Derek Ho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Derek Ho |
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|---|---|
| Personal information | |
| Born | September 26, 1964 Kailua, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Died | July 17, 2020 (aged 55) Hawaii, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 133 lb (60 kg) |
| Surfing career | |
| Years active | 1986–2020 |
| Sponsors | Volcom |
| Major achievements | 1993 World Champion Vans Triple Crown 1986/1988/1990/1992 |
| Surfing specifications | |
| Stance | Goofy foot |
Derek Ho (born September 26, 1964 – died July 17, 2020) was an amazing surfer from Hawaii. He made history in 1993 when he became the first Native Hawaiian to win the world surfing championship! Derek started surfing when he was just three years old. He grew up in Kailua, Hawaii, and became a true surfing legend.
Derek came from a famous surfing family. His brother, Michael Ho, was also a champion surfer. Derek was also the uncle of two other professional surfers, Mason Ho and Coco Ho. He sadly passed away on July 17, 2020, at the age of 55.
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Becoming a World Champion
Derek Ho's biggest win was in 1993 when he became the World Surfing Champion. This was a huge moment for him and for Hawaii. He was 29 years old when he won this top title. It showed everyone how talented and dedicated he was to surfing.
Vans Triple Crown Wins
Besides his world title, Derek Ho also won the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing multiple times. This is a very important series of surfing contests held in Hawaii. He won it in 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1992. Winning the Triple Crown so many times showed that he was one of the best surfers on the famous Hawaiian waves.
Surfing Style
Derek Ho was known for his "goofy foot" stance. This means he surfed with his right foot forward on the board. Many surfers have a regular stance (left foot forward). His style was powerful and smooth, especially when riding big waves in Hawaii.
Family of Surfers
Surfing was a big part of the Ho family. Derek's brother, Michael Ho, was also a very successful surfer. Michael won many contests and was well-known in the surfing world.
The Next Generation
Derek's nephews and nieces have also become famous surfers. Mason Ho and Coco Ho are both professional surfers today. They continue the family's legacy in the sport. It's clear that surfing talent runs deep in the Ho family!
