Raised on the North Shore, 16-year-old goofy-footer Merrik Mochkatel cut his teeth at Haleiwa, developing an early appetite for bigger surf. Catching the attention of Hawaiian coaching legend Rainos Hayes, Mochkatel’s been building a resume chock-full of international experience and a growing collection of local QS results. But the kid’s building toward something bigger. This summer, he posted up at home, teaming up with filmer Morgan Lavin to shoot his latest edit, Track 1, at a firing Ala Moana Bowls. SURFER caught up with the young surfer to talk big waves, competitive ambitions, boards and keeping the fun in surfing.
SURFER: You grew up on the North Shore and were surfing some pretty serious waves at a young age. How did that come about?
Merrik Mochkatel: I was born in Alaska, and both my parents swam growing up, so I’ve always been close to the water. We moved to Hawai’i when I was four, and I caught my first wave here. I grew up surfing Hale’iwa every day and have always loved big waves. My mom would be sitting on the beach tripping out.
When I was 10, I was out at Rockies on a pretty solid day. Maybe I shouldn’t have been out there, but I just really liked surfing big waves. I got a few decent ones and was feeling confident when a big set approached. This uncle paddled over and asked, “What are you doing out here?” Then he said, “Let’s go, paddle out.” We made it over the set, he sent me on a good one, and you better believe I went in after that.
Turns out that uncle was Rainos Hayes. We started working together during COVID to train for my first USA Championships, and we’ve been close ever since. He taught me so much about priority and competitive surfing. I placed third in the U12 division at my first Champs, got second the next year after a double interference in the final, and finally won it the following year.
Who are some of your surfing influences?
I’m inspired by both Andy [Irons] and John [Florence]. Andy was such a unique human and surfer. All he wanted to do was surf and win. John is a creative artist in surfing. His surfing and films are like nothing else. I love Ethan’s style, too.
You’re balancing competition with being a full-time student at Kahuku High School. What are your goals?
It’s important for me to stay consistent with my training. It’s hard some days sitting in class knowing the waves are firing, but it keeps me hungry, and my time to surf matters every session. I’m focusing on the local QS events. It’s always a privilege and a challenge to compete in these events with the good waves we have and all the talent in Hawai’i. I haven’t done all the regional QS events this year, but maybe I’ll start thinking about throwing my name in the hat and qualifying for the CS in the next few years. I’m still hungry for that ISA world title. I really just love to surf and enjoy making edits with my friends. That’s always a priority. Have a good time and hopefully travel to some new spots.
Who are you usually surfing with?
I surf with a small handful of friends. Keenan is like my older brother, and the Centeio boys and Hunter. Morgan surfs with us when he isn’t filming. On fun days, I’ll go out with my dad or take my little brother, Kane. My sister, Eva, longboards. I don’t love the winter crowds, but it’s always a good time when friends from around the world come to the North Shore, and we get to surf good waves together.
You’ve been riding boards shaped by Kerry Tokoro. What’s that relationship been like?
Uncle Kerry has been shaping my boards for some years now through HIC. His boards are amazing. He’s been shaping for Hawai’i for a long time, and I’m so grateful that he works with me. We get to create the best boards I can ride. He’s always open to feedback and asks questions about how the boards feel under my feet. Uncle Kerry and the whole HIC family have been really good to me.
Winter is coming. Anything you’re hoping to accomplish in your backyard?
This winter looks like it could be one of the best in a long time. I’d love to get a solid barrel at Pipe and another 10-foot wave at Hale’iwa. I’ve got to start training my arms for the treadmill out there! A bonus goal would be to get a monster at Himalayas with all the El Niño swell coming. I really enjoy surfing big waves and having a couple friends out there to do it with. It always brings adrenaline to the body. I love that adrenaline rush!
What keeps you busy when you’re not surfing?
I fish with the boys and follow along when they hunt. I’m super into history and learning about the past. I actually enjoy that part of school. Spanish, not so much. Too much conjugating. And all that history leads to food. I like discovering new food, and I have a major sweet tooth.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Surfing makes me happy. Thank you to everyone who supports me: Uncle Bam and Uncle PJ with Rip Curl, the HIC ohana, Uncle Kerry, all my coaches, and, of course, my family.
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