to go out until I can't physically paddle into one anymore. And, you can see that because they haven't stopped. My dad kept putting numbers on it. He's like, “Oh yeah, I'm done at Pipe at 60.” And, then the next winter, when he was 61, we were like, “These are your best clips ever out there.” And then the following winter, same thing. (laughs)
Shane Beschen and Derek Ho. Photo - Tom Servais
The unmistakable grace of Derek Ho dropping in at Pipeline. Photo - Tom Servais
IN LOVING MEMORY
DEREK HO Derek was a special person to many of us at Kahuku Medical Center and throughout our community. We celebrate his legacy and life and extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving. - Kahuku Medical Center Ohana
www.kmc-hi.org - (808) 293-9221 - 56-117 Pualalea St, Kahuku, HI 96731
UNCLE DEREK I think everyone gives a lot of credit to my dad for how Derek surfed a lot because his older brother's still surfing. But in that case, it's actually my dad would trip out on how much Uncle Derek surfed. It's a common joke on the North Shore, wherever you see Derek's car, you wanted to go surf because you knew it was the spot. His passion for surfing is up there with anyone. That guy will out surf anyone. I think that's why my dad tries to out surf everyone, it’s because Uncle Derek did.
Mason
“All it takes is one,” that was his one line he’d always say. I remember there was this guy who was doing bad and he was hanging in the yard at one of the houses. I wouldn't even talk to this guy, because his energy was kind of gnarly and bad, you know? So this guy kind of came up to Uncle D. and said, “Hey, what's up man?” And, I don't even know if Uncle D. knew him. But the guy's like, “It looks crazy and out of control today.” And, he’s going on, and basically making excuses to not be out there. And, Uncle D.’s, says, “All it takes is one.” This guy used to surf pretty good. And all of a sudden he says, “You're right Uncle D., you know what? I'm going to go for it.” And, I watched this guy go out for the first time in who knows how long. He barely makes it out, and eventually catches his one wave and gets a pretty nice one, I was blown away. It was just so cool because I watched Uncle D. tell him this. Then two years later, I saw him again and he was doing super good. He says to me, “Your Uncle Derek changed my life, that one day he told me just to go and get one wave, and I was doing pretty bad. Just getting out, I remember the fear in my heart. I don't know how, but I got out there? I caught one wave and rode it to the beach. I couldn’t believe it.” Here was this guy that I tried to avoid, and Uncle D., gave him just this little push. He had this way of being, where you don't have to give people everything, but a nice hello and a shaka. And, just some time for everyone. Aloha, true aloha, Uncle D. had it for everyone. 44
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Derek Ho Photo - Brent Bielmann
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Mason Ho Photo - Brent Bielmann
Coco Ho Photo - Keoki
Michael Ho Photo - Brian Bielmann
Derek Ho Photo - Brian Bielmann
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W W W. R A I N B O W S A N D A L S . C O M
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REPAIR • REUSE • RECYCLE Our commitment doesn’t end when you leave the store. Since 1974, we have repaired and reused over 400,000 sandals that are donated to needy feet around the world. Our goal is to help those in need and stop broken sandals from going to a landfill and polluting our oceans.
PAT EN T ED T RUN C AT ED
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S T U F F
W E
L I K E
Photos - Shawn Pila Big Island’s Mikey O’Shaugnessy celebrated a well-earned homecoming at Honoli’i Beach in Hilo. The fearless charger nabbed the cover of FreeSurf Magazine’s Collector’s Issue and shared the stoke with some of his young fans, signing free copies of his incredible cover shot. “Super stoked to do a signing of my first cover shot on the FreeSurf Collector’s Issue. We’re down here at Honoli’i, and this is where things actually started taking off for me so it’s awesome to bring it back. I’ve been blown away with all the support and so grateful for this huge achievement. It's a huge honor on my behalf. And, I'm here representing my Ohana here on the Big Island, on the East side. We're out there in the ocean just trying to do the best we can, leading with the right foot forward. Most of all, we're here trying to make a difference in the community for these kids. Have a positive beacon and someone positive in their life that they can look up to. I just try to surf my heart out and just be cool and normal. Thank you all,” said Mikey.
S T U F F
W E
L I K E
Vans The Ultra Range EXO Check out the latest from your favorite nonchalant line of simple, classic, easy-going footwear. Vans has released the next generation of the Ultra Range, a cushiony, breathable yet durable tenny. It’s just the thing for whenever it is we can get out and about again!
Coffee Shop 831 If your'e surfing Waiks, a fine place for post grinds in the heart of Waikiki, is Coffee Shop 831. Superior Hawaiian organic coffee and yummy sweets made with local veggies and fruits are finally in the heart of Waikiki! 411 NÄ hua St, Honolulu, HI 96815 (808) 922-0831.
Play Salty Face Mask Featuring all the on-land surfwear you could ever need - including the modern everyday necessity: the face mask - Play Salty has hats, boardies, tees and more for men and women. Even better? The apparel brand is a member of 1% for the Planet meaning they donate a percentage of their sales to an earth-friendly fund. Check them out online and get ready to #playsalty! Right now we are digging the adult face mask option in a simple, sleek black. Masks are also available in keiki size. www.playsalty.com
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Mason Ho on YouTube When you’ve binged all of Tiger King and the surf is still flat, turn to Mason Ho’s YouTube Channel. In a recently posted moving tribute, he teams up with editor Drew Pringle, remembering his Uncle Derek. Join Mason for this and more glimpses into his life as a surfer on the North Shore and a member of one of surfing’s most elite families. Subscribe! @Ho & Pringle Productions on Youtube
Sustainable Surf Water Quench that post-surf thirst without sacrificing the health of our environment by using yet another plastic bottle. Instead, reach for Surfwater’s aluminum packed water, perfect for sustainable and easy-to-grab on the go waterbottle. Like a soda can, it is made from aluminum that can be broken down in as little as 60-days! And the guys at Surfwater have made sure this water is just as refreshingly delicious - more so, actually - than what you would get in a traditional waterbottle which tend to become contaminated by plastic particles over time. www.surfwater.com
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I N D U S T R Y
N O T E S
JJF & Kai Lenny Power Trip Kai Lenny and John John Florence joined forces - this time harnessing the wind. The duo set sail on Florence’s catamaran, covering 123 miles of Pacific on the small vessel. We can’t imagine a more suitable, experienced crew to navigate the channel from O'ahu to Kauai!
Kalani Chapman Photo - Mike Latronic
Kalani Chapman Proposes A romantic North Shore sunset was the perfect spot for Kalani Chapman to get on bended knee, asking longtime girlfriend Lydia for her hand in marriage. The longtime couple are parents to a young son. 13th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival In keeping to their annually scheduled July surf film fest, Honolulu Museum of Art hosted a socially distant event, taking the film festival virtual. The event was free to fans worldwide and featured music by The Common Dandies and poster art by Punky Aloha.
BWRAG Cancels all 2020 Summits Though it comes as a surprise to few, the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group announced its official cancelation of all its 2020 summits in the wake of the COVID pandemic. The group teaches experienced waterman water safety tactics, injury prevention, and big wave rescue techniques over the course of a four-day training. Teachers include Kohl Christensen, Mark Healy, Greg Long, Andrea Moller, and others. 60
Surfer @kanoadahlin Photo @shakazaz
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Little Derek Ho had a vision…
I could be the
World Champ! R.I.P.
1964-2020
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I N D U S T R Y
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(808) 230-9851
@freedomlaser 66-160 Kam. Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712
HAIR AND TATTOO REMOVAL
ordy Smith to be a Dad South African Jordy Smith and wife Lyndall announced they are expecting! In a heartfelt shout out to his wife on Women’s Day, Smith confirmed the model and future mother of his child has had a bun in the oven for a good part of 2020 and is due this fall.
Vissla Extends Creators & Innovators Upcycle Contest Favorite alternative surf brand and the Surfrider Foundation extended its innovation contest deadline to Sep. 11th. The contest is an effort to bring about awareness to our global environmental pollution problem. 2017’s contest yielded a cigarette-filled board that raised awareness surrounding pollution globally by going viral.
Model: Mahina Garcia Photographer: @zoardjanko
SurfAid Pro-Vide Auctions off a Foo Fighter Guitar & More! Nonprofit SurfAid hosted an online auction to help prevent unnecessary death in the Mentawai Islands. Among the many things up for auction on the site, a Foo Fighters’ Fender guitar and a chance to spend the day surfing with Curran brothers Nathaniel and Tim.
In Loving Memory of Derek Ho His presence in surf has affected all of us, forever. : thepaulerich
Aloha Derek!
Sourcing only the best Hawaiian coffee beans
Thank you for all the moments of Joy, Wonder, and AWE!
Endless LOVE to the Ho Ohana
In the heart of Waikiki
Coffee Shop 831 Pearl Hotel Waikiki 411 Nahua (808) 922-0831 www.831hawaii.com
I N D U S T R Y
N O T E S
MAHALO UNCLE DEREK for being a true ambassador and legend for Hawaii. You will be missed but never forgotten.
aloha ia ‘oe,
Seth Moniz & Parker Coffin both celebrate birthdays this September! Moniz turns 22 September 8th and Coffin turns 28 September 26th.
DUKE’S WAIKIKI ‘OHANA
Happy Belated Jack O’Neill Day to you July 9th saw an evening of celebration for the O’Neill ohana and the community of Santa Cruz. Together, along with team riders like Timmy Reyes, Eli Olson, and Jordy Smith, the brand celebrated the creator of one of the longest-lasting and trusted surf suppliers in the industry.
Cyclone Surfer Start-Up A surf machine from Idaho? Yup. The Cyclone Surfer is a surf amusement ride boasting a full size working prototype surf machine built in Coeur d’Alene. The group is in the process of fundraising via Kickstarter. Check out more at www. cyclonesurfer.com.
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Pipeline's chosen son, Derek Ho, enveloped in love. Photo - Brent Bielmann