Waves Worth Watching: Mason Ho's 2025 & LA's Barrel Chaos
Time’s slipping’ into the future faster than a closeout at low tide, but before we fully commit to 2026, let’s unpack two stories that’ll make you wax your board and charge the camera. First up: Mason Ho’s 2025 highlight reel – a 40-minute globetrotting adventure that proves variety really is the spice of life. Hawaii? Check. Australia? Absolutely. Mexico, California, Puerto Rico, Texas, Indonesia? All in the mix. The guy lives by the motto: ‘Every day is an opportunity to find good waves,’ and he films nearly every single one. You can watch the full stoke-packed journey on The Inertia.
But while Mason’s chasing waves across the Pacific, something wild was brewing closer to home. Last week in Los Angeles, photographers and surfers faced a different kind of challenge: thick, slabby barrels that broke with no rhyme or reason. As described by lensman Brad Jacobson, these weren’t the clean, predictable barrels you’d see in a surf mag. These were heavy, chaotic waves that kept everyone guessing until the very last second. From staring down set waves through the viewfinder to chasing ‘shiny balls’ during lulls, Jacobson’s footage reveals why he’s addicted to the unpredictable – the moments that feel truly alive.
So whether you’re a surfer plotting your next adventure or a photographer hunting for that elusive shot, these stories remind us: the ocean’s playground never gets old. Mason Ho’s 2025 proves you don’t need to stay put to find great waves, and LA’s barrels show that sometimes, the best shots come from the messiest sessions. Grab your board or your camera – the year’s just getting started.