By Mike Latronic – In the wet and wild world of professional surfing, there are few stories as raw and real as that of Sheldon Paishon. Hailing from the Westside of Oahu—a place of immense natural beauty but also deep-seated economic hardship—Sheldon’s path to the podium as runner-up to Kala Desoto last month at the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout was an inspiring coming-of-age story. Sheldon’s existence was never framed with silver spoons. Instead, it was forged in the sands and soul of Makaha, where he spent the better part of his childhood living in a tent with his parents. For Sheldon, the ocean wasn’t just a playground; it was a sanctuary that offered a life beyond the challenge of homelessness and the pull of the streets.
His journey reached a global audience through the award-winning documentary Through the Doggie Door. Directed by Joe Alani and produced in partnership with his best friend, surfing royalty Mason Ho, the film is a raw exploration of Sheldon’s “poverty to the pros” arc. It captures the pivotal moment when Mason—who recognized Sheldon’s radical, “rambunctious” talent early on—helped him secure his first major sponsorship with Rip Curl. The scene of Sheldon signing that contract and finally getting the “sticker on the nose” famously moved industry legends like Mick Fanning to tears, serving as a reminder of what the sport represents at its core: hope.
Despite his world-class talent, Sheldon remained a somewhat hidden gem, often “stuck” on the Westside due to a lack of reliable transportation. However, the recent acquisition of a car changed the game, allowing him to put in the necessary time at the North Shore’s “Proving Grounds.” That dedication culminated in a career-defining performance just last month at the 2026 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout. In a specialty event known for its heavy conditions and prestige, Sheldon performed exceptionally well to clinch a second-place finish, sparring along the way with some of the best in the world.
One week after his historic run at Pipeline, we sat down with Sheldon to discuss his roots, his unique bond with the Ho family, and the magic carpet ride that continues to save his life every single day.
Mike: Do you remember the first time you rode a wave?
Sheldon: Yeah, maybe when I was really young, surfing Makaha Beach. I kind of remember going left and then going right on one wave, and then going left again. That’s a memory I have in mind that made me hooked to surfing instantly. I think I was like eight years old… once I turned it, I was like, “Whoa, it’s a whole new world.”
Mike: How does surfing make you feel?
Sheldon: The feeling you get when you’re riding that wave is like no other feeling in the world. It’s almost like you’re flying. You know Aladdin, how he has the magic carpet? I feel like sometimes it’s like a magic carpet. You don’t have to worry about nothing else. I grew up surfing my whole life. The ocean has saved my life in so many ways. So yeah, just love the ocean—water baby.
Mike: What do you think hooked you so deeply when you were young?
Sheldon: The feeling. Riding a wave feels like nothing else in the world. It’s almost like flying. Sometimes it feels like a magic carpet. You’re not really controlling the wave; the wave does what it wants, but if you can control your board, it feels like you’re in sync with it. And every wave is different. That’s why it never gets old. The joy I get from surfing is hard to explain. It just keeps pulling me back every time.
Mike: Back in the day—your teenage years—what role did surfing play in your life?
Sheldon: Surfing was kind of the only thing I had. Everyone has struggles, you know? Surfing kept me out of trouble and kept my mind in a good place. It plays a huge part in my life.
Mike: Want to tell us a little bit about the documentary you made a few years back?
Sheldon: Yeah, so the documentary is called Through the Doggie Door. It’s a documentary of my life and how I grew up on the beach. It’s about how surfing saved me. I met a lot of good people along the way who put me in the right places at the right times. I’m truly blessed. Surfing is the biggest blessing in my life. It’s a human story. It’s about me and the struggles I went through to get where I am. You never give up, you know?
Mike: Support matters.
Sheldon: Yeah, things could’ve gone a lot different for me. Support goes a long way. We’re a community—it’s important to acknowledge each other. Especially the kids. Doesn’t matter what they do—surfing or anything else. There’s so much talent in Hawaii. Giving people a chance means everything.
Mike: You didn’t give up, and just last week you got second place at Da Hui’s Backdoor Shootout. That’s a prestigious event!
Sheldon: Yeah, that was awesome. Kala Desoto got first; we’re both from the Westside, so it was super cool to see my brother, you know? Me and him from the Westside making a name for ourselves. The waves weren’t that good, but it was still awesome. Makaha had a lot of great surfers back in the day, so it feels good to carry that flag.
Mike: Why is the Shootout such a big deal?
Sheldon: You get to surf Pipeline with only four other guys—almost impossible on a normal day. My cousin Johnny Boy Gomes did it back in the day. All the legends did it. Who wouldn’t want that?
Mike: The last couple years, you’ve been coming to the North Shore more often and getting some incredible waves.
Sheldon: Yeah, I finally got a car, and that changed everything. I used to be stuck on the Westside while it was firing up here. Now there’s no excuse. When it breaks, I’m in the barrel.
Mike: What’s it like stepping into the North Shore arena?
Sheldon: The Westside is gnarly—we’ve got heavy, shallow spots—but the North Shore is the proving ground. The cameras are here, the sponsors are here, the contests are here. One good wave out here can change your whole life. Pipeline is where it’s at.
Mike: People get fired up when you and your good friend Mason paddle out together—not just for the waves, but for the energy you guys bring. Talk about your friendship.
Sheldon: Mason is one of the most interesting surfers in the world. He’s like a wizard—shows up, blows up, disappears. He’s got it down to a science. I’m always taking notes. He’s like my big brother. I was surfing on my own, but he was always there for me—giving me boards, looking out for me. He helped me with the documentary and helped get me on Rip Curl. I’m super thankful for him. Love you, my brother.
Mike: What’s going on in your life right now, and what’s next?
Sheldon: I’m focused on bettering myself in the ocean—getting deeper barrels, stoking out the sponsors, staying out of trouble, and just living a good life. Next is probably just going on a lot of trips with Mason and keep getting barreled. Hopefully, I’ll get in the Eddie one day. Catch a big one out there. But that’s a lot of work to get to, you know? So I’m just taking it one day at a time. Riding that momentum.
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