why was duke kahanamoku named surfer of the century

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His father had been named in honor of the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to Hawaii in 1869, and Duke shared this name although his family called him by his middle name, Paoa. There is only one Duke Kahanamoku. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born into an old Hawaiian family and was one of the last full-blooded Hawaiians. Kahanamoku developed a swimming style along with his famous kick that made him nearly unbeatable in the water, especially at long distances. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born into an old Hawaiian family and was one of the last full-blooded Hawaiians. Kahanamoku was presented with his medal and congratulated by King Gustav V of Sweden. In a post hoc ruling, the court ruled that trial by military tribunal was, in this case, unconstitutional.[18]. Surfer magazine pronounced him as the “Surfer of the Century”. The showroom continued to be known as Duke Kahanamoku's until Hawaii showman Jack Cione bought it in the mid-1970s and renamed it Le Boom Boom. His full name was Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, and Duke wasn’t a title. Between Olympic competitions, and after retiring from the Olympics, Kahanamoku traveled internationally to give swimming exhibitions. But why? Even though not of the formal Hawaiian Royal Family, his parents were from prominent Hawaiian ohana (family); the Kahanamoku and the Paoa ohana were considered to be lower-ranking nobles, who were in service to the aliʻi nui or royalty. Duke passed from a heart attack in 1968 and was mourned as the swimming and surfing champion of two cultures. Kahanamoku as a fulfilled prophecy once declared by King Kamehameha that “before the native Hawaiian race died out, one man would bring it fame.” From all those that enjoy the island life and the surfing culture, let us say Mahalo Duke for blessing so many people with your many talents. They were kahu, retainers and trusted advisors of the Kamehamehas, to whom they were related. But as a result, he is the most revered Hawaiian icon of the 20th century. He Was Known as the ‘King of All Swimmers’ & Shattered World Records in His 20s. Click here to Learn more about oahu bike rental, Click here to Learn more about tennis court rental, Click here to Learn more about snorkel & beach gear rental, Click here to Learn more about all rentals, Click here to Learn more about activities, Click here to Learn more about tennis lessons & classes, Click here to Learn more about disc golf oahu, Click here to Learn more about footgolf oahu, Click here to Learn more about all activities, Click here to Learn more about beach segway tour, Click here to Learn more about lunar legends tour, Click here to email info@northshoreexplorers.com, Click here to view location 57-091 Kamehameha Highway His father had been named in honor of the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to Hawaii in 1869, and Duke shared this name although his family called him by his middle name, Paoa. The cham The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is a small man-made pool built in the 1950s, and it is often considered one of the best beaches in the United States. He never attained his goal of surfing as an Olympic event, however, by the 60’s surfing had become an important part of everyday American life – popularized by films like “Beach Blanket Bingo”, “Gidget” and the music group The Beach Boys. A hundred years from now, if you say the name Duke Kahanamoku, will it be recognized? In 1893, the family moved to Kālia, Waikiki (near the present site of the Hilton Hawaiian Village), to be closer to his mother's parents and family. ... Champion big-wave surfer Richard Schmidt will have you walking on water in seven easy steps. In his youth, Kahanamoku preferred a traditional surf board, which he called his "papa nui", constructed after the fashion of ancient Hawaiian "olo" boards. He was just a phenomenal athlete. [15] He made surfing popular in mainland America first in 1912 while in Southern California. On August 11, 1911, Kahanamoku was timed at 55.4 seconds in the 100 yards (91 m) freestyle, beating the existing world record by 4.6 seconds, in the salt water of Honolulu Harbor. During the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, he won gold medals both in the 100 meters (bettering fellow Hawaiian Pua Kealoha) and in the relay. On August 24, 2002, the 112th anniversary of Kahanamoku's birth, the U.S. Kahanamoku was a friend and surfing companion of heiress Doris Duke, who built a home (now a museum) on Oahu named Shangri-la. His grandfather was a Hawaiian high chief. Go. The stamp honoring the "Surfer of the Century" -- as Surfer magazine proclaimed him in October 1999 -- was dedicated Aug. 24 in Honolulu. It was during this period that he popularized the sport of surfing, previously known only in Hawaii, by incorporating surfing exhibitions into these visits as well. Going beyond Freeth, Duke would help intro-duce surfing to the rest of the world. Sure. [17] Two other surfers saved four more fishermen. The stamp art, an oil painting of Kahanamoku … The Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship is named in honor of the Father of Modern Surfing, Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku. Duke grew up during the late 19th, early 20th century in a Hawaii that was beginning to rediscover the ancient art of surfing that had almost been lost. Read about Duke Kahanamoku's determination, courage in adversity, and good sportmanship as he struggles to become the fastest swimmer in the world and also teach the world how to ride big waves. It has been said that the native Hawaiians viewed Mr. Kahanamoku as a fulfilled prophecy once declared by King Kamehameha that “before the native Hawaiian race died out, one man would bring it fame.”. Probably the most famous surfer in the world, Duke Kahanamoku, resurrected the sport of surfing in Hawaii and introduced it to the world. There is a chain of restaurants named after him in California, Florida and Hawaii called Duke's. Growing up on the outskirts of Waikiki, Kahanamoku spent his youth as a bronzed beach boy. He faced racial segregation with a smile and spent his life sharing the true values of sports. [6] He had five brothers and three sisters, including Samuel Kahanamoku and Sargent Kahanamoku. His C.V. reads like it was written by Stephen Glass. This placement and orientation created a highly popular local shrine and tourist locale; the statue's outstretched arms are continuously adorned with fresh leis and the locale hosts annual tribute ceremonies and thousands of yearly tourist visits. The Duke, as sportswriters called him, was widely lauded for heroism in 1925, when a 40-foot yacht called Thelma capsized near Newport Beach in a turbulent sea, and he used his surfboard to swim out to the craft three times to save eight passengers from drowning. Since his passing in 1968, Duke was named Surfer of the Century by Surfer Magazine. He was born towards the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii, just before the overthrow, living into statehood as a United States citizen. A biography on Duke Kahanamoku the first well known surfer of all time. The Duke, as sportswriters called him, was widely lauded for heroism in 1925, when a 40-foot yacht called Thelma capsized near Newport Beach in a turbulent sea… His grandfather was a Hawaiian high chief. He swam with his head out of the water and achieved maximum push with each stroke. Lesser Known Facts about Duke Kahanamoku • One of the greatest freestyle swimmers in the world, Duke Kahanamoku, is known as the ‘The Father of Modern Surfing.’ Being the eldest of six sons, he was named after his father, Duke Halapu Kahanamoku, who had been born when Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Hawaii in 1869. Reverend Abraham Akaka, the pastor of Kawaiahao Church, performed the service, a group of beach boys sang Hawaiian songs, including "Aloha Oe", and his ashes were scattered into the ocean. Duke Kahanamoku, widely regarded as the person who spread the popularity of modern surfing, also won six Olympic medals over the course of swimming career. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was born in 1890 at Waikiki, and during the first half of the 20th century he emerged as the world’s consummate waterman — its fastest swimmer and foremost surfer. Ellie Crowe about this book: Who was named the Surfer of the Century? His large hands and feet probably helped him too. In 2020, surfing will be given probably its biggest platform ever when it’s included in the Olympics. ... and was named "Surfer of the Century." The AAU initially claimed that the judges must have been using alarm clocks rather than stopwatches and later claimed that ocean currents aided Kahanamoku. "Duke" was not a title or a nickname, but a given name. "The Pacific Ocean was Duke's backyard." Made from the wood of a koa tree, it was 16 feet (4.9 m) long and weighed 114 pounds (52 kg). Kahanamoku was involved with the Los Angeles Athletic Club, acting as a lifeguard and competing in both swimming and water polo teams. In 1999, Surfer magazine named him Surfer of the Century. Kahanamoku brought attention and popularity to surfing all around the world and was dubbed the “Father of Surfing.” As recently as 1999, Kahanmoku was named the Surfer of the Century by Surfer magazine, and today, numerous places and competitions bear his name. duke kahanamoku - father of modern surfing - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Ask students why they think the book is called Surfer of the Century. Kahanamoku was a skilled wave-rider, but his real gift to surfing was the way he presented the sport as something that could be practiced with grace, humor, and generosity. There’s a reason why a movie of Duke Kahanamoku’s life has never been made. His father was named by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in honor of the arrival of England’s Duke of Edinburgh in 1869. [2] He also was an alternate for the U.S. water polo team at the 1932 Summer Olympics. No one would believe it. During that period he also appeared in a number of television programs and films, such as Mister Roberts (1955), and was well-liked throughout the Hollywood community. Considered the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968) developed the skills that would gain him international fame as an Olympic champion, swimmer, and surfer. Many riders copied his style of wooden board and, in 1952, Duke donated one of his boards to the Freshwater SLSC, where it remains a vital part of Australian surfing … He also appeared in films and became a life-long ambassador of surfing and Hawaii. Duke Kahanamoku “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun,” Duke Kahanamoku. Duke became a hero in the early 20th century first as a well known surfer and long distance swimmer in Wakiki. Duke had five brothers and three sisters. His maternal grandparents Paoa, son of Paoa Hoolae and Hiikaalani, and Mele Uliama were also of aliʻi descent.[5]:9[8]. At Waikiki Beach he developed his surfing and swimming skills. It was a major Waikiki showroom in the 1960s and is remembered as the home of Don Ho & The Aliis from 1964 through 1969. Surfer of the Century The Life of Duke Kahanamoku Ellie Duke Kahanamoku, today considered the father of modern surfing, helped not only to save the sport but pushed to make it a beloved worldwide pastime. It also led to lifeguards across the US to begin using surfboards as standard equipment for water rescues.[3]. The Hawaiian won five Olympic decorations as a swimmer, however he additionally flaunted in the film business, legislative issues, and business life. The First Day Ceremony was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and was attended by thousands. The Duke Kahanamoku statue welcomes everyone with open arms, and it is one of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. He is a long-lived legend in the sport of swimming and surfing, and is one of the most praised people in Hawaii. Duke was named “Surfer of the Century” by Surfer Magazine in 1999. How many sports or pastimes have the Michael Phelps of the world as their centerpiece? ... Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku Ellie Crowe, Richard Waldrep No preview available - 2013. He faced racial segregation with a smile and spent his life sharing the true values of sports. It has been said that the native Hawaiians viewed Mr. Kahanamoku as a fulfilled prophecy once declared by King Kamehameha that “before the native Hawaiian race died out, one man would bring it fame.” Duke Kahanamoku is best known to surfers as, “The Father of Modern Surfing.” Along with George Freeth, he became the foremost of the revivalists at Waikiki, bringing surfing back from near extinction at the start of the Twentieth Century. [14] The board that Kahanamoku built from a piece of pine from a local hardware store is retained by the Freshwater Surf Club. His athletic ability allowed him to become well known all around the world as an Olympic Medalist 6 times over. [5], According to Kahanamoku, he was born in Honolulu at Haleʻākala, the home of Bernice Pauahi Bishop which was later converted into the Arlington Hotel. Born in Honolulu on August 24th, First of nine children of Duke Halapu and Julia Paoa Kahanamoku. For many, Duke is the ultimate surfing legend - the father of modern surfing. The Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championships in Hawaii, the first major professional surfing contest event ever held in the huge surf on the North Shore of Oahu was named in his honor. Considered the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968) developed the skills that would gain him international fame as an Olympic champion, swimmer, and surfer. In 1946, Kahanamoku was the pro forma defendant in the landmark Supreme Court case Duncan v. Kahanamoku. Search. These first day covers are very collectible. Duke grew up during the late 19th, early 20th century in a Hawaii that was beginning to rediscover the ancient art of surfing that had almost been lost. Duke was also a Scottish Rite Freemason, a Shriner, a law enforcementofficer, an actor, a beach volleyball player and a bu… He is Duke Kahanamoku, also known as the “father of modern surfing.” Duke Kahanamoku in 1912. On this date in 1911, an unknown 19-year-old Hawaiian swimmer named Duke Kahanamoku shattered the world record in the 100-yard freestyle. While living in Newport Beach, California on June 14, 1925, Kahanamoku rescued eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in heavy surf while attempting to enter the city's harbor. Then open the book to the title page and read the subtitle: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku (kah-HAN-ah-MOE-koo). Duke became a hero in the early 20th century first as a well known surfer and long distance swimmer in Wakiki. During his time living in Southern California, Kahanamoku performed in Hollywood as a background actor and a character actor in several films. At the time the Newport Beach police chief called Duke's efforts "The most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen". Best-Known Hawaiian", "The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Waikīkī's International Market Place", Father Of International Surfing To Be Honored On New Postage Stamp, "New Google Doodle Honors Duke Kahanamoku, the Father of Surfing", http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/November-2006/Who-Owns-the-Duke/, Undated photo of Kahanamoku from the Library of Congress collection. Kahanamoku went on to serve as the Sheriff of Honolulu, Hawaii from 1932 to 1961, completing 13 consecutive terms. Called “The Duke” by mainland sportswriters, Kahanamoku used his athletic notoriety to bring to light the ancient art of surfing – a sport almost unheard of outside of the islands – to mainland American culture. But why? Surfing, in any form, rekindled the profound pleasures of his life. He was also an Olympic-level swimmer who broke records for his time and earned three gold medals and two silver, according to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum . [25], CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championships, Google Arts & Culture - "Duke Paoa Kahanamoku", Google Maps - Public Art "Duke Kahanamoku", List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men), World record progression 100 metres freestyle, World record progression 4 × 200 metres freestyle relay, "10 interesting facts about Duke Kahanamoku", "5 Things You Didn't Know About Duke Kahanamoku", "History of the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge in Honolulu". As Duke explains in his autobiography, surfing leaves “you rewarded with a feeling of complete freedom and independence while rocketing across the face of a wave”. Duke won six Olympic medals as a swimmer, but surfing was his passion. Duke passed from a heart attack in 1968 and was mourned as the swimming and surfing champion of two cultures. [21], On February 28, 2015, a monument featuring a replica of Kahanamoku's surfboard was unveiled at New Brighton beach, Christchurch, New Zealand in honor of the 100th anniversary of Kahanamoku's visit to New Brighton.[22]. A full-blooded Hawaiian who could trace his lineage to the early-19th-century King Kamehameha, Duke was born on Aug. 24, 1890, to Julia Paakonia Lonokahikini and Duke Kahanamoku … If you’d like to surf some of the same waves that Duke enjoyed contact us for an unforgettable experience. At this ceremony, attendees could attach the Duke stamp to an envelope and get it canceled with a First Day of Issue postmark. At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, he won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, and a silver medal with the second-place U.S. team in the men's 4×200-meter freestyle relay. Duke also set numerous world records and won many Olympic medals in swimming. He was perhaps most widely known for … He was born towards the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii, just before the overthrow, living into statehood as a United States citizen. [24], On August 24, 2015, a Google Doodle honored the 125th anniversary of Duke Kahanamoku's birthday. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born in Honolulu in 1890 and was the eldest of nine children born to Duke Halapu and Julia Paoa Kahanamoku. Kahuku, HI 96731. He is a member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. When I first saw the Duke statue on Waikiki Beach, I realized I needed to get to know him. Kahanamoku easily qualified for the U.S. Olympic swimming team in 1912. For that, the man of many nicknames, Duke Kahanamoku became also known as the “Father of Surfing”. A biography on Duke Kahanamoku the first well known surfer of all time. Probably the most famous surfer in the world, Duke Kahanamoku, resurrected the sport of surfing in Hawaii and introduced it to the world. [20] The statue's orientation that placed Kahanamoku's back to the sea was initially criticized as being contrary to Hawaiian custom. What kind of ocean enthusiasts would we be if we didn’t take some time to recognize, praise and thank the man that brought the sport of surfing alive. Duke Kahanamoku's Surfboard A visit from Duke Kahanamoku (US Olympian and surfer) in 1914 helped contribute to the rise in popularity of surfing. This stamp honors Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaiian swimmer and surfer, who is credited with popularizing the Polynesian sport of surfing by traveling throughout the world. Image of Duke Kahanamoku surfing in Los Angeles, California, circa 1920. He finished the 100 meters with a silver medal during the 1924 Olympics in Paris, with the gold going to Johnny Weissmuller and the bronze to Duke's brother, Samuel Kahanamoku. In 1940, Kahanamoku married Nadine Alexander, who accompanied him when he traveled. Duke Kahanamoku Takes Surfing Mainstream. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swim team in 1912 and proceeded to break nearly every world record for events he competed in. Olympic champions in men's 100 m freestyle, Olympic champions in men's 4 × 200 m freestyle relay, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Duke_Kahanamoku&oldid=1011312414, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in swimming, Olympic silver medalists for the United States in swimming, Olympic water polo players of the United States, Water polo players at the 1920 Summer Olympics, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox swimmer with national team parameter, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with Trove identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, Paniccia, Patti. Born at Haleakala, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was one of nine children of a Honolulu policeman. 5-time Olympian 5-time Olympic medalist Explore the life of Duke Kahanamoku in pictures. Another most famous thing about Waikiki is the Kapiolani Park and Queen Kapiolani Garden, the beautiful and oldest public parks which King Kalakaua donated to the city which was then later named after his wife. The board was without a skeg, which had yet to be invented. He was named for his father, who, according to legend, was named after the Duke of Edinburgh, who visited Hawaii in 1869, the year the elder Kahanamoku was born. Hawaiian Swimmer and Others Go to Their Rescue With Surf Boards. But there's more. Surfer magazine pronounced him as the “Surfer of the Century”. For most of his career, Kahanamoku was generally seen as Hawaiis unofficial [19] For his burial at sea a long motorcade of mourners, accompanied by a 30-man police escort, moved across town to Waikiki Beach. [12] and was also a Noble (member) of the Shriners fraternal organization.[13]. What has he accomplished as a swimmer? Duke Kahanamoku – Hawaii’s first “Ambassador of Aloha”, “the human fish”, five-time Olympic medalist, etc. The Americans won the silver medal in the 4x200m, with Australia taking the gold. In 2002, the USPS issued this 37-cent Duke Kahanamoku commemorative stamp in Honolulu, Hawaii. A century-old tale of sailors, spectators and a Duke In surfing, things rarely stay the same for long, even when it comes to its history. The contest began in 1965 by invitation only at Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oʻahu until it was replaced by the Billabong Pro in 1985. Duke, who encountered discrimination throughout his lifetime, was also a hero, saving eight people singlehandedly from a capsized boat in 1925. There is a statue of Kahanamoku on the Northern headland of Freshwater Beach, New South Wales. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was an American and Native Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. By the end of his life, Kahanamoku … To his own generation of Hawaiians, Duke Kahanamoku was sometimes looked upon as the personification of a prophecy of King Kamehameha, who in … Leading Swimmer of His Time. Q. This is the Surfline Duke Kahanamoku biography. "Athletes and other sport figures notable masons", "Athletes and Other Sports Figures in Freemasonry", "Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola (1890 – 1968)", "Kahanamoku Helps Save 13 in Launch. Surfer magazine pronounced him as the “Surfer of the Century”. His father was a policeman, and his mother was a religious woman. His father was named by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in honor of the arrival of England’s Duke of Edinburgh in 1869. "You know," he said in 1965, "there are so many waves coming in all the time, you don't have to worry about that. In 1999, Surfing magazine named Duke Kahanamoku “the surfer of the century.” At the end of the 2012 biopic “Chasing Mavericks,” a story about legendary young surfer Jay Moriarity, the protagonist’s surfing mentor, Frosty Hesson, ruminates about humans’ relationship with the oceans. Duke was born in 1890 in Honolulu to low-ranking nobles who were in service to the monarchy. Five Are Drowned", "Duke Kahanamoku Dies at 77. Having become a world-class swimming star, "the Duke" not only gave swimming exhibitions all over the world, but also introduced surfing to the masses. That’s exactly what it did for the most famous surfer of all time: Duke Kahanamoku. For many, Duke is the ultimate surfing legend - the father of modern surfing. The man did it all during his lifetime. Read the title of the book. Duke Kahanamoku and the massive hollow board he built for himself at Waikīkī in about 1935. His surfing exhibition at Sydney's Freshwater Beach on December 24, 1914, is widely regarded as a seminal event in the development of surfing in Australia. He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. Duke passed from a heart attack in 1968 and was mourned as the swimming and surfing champion of two cultures. His athletic ability allowed him to become well known all around the world as an Olympic Medalist 6 times over. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968) was an American and Native Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. At age 34, this was Kahanamoku's last Olympic medal. Olympic Swimming Champion of '12 and '20 in Freestyle. Kahanamoku, nicknamed "The Duke" and "The Big Kahuna," is considered the father of modern surfing. He was also an Olympic-level swimmer who broke records for his time and earned three gold medals and two silver. His father was a policeman. Born in Honolulu on August 24th, First of nine children of Duke Halapu and Julia Paoa Kahanamoku. Hawaii music promoter Kimo Wilder McVay capitalized on Kahanamoku's popularity by naming his Waikiki showroom "Duke Kahanamoku's" at the International Market Place,[23] and giving Kahanamoku a financial interest in the showroom in exchange for the use of his name. Duke’s warmth of spirit is embodied in a life-size bronze statue which stands with open arms on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, where he forever remains an ambassador of aloha. At the tender age of twenty-two Kahanamoku, the once naked kid who would swim through shark infested waters at the Honolulu Harbor in search of silver coins, earned a spot on his first American Olympic Swimming team – the only native Hawaiian present. —Fred Hemmings Kahanamoku's name is also used by Duke's Canoe Club & Barefoot Bar, as of 2016[update] known as Duke's Waikiki, a beachfront bar and restaurant in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel. Duncan was therefore tried by a military tribunal and appealed to the Supreme Court. Sure. Duke Kahanamoku, who won a total of five swimming medals in Olympics from 1912 to 1924, probably did more than anyone else to bring the sport of surfing from his native Hawaiian islands to … His brother boasted to Malcolm Gault-Williams, writing for Legendary Surfers, that "when he swam, his Kahanamoku kick was so powerful that his body actually rose up out of the water, like a speed boat with its prow up." Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. While Kahanamoku was a military police officer during World War II, he arrested Duncan, a civilian shipfitter, for public intoxication. PN: Duke was, and will always be, the greatest surfer of all time. Duke passed from a heart attack in 1968 and was mourned as the swimming and surfing champion of two cultures. This fascinating book tells the story of Duke's upbringing on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu and his quick progression up the ranks to become Hawaii's fastest young swimmer and later an Olympic champion. "Who Owns the Duke? Invite students to comment on the illustration and how it might relate to the title and subtitle. Duke was also named for his father so his family called him by … Kahanamoku's father, a policeman, was named Duke Halapu in honor of the prince, and as the eldest son, Kahanamoku received his father's name. He was named after his father, Duke Halapu Kahanamoku, who was christened by Bernice Pauahi Bishop in honor of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who was visiting Hawaii at the time. [9], He was initiated, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Hawaiian Lodge Masonic Lodge No 21[10][11] Named the Surfer of the Century the life of Duke Kahanamoku, and his obsession the. Shattered the world as an Olympic Medalist 6 times over and spent his life sharing the true values of.. His athletic ability allowed him to become well known Surfer and long distance in., humble attitude, positivity and amazing skill in the water, especially at long distances,! America first in 1912 and proceeded to break nearly every world record in the landmark Court... Olympic swimming team in 1912 while in Southern California, Florida and Hawaii called Duke 's “ best... Olympic sport seems fitting in Southern California, circa 1920 helped him too ask why! 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