Monday would have been a special day for the “father of surfing.” Hawaii’s own Duke Kahanamoku would have been 125 years old, therefore Google decided to honor him with the search sketch above.
But why is the Duke still celebrated today?
Not only did he essentially invent surfing, but this snippit from Time explains how Kahanamoku helped save several people with his surf board after a fishing boat capsized in the 20s.
That’s right, he literally saved lives through his surf board. Tell that to Spicoli.
On top of being a lifesaver, Kahanamoku traveled the world, spreading the sport of surfing to places like California, Australia and New Zealand. Oh ya, he was also a five-time Olympic medalist for swimming — all of this before he was elected sheriff in his home county more than a dozen times and starred in over a dozen movies while helping Hawaii officially join the union in 1959.
Although he passed away in 1968, it’s easy to see why the Duke is still revered to this day. He was a bad ass.
Fascinating Pictures of the Duke
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
Duke Kahanamoku
-
Duke Kahanamoku #1
The famous Hawaiian swimmer Duke Kahanamoku (1890 - 1968), poses in his bathing suit, 1912. He won gold medals in the 100 meter freestyle event in 1912 and 1920, and was considered the 'father of modern surfing.' (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
-
Duke Kahanamoku #2
Paoa Kahinu Makoe Hulikohola KAHANAMOKU surnommé le Duc de Waïkiki, champion de nage et de surf, entouré de 4 nageuses du Los Angeles Athletic Club : de gauche à droite, Helen VERNON, le duc, Marie CURTIS et Viola HARTMANN vers 1915-1925.Paoa Kahinu Makoe Hulikohola KAHANAMOKU surnommé le Duc de Waïkiki, champion de nage et de surf, entouré de 4 nageuses du Los Angeles Athletic Club : de gauche à droite, Helen VERNON, le duc, Marie CURTIS et Viola HARTMANN vers 1915-1925.
-
Duke Kahanamoku #3
The swimming champions Johnny WEISSMULLER and Duke KAHANAMOKU in swimsuits around 1924. A swimmer and actor, Johnny WEISSMULLER was the great American freestyle swimming champion of the 1920s. Duke KAHANAMOKU was the co-recordsetter of the 100 yards, with his compatriot from Honolulu, Pua Kealoha. The record was later matched by Weissmuller.Les champions de natation, Johnny WEISSMULLER et Duke KAHANAMOKU, bras dessus, bras dessous, en maillot de bain, vers 1924.Nageur et acteur de cinéma américain, Johnny WEISSMULLER fut le grand champion américain de nage libre des années 1920. Duke KAHANAMOKU fut notament co-recordman du 100 yards avec son compatriote de Honolulu Pua KEALOHA, record ensuite égalisé par Weissmuller
-
Duke Kahanamoku #4
Portrait of Duke KAHANAMOKU, veteran Hawaiian swimmer (considered as the precursor of the crawl) during his training for the 1928 Olympic Summer Games of Amsterdam. Duke KAHANAMOKU had already participated in the Olympic Games of 1912, 1920 and 1924.Portrait de Duke KAHANAMOKU, vétéran nageur hawaien (considéré comme le précurseur du crawl), lors de son entrainement pour les Jeux Olympiques d'été d'Amsterdam, en 1928.Duke KAHANAMOKU a alors déjà participé aux Jeux Olympiques de 1912, 1920 et 1924.
-
Duke Kahanamoku #5
circa 1935: A couple with a large striped surfboard. The man is Olympic swimming champion and pioneer surfer Duke Kahanamoku (1890 - 1968), a Hawaiian hero. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)
