Jack Ho

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Jack Ho. I am 18 years old and grew up in Waikiki. I recently graduated high school from Punahou School and will be attending UH Manoa, while still pursuing my professional ocean career.

Q: When you’re not surfing, what are you up to?

I am a student. I have gone to school since elementary so I don’t really know much else. I try my best to squeeze in as many trips as I can. I think I have a pretty good balance between doing what I love and studying. I don’t take either too seriously so it keeps it loose and enjoyable.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations as a Twin Fin Surf Ambassador?

My hope is to inspire people to learn about my home, through staying at The Twin Fin, surfing the spots where I grew up surfing, and seeing the beauty of where I live. If The Twin Fin can make someone's trip to Hawaii even that much better, I am stoked!

Ambassador

@jackfromtown

@jackfromtown2485

Aloha, my name is Jack Ho. I am a youth waterman and student from Waikīkī. Growing up surfing, Waikīkī has always been my “backyard” and home break. It has allowed me to create a surfing career for myself and become connected with the surfing community on Oahu’s south shore. A waterman is someone who excels in all aspects of the ocean and feels comfortable putting themselves in uncomfortable situations. This can mean surfing big waves, trying a new sport, or training harder to become better. I love where I live and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. Therefore, I will be attending UH Mānoa in the fall and will continue to perpetuate my love and career for riding waves.

What is your Ambassador Role?

I am so grateful to be part of The Twin Fin Waikiki ohana. Although Waikiki has a lot of negative companies or businesses that impact our community, The Twin Fin Waikiki has worked to prove the opposite and has shown what it takes to be sustainable, creative, and open minded. It feels good to represent a company that holds similar values as yourself. With that being said, it is an honor to work with The Twin Fin Waikiki.

AccesSurf & Duke Kahanamoku Foundation

Jack Ho has been a passionate advocate for AccesSurf, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive beach and water experiences for individuals with disabilities. As a committed volunteer since middle school, Jack’s dedication to fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the ocean has significantly impacted the lives of many participants. Jumping into an opportunity to learn and give back to a community he wasn’t too familiar with; he is extraordinarily grateful for the relationships he’s made over the years, with some of the best Adaptive Surfers in the world.

In 2023, Jack received the Duke Award Scholarship presented by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. This scholarship recognizes students who represent ocean talent and share the aloha spirit carried by the great Duke Kahanamoku. This scholarship allowed Jack to study full time at the University of Hawai’i while allowing him to pursue his professional surfing career.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

How did you first get into surfing, and what made you fall in love with it?

I started surfing right in the heart of Waikiki, at the Duke statue when I was 5 years old. This was where most of my friends and I learned how to surf and where we have made unbreakable friendships. I really got to love surfing when I was 10 years old and started doing the local contests. I won my first contest and that lit the fire

What’s your favorite part about living in Hawaii?

The culture of the people is by far the best thing here. Aside from the fact that it is one of the best places in the world, the diverse community is something that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether it is food, music or traditional practices, each group has their own to proudly share. So many different cultures have influence in Hawaii and when they all come together, you get a beautiful thing.

When you’re not surfing, what are you up to?

Could you describe the unique surf culture here in Hawaii and how it differs from other surfing destinations?

Coming back to the culture issue, you see it everywhere, especially in the ocean. There can be any person, of any gender, of any race out in the water surfing. The big picture is that everyone is just having fun. Waikiki is the birthplace of modern day surfing and it is only appropriate that it welcomes anyone who wishes to visit.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your early days as a surfer in Hawaii?

My favorite early day memories was when my dad would take my brother and I down to the beach on the weekends. He would push us into some of our first waves at queens. I really loved it but my brother not so much. Most of the time, he would end up back on the beach building sand castles. We were both having fun. My dad would make us sit under the big banyan tree in front of the grass hula mound while he went to grab the car. He would usually bust out peanut butter jelly sandwiches after. Those were the good old days.

What does it mean to you to represent The Twin Fin and the surfing community as Surf Ambassador?

It’s a true honor to stand with a company that you truly believe in. It feels good to support someone who supports you. The Twin Fin is unlike any other hotel in Waikiki. They are changing the narrative with sustainability and showing that it is cool to be different. The location, the vibe, the mission, and the hospitality is what sets them apart.

What makes The Twin Fin the ultimate place to stay for surfing enthusiasts?

Just in general, The Twin Fin is an amazing place to be. But for a surfer, it’s a dream. The world famous Queens surf break is literally a crosswalk away. You can wake up, stare directly at the waves from the Coconut Club, eat your breakfast, cross the street to paddle out, and be surfing all within no time. If Waikiki isn’t the place to be for waves on the given day, the hotel is just outside the main heart of Waikiki, making it easy to escape around the corner to Diamond Head.

How does being a Surf Ambassador with The Twin Fin influence your connection with the local community in Hawaii?

I never would have thought that I’d be partnering with a hotel. I never even knew that was a thing! But I am so grateful that I am given this opportunity because it allows me to reconnect with my home, enjoy staycations in the best place in the world, and the views remind me every time of how lucky we are to live here. The hotel holds super awesome events at Coconut Club where a lot of the surf community comes together to hang out. The venue is perfect for gatherings and I always look forward to attending.

What are your hopes and aspirations as a Twin Fin Surf Ambassador?

And finally, if you had to describe the feeling of catching the perfect wave, what three words would you use?