Boardom: Duke

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The thrill is in the ride

What's New	Boarding America salutes those individuals who have had a profound influence on the sport and culture of surfing. Meet the men and women who started it all...	Silver Surfers: Duke Kahanamoku Born August 24, 1894 Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku is singularly credited with popularizing surfing worldwide during the 1920's. As early as 1911 Duke broke three world records in freestyle swimming in his very first races. Then in 1912 he won the gold medal at the Stockholm Olympics in the 100-meter freestyle and again in 1920. He was also the first to challenge the North Shore's gigantic waves with style and ease, the Duke became an inspirations to the young and old surf potentials.
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In 1929 Duke got one of the longest rides in surfing history, estimated to be at least a mile in length, from the Zero break at outside Waikikii to the shoreline. In 1965 Duke became the first person to be inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Swimming Hall of Fame. Not only is Duke a surfing legend, he is also a hero. In 1925 he achieved nationwide acclaim for his heroic rescue of eight drowning fisherman after their boat sank in large surf at the Newport harbor entrance. Duke then went on to be elected Sheriff of the City and County of Honolulu,HI and is re-elected 12 more times. Today Dukes Restaurant on the boardwalk in Huntington Beach was built in memory of this ultimate surfing king.