Former champion surfer dies at age 55

Derek Ho, 1964-2020

ASAM NEWS
Family, friends and the surfing world is mourning the death of former world champion Derek Ho.

The first Native Hawaiian men’s world surfing champion died of a heart attack Friday at the age of 55, according to KHON.

“You knew every time there was a good swell he was going to be out there and he was going to get the best wave and high-five everyone on his way back out to the lineup,” said friend Brian Bielmann to KHON.

Derek Kaleiki Ho was born in Kailua on Oahu to Chico and Joeine Ho, first cousin to Don Ho. Chico was one of the original Waikiki beach boys, so there was no question his offspring would surf. His older brother Michael was among the first wave of professionals in the mid-’70s, finishing in the Top 16 for 10 straight years, reports Surfline.

Derek Ho won the Triple Crown four times in 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990.

The Kailua High School grad also won the prestigious Pipe Masters in 1986 and 1993.

“I know Derek’s up in heaven and he’s in that happy place,” said Bret Marumoto to Hawaii News Now, who worked with Ho. “Just if everyone can somehow, when you paddle out in surf, think of Derek Ho. This is a hard one, he’s gonna be truly missed.”

After winning his last title in 1993, Ho said to KHON “It’s kind-of Peter Pan story, but a Cinderella type of thing. But here we are, here it is, and it feels really great,” he said.

Derek Ho was the first Native Hawaiian to win the world surfing championship.