The last five years of Derek Ho’s life were filled with family and a whole lot of tube time. Both can be witnessed in this 12-minute tribute to Hawaii’s first world champion. Ho died of a heart attack on a Friday in mid-July and the surfing world has been mourning the loss since.
“Here is just a tiny glimpse into UNCLE D’s final 5 years,” wrote Mason on a YouTube page he shares with Rory Pringle. “All clips were filmed in the last 5 years. You can see he was living life to the fullest till the very end! This man was/is an INCREDIBLE Father, Brother, Uncle, Husband & Friend. Always inspiring people around him and BLOWING MINDS in the water or on land. The first ever Hawaiian World Champion. A scientist of FUN! 100% one of the Kings of Pipeline and was blown out of the barrel more than most will know. We will forever carry on your energy and passion for life and surfing.”
