History
Michael Ho: North Shore Style, Power, and the Making of a Surf Dynasty
Nov
Image courtesy of WSL.
Michael Ho: North Shore Style, Power, and the Making of a Surf Dynasty
Michael Ho stands as one of the most quietly influential figures in Hawaiian surfing. Known for impeccable positioning, fearlessness at Pipeline, and a lifetime of competitive longevity, Michael helped define modern North Shore surfing. Alongside his brother, world champion Derek Ho, he helped elevate Hawaii onto the world stage — and established a surf family that continues to shape the sport today.
Early Life and Roots in Hawaiian Surfing
Born in 1957 and raised on Oʻahu, Michael grew up immersed in wave-riding culture as part of the famous Ho family. He entered the competitive surf world young, gaining recognition in the 1970s for style, technical control, and the ability to read powerful Hawaiian surf with unusual calm and precision.
By his teens he was already placing in major events like the Duke Kahanamoku Classic, marking the arrival of a North Shore talent who was both stylish and tactically sharp.
Pioneering Style and Technique
Michael Ho earned a reputation as one of the world’s greatest “position” surfers. Rather than overpowering waves, he positioned himself exactly where the wave offered the deepest barrel or most critical pocket. This approach became his signature — quiet, efficient, beautifully controlled.
He was also instrumental in the evolution of the pigdog stance, a barrel-riding technique used to stay locked into heavy tubes. Though widely used today, it was riders like Michael who refined it during the intense, competitive years at Pipeline.
Michael Ho’s Competitive Achievements
Michael’s contest career spanned decades and included some of the most respected results in North Shore history. A few of his standout achievements include:
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1982 Pipe Masters Champion — famously winning even after injuring his wrist, surfing with a cast
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Two Triple Crown titles (1983, 1985), demonstrating mastery across Haleʻiwa, Sunset, and Pipe
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Two Duke Classic victories (1978, 1981), during the event’s peak prestige
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Multiple Xcel Pro titles at Sunset (1988, 1990, 1991, 1996)
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Runner-up at the 1997 Pipeline Masters at age 40, proving his longevity
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2000 World Masters Champion
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Inducted into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach in 2012
These aren’t just trophies — they represent dominance across the most respected surf arenas in the world.
A Family Legacy: The Ho Surf Dynasty
Michael is central to one of Hawaii’s greatest surf legacies. His brother, Derek Ho, became Hawaii’s first world champion in 1993. Michael’s children — Coco Ho and Mason Ho — now carry the torch.
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Coco Ho became one of the most stylish and successful women’s pros of her generation.
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Mason Ho is widely celebrated for a creative, joyful approach to surfing that blends modern progression with classic Hawaiian flair.
Through them, Michael’s influence continues into a third generation — a rare and powerful lineage in surf history.
Why Michael Ho Matters
For Hawaii.surf readers, Michael Ho represents what makes Hawaiian surfing unique:
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Respect for wave knowledge over brute force
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Innovation inside the barrel, not just above the lip
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A lifelong dedication to the North Shore
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A family deeply rooted in surf culture and heritage
His career bridges eras — the raw power of 1970s surfing, the competitive refinement of the 80s and 90s, and the expressive modern surfing we see through his children today.
Michael Ho isn’t just a legend — he’s part of the foundation of North Shore identity.
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