Team rider Mo Hamoui is based in the Pacific Northwest. Washington to be specific. Where the scenery is lush and green during the summer and cold and harsh during the winter. That doesn’t tarnish Mo’s enthusiasm for surfing though. He’s one of those riders that makes the most out of every season. He rides as often as he can when the weather is good and is known to get out even on snowy days during the winter to keep his skills sharp. We chatted with him about how life is out there compared to the riders in warmer places. Check it out below!
PHASE 5: Yo, Mo! How’s it going? How has winter in Washington been?
Mo: What up, P5! Life is good! Winter in WA has been typical, but it's given me a lot more time to train on land and leverage other types of training that I wouldn't typically have time for during summer when all extra time is spent on the boat. I've been riding the flowrider and training a ton in the gym, getting dialed in for the rapidly approaching season!
PHASE 5: The internet knows you’re not afraid to go out for a chilly session. What are the coldest conditions you’ve experienced so far?
Mo: One time, it had just finished snowing, and for some reason our first idea for a snow day was to go wake surfing. Our lake flows, so it never freezes over. That doesn't mean it doesn't reach sub-freezing temperatures, though. It was so cold while we were surfing that water splashing onto the boat immediately froze. I'm big on wiping the boat down after every use, which was an interesting task that day lol! I'd estimate it was between 29-32 degrees.
PHASE 5: That’s insane! What kind of tricks were you able to stomp that day?
Mo: I was so bundled up that it was hard to surf! It was also right when I started wakesurfing like 8 years ago so I was pumped just to land a 3 shuv or big spin. Surfing in the cold is another beast, muscles tighten up, your face goes numb, you can't feel your feet after a little while, it's brutal. But man, it made for some dope footage!
PHASE 5: Since you can’t surf alone, we know you have some crazies out there with you…who is your normal crew on the cold days?
Mo: The MVP is definitely my wife Michelle! She drives for me any day that I ask her to no matter how cold it is! She's not crazy enough to get in the water yet, but that's where my boy Phillip Stelling comes in. He's down to surf any day that it's not raining or snowing or super windy. Our good friend Dylan Ramos is always down to film too regardless of how cold it is.
PHASE 5: How long have you been living in the PNW? What do you love about it?
Mo: I moved here from California around 3-4 years old. I moved back to Cali in 2009-2011 then came back here. I love the landscape the most. The mountains are incredible and the fresh/clean lakes are so amazing to surf in. The summers are BEAUTIFUL, it usually stays in the low 80's with livable humidity levels.
PHASE 5: What are some cons about it?
Mo: Well, this year was especially bad with snow in the mountains and it seems to be getting progressively worse each year, which isn't great. That said, it's usually just grey, wet, and super windy out. It's especially hard not to be jealous when you watch several of your teammates, friends, and competitors train year round down south. Y'all really don't know how great you have it!
PHASE 5: What are some of your goals for 2026?
Mo:Regarding wakesurfing, last year my goal was consistency and routine. This year my goal is to lock down a few new tricks that I really want. 7 shuv will be at the top of the list! Other than wakesurfing, I have some big financial goals that I'll be focused on, and spending more time out in the woods with my wife, pup and Mother Nature!
PHASE 5: Do you snowboard? We’re assuming so…have you snowboarded and surfed on the same day? Seems like that would be pretty sick!
Mo: Heck yeah, I snowboard! I've been doing it since I was about 13 years old and love being in the snow (not as much as the lake but it's a close 2nd). I haven't snowboarded and surfed in the same day but I have snowmobiled at my house then went wake surfing when we had a crazy snow day a few years back. It's definitely on my bucket list to go snowboarding and surfing on the same day. I might need to make that happen before the snow season ends!
PHASE 5: Make sure to send us a clip! Thanks for chatting with us, Mo! Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Mo: Always grateful for all the support from Phase 5 and all the fans out there! Wishing everyone a rad 2026 summer season!
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