An Interview with Mason Ho, The World’s Most Entertaining Surfer

When I tried to get ahold of Mason Ho last week, his phone went straight to voicemail. After a few seconds of a barroom sounding scuffle, his message went something like this: "Hellllooo, you've reached Mason and Company. Leave a message because I'm on vacation for the rest of my life."

Growing up on the North Shore of Oahu and into one of the surfing's most legendary family lineages, it's easy to wonder if Mason's entire life has been one big vacation. Not that becoming a pro surfer isn't hard work—Mason, who has been dubbed "the World's Most Entertaining Surfer," just knows how to have a good time. 

In this episode of Locals, the ever-entertaining Mason shows mountain biking legend Cam McCaul around his home turf on the North Shore. After Mason gives Cam a surfing lesson in some of the world's most epic surf breaks, it becomes a complete Ho family affair. Mason's father, Michael Ho—a legendary Triple Crown winner with more titles to count—joins the two for a ripping bike session on the Ho's home trails.

Check out your local listings to catch Mason Ho on Outside TV's Locals

Mason and I were able to connect this week after he got back from a trip to Africa. Here's what he had to say: 

TGR: So you just got back from Africa. Tell me about your trip. What were the highlights?

Mason Ho: The trip to Africa was very fun. Lots of beautiful sunrises, but not too much surfing because my hand was injured.

TGR: In this episode of Locals, you showed Cam McCaul around your home turf on the North Shore. What’s special about surf culture on the North Shore versus other places you’ve surfed? What’s it like growing up and living in proximity to so many amazing surfers?

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MH: The North Shore has special surf culture because from day one it's been the place for surf, deadly waves or not. It's fun growing up there because you get to interact with your heroes as a kid.

TGR: Had you met Cam before? What was it like filming with him? Were there any surprises there? 

MH: I did not meet Cam before the show and it was a pleasure meeting him because he is such a humble, cool guy. Then when he got on that mountain bike I could not believe my eyes! I am still absolutely baffled on what I've seen him do all over the mountain. Super fun to watch!

TGR: Describe a Day in the Life of Mason Ho.

MH: A day in the life for me is I wake up, call my friends to see how the waves are. If they haven't seen them yet I'll go look myself. Then go surf until I can hardly move, then go try to find a big plate lunch somewhere close to home. Ideally, I'd like to go surf again. If not I'll go find something else to do and then watch that sunset at Sunset Beach.

TGR: What surfers are you most excited to watch right now?

MH: I like watching my dad, uncle Derek and my sister. They get me so excited to paddle out! 

Mason's father Michael and uncle Derek Ho are still catching some of the gnarliest waves out there. Photo courtesy of Mason Ho via Instagram.

Mason's little sister, Coco Ho, is also a shredding surfer on the World Tour. Photo courtesy of Coco Ho via Instagram. 

TGR: Tell me a bit about your web series  License to Chill you make with your childhood bud, Keoni "Cheeseburger" Nozaki—where’d the inspiration for that come from? When can we expect the next episode?

MH: License to Chill was just a little look into how I do it, far as surf. I've been working on another project lately, I'll be releasing a few episodes behind the scenes from it in a License to Chill kind of way. Not sure when the next actual License to Chill episode will come out. 

TGR: Do you have favorite tunes to bump on your way to the beach? What about on the way home?

MH: I love all kinds of music mostly old school rap and reggae and super, super old-school rock or funk. 

TGR: I hear you’re a big Jimi Hendrix fan. What’s your favorite Jimi song and why?

MH: Yeah Jimi is the man! I really like the beginning of "Everlasting First" because he's wailing the guitar like I dream of doing.

TGR: Here’s your chance to burn: you have the reputation of being one of the funniest pro surfers. Who’s the least funny surfer out there?

MH: Not sure who the least funny surfer is but I do not think it's funny when people litter or don't show respect. 

TGR: Highlight of your year so far? 

MH: Couple barrels I got in late May. I got to learn more than ever. 

TGR: What does the future hold for Mason Ho? Competitions? Web series? 

MH: Both. Always. 

Mason Ho's North Shore Quick Hits:

• Favorite place for a quick bite: Pupukea Grill or Kenny's
• Favorite place a beer or three: Sunset Beach 
• Best place to take someone visiting the North Shore: Sunset Beach 
• Go-to spot you take a girl you’re trying to impress: Sunset Beach 
• First place you go when you get home after a long trip: Sunset Beach