Duke Kahanamoku was the iconic father of modern surfing, having been a five-time Olympic swimming gold and silver medalist who almost single-handedly popularized the nascent sport of surfing. Born and raised in Waikiki in Hawaii, Duke was the original beach boy. Well, not exactly. We’d like to see some of those California boys ride the waves as Duke did: on his hand-carved, koa wood, 16 foot, 114 pound board! Write a song about that, Beach Boys! After his extraordinary success in the Olympics and other sporting venues, Duke moved to Southern California and pursued an erratic career as a movie actor, mostly in supporting and extra roles. Returning to Hawaii, Duke served as sheriff of Honolulu for 29 years and more or less eked out a living lending his name to a nightclub (where Don Ho reigned supreme). He was also a friend and surfing companion (and perhaps more) to tobacco heiress, Doris Duke, who fronted the loan for a house for him and his wife. Duke’s memory is kept affectionately alive today in Hawaii; he is unanimously agreed to have been a sincerely good person. Ultimate kudo – he has even had a stamp issued in his honor.
