Sunset Beach, According To Mason Ho

From playing in the shorebreak to sending it on the west bowl, Mason Ho has matured from gromhood to star surfer with Sunset Beach in his backyard.

Sunset is one of the most difficult waves in the world to surf well, and a good understanding of the lineup can only be gathered through years of experience… and a whole ‘lotta sets on the head. Even then, the wave is certain to keep you on your toes and present new bumps and boils seemingly every session.

To add your name to the list of Sunset Beach champs is a huge feat in and of itself, with Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Pancho Sullivan, and Sunny Garcia being a few that come to mind. When everything comes together, this is a wave that demands strength, precision, wit, and bravado. Not to forget, the right equipment.

With the window for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing underway, we decided to give Mason a call to get some insider knowledge about Sunset Beach. From legends who have tamed the Sunset Beach beast to those currently making statements in the lineup, to the types of swells that aren’t to be taken lightly and their opposing swells known as “Fun-set,” Mason has got all your hot tips… plus a story that involves the inside bowl and plate lunch from Ted’s Bakery. Wait for it…

This is a segment called Field Notes from our weekly North Shore news show, The Pick-Up. A Stab and Vans joint. Watch Episode 2.