Watch: Mason Ho’s Bali Tube Bender, Ft. Sheldon Paishon And Friends

Mason Ho spent a month in Indo this year while waiting for the Padang Cup to run. 

In the meantime, Mase and his west-side apprentice, Sheldon Paishon, sampled Bali’s shallowest pieces of reef, from Ulus to Keramas to several unnamed slabs. 

Near the end of the event’s waiting period, a southwest pulse delivered a healthy dose of swell and Padang roared to life. You can probably guess what happened next. 

This is part one of Mase and Sheldon’s 2019 Indo sojourn. We sent Mason a few questions about his favorite annual “work trip.” 

Stab: It seems like you spend a few months in Indo every year. You seem to have all the waves super dialed and have a great connection with the local crew. Is it kinda like your home away from home?
It feels more like home every year, especially when I go with my friends like Sheldon, Burger or family. I love going there because it has a solid surfing history and it’s easy elevate your surfing.

Do you hit the reef more often in Indo or Hawaii?
I think I hit the reef more here in Hawaii because I can care less about everything. The reef in Indo is just weird.

What’s the perfect Indo board?
For me a nice all around Indo board would be a …Lost 5’10 round pin. 

What inspired your new slob grab backside stall? Is it functional or just fun?
Chris ward, Archy, Andy and Bruce Irons inspired me to do those. Also I don’t see many people doing it now days and it just feels like a new backside barrel thrill for me so I’m hooked.