Illustrations by Chris Danger

Duke Kahanamoku

His amazing skills helped make surfing a hit around the world.

May 8, 2023

As You Read: Identify three challenges that Duke overcame during his life.

In 1914, one man was about to change an entire country—by surfing.

On a beach in Australia, a crowd had gathered to watch Duke Kahanamoku (kah-hah-nah-MOH-koo). He rode wave after wave toward shore on his surfboard. He faced forward and backward. He even stood on his head!

Many in the crowd had never heard of surfing before. But soon after Duke’s display, surfing fever swept Australia. It seemed like the whole nation wanted to surf!

Duke didn’t stop there. Over the years, he introduced the sport to people all over the world. Today, Duke is known as the father of modern surfing and as a hero.

In 1914, one man was about to change an entire country—by surfing.

On a beach in Australia, a crowd had gathered. People were there to watch Duke Kahanamoku (kah-hah-nah-MOH-koo). He rode wave after wave toward shore on his surfboard. He faced forward and backward. He even stood on his head!

Many in the crowd had never heard of surfing before. But soon after Duke’s display, surfing fever swept Australia. It seemed like the whole nation wanted to surf!

Duke didn’t stop there. Over the years, he introduced the sport to people all over the world. Today Duke is known as the father of modern surfing. He is also known as a hero.

A Champion Athlete

Bettmann via Getty Images

Duke Kahanamoku loved swimming and surfing.

Duke was born in 1890 in Hawaii. These islands in the Pacific Ocean had their own culture. That included surfing, known as he‘e nalu. As a kid, Duke was a natural swimmer and surfer. But he wasn’t able to join many sports clubs. Why? They allowed only White members, and Duke was Hawaiian.

He didn’t let that stop him. In 1911, Duke broke the record for the 100-yard swim. At first, officials refused to acknowledge his record. They said his amazing time in the race was too good to be correct.

Duke kept competing. He was picked for the U.S. Olympic swim team. At the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympics, Duke won a total of five medals. Plus, he broke his own record.

Duke was born in 1890 in Hawaii. These islands in the Pacific Ocean had their own culture. That included surfing, known as he‘e nalu (HEH-eh NAH-loo). As a kid, Duke was a natural swimmer and surfer. But he wasn’t able to join many sports clubs. Why? They allowed only White members. Duke was Hawaiian.

Duke kept competing. He was picked for the U.S. Olympic swim team. At the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympics, Duke won a total of five medals. Plus, he broke his own record.

Duke to the Rescue

Duke continued to surf whenever he could. In 1925, he was in California when a boat tipped over nearby. Rough water made it impossible for rescue boats to help. But Duke used his surfboard to save eight people from drowning. That rescue inspired lifeguards around the world to use surfboards when saving swimmers.

Duke died in 1968, but his memory lives on. Surfing became an Olympic sport at the 2020 Games. And thanks to Duke, millions of surfers feel the joy he felt when riding the waves.

Duke continued to surf whenever he could. In 1925, he was in California when a boat tipped over nearby. Rough water made it impossible for rescue boats to help. But Duke used his surfboard. He saved eight people from drowning. That rescue inspired lifeguards around the world to use surfboards when saving swimmers.

Duke died in 1968. But his memory lives on. Surfing became an Olympic sport at the 2020 Games. And thanks to Duke, millions of surfers feel the joy he felt when riding the waves.

King of the Water

Here are moments of fun and bravery from Duke Kahanamoku’s life.

1911: Duke breaks the 100-yard freestyle swim record by nearly five seconds.

1914: Duke showed off this surfing move in Australia and later in other countries.

1925: Duke uses his surfboard to rescue eight men during stormy weather.

King of the Water

Here are moments of fun and bravery from Duke Kahanamoku’s life.

1911: Duke breaks the 100-yard freestyle swim record by nearly five seconds.

1914: Duke showed off this surfing move in Australia and later in other countries.

1925: Duke uses his surfboard to rescue eight men during stormy weather.

How did Duke introduce surfing to people all over the world?
Why do you think the author calls Duke a hero?
What do you think it means that Duke “broke his own world record”?

How did Duke introduce surfing to people all over the world?
Why do you think the author calls Duke a hero?
What do you think it means that Duke “broke his own world record”?

Duke Kahanamoku

Sus increíbles destrezas ayudaron a que el surf se volviera popular en todo el mundo.

May 8, 2023

Al leer: Identifica tres obstáculos que Duke superó a lo largo de su vida.

En 1914, un hombre estaba a punto de cambiar a un país completo . . . practicando surf.

En una playa en Australia, una multitud se había reunido para ver a Duke Kahanamoku. Se subía a una ola tras otra en su tabla y llegaba a la playa. Iba de frente y de espalda. ¡Hasta se paró de cabeza!

Era la primera vez que muchos en la multitud escuchaban hablar del surf. Pero pronto, después de la presentación de Duke, la fiebre del surf arrasaría con Australia. ¡Parecía que el país completo quería practicar surf!

Duke no se detuvo ahí. A lo largo de los años, le presentó el deporte a gente de todo el mundo. Hoy en día, Duke es conocido como el padre del surf moderno y un héroe.

Un deportista campeón

Bettmann via Getty Images

A Duke Kahanamoku le encantaba practicar el surf y nadar.

Duke nació en 1890 en Hawái. Estas islas en el océano Pacífico tenían su propia cultura. Entre ellas, el surf, conocido como he‘e nalu. De niño, Duke era un nadador y surfista nato. Pero no podía hacerse miembro de muchos clubs deportivos. ¿Por qué? Solo se les permitía a las personas blancas hacerse miembros y Duke era hawaiano.

Él no permitió que eso lo detuviera. En 1911, Duke batió el récord de los 100 metros en natación. Al principio, los jueces se negaron a reconocer su récord. Dijeron que el tiempo excepcional en que había terminado la carrera era demasiado bueno como para estar correcto.

Duke siguió compitiendo. Fue seleccionado por el equipo de natación olímpico de EE. UU. En las Olimpiadas de 1912, 1920 y 1924, Duke ganó un total de cinco medallas. Y, además, batió su propio récord.

Duke al rescate

Duke siguió practicando surf siempre que podía. En 1925, estaba en California cuando un barco se volcó cerca. Las aguas revueltas les hacían imposible a los botes de rescate ir en su ayuda. Pero Duke utilizó su tabla de surf para evitar que ocho personas se ahogaran. Ese rescate inspiró a los socorristas del mundo entero a utilizar tablas de surf para salvar a los bañistas.

Duke murió en 1968, pero su recuerdo sigue vivo. El surf se convirtió en un deporte olímpico en los Juegos de 2020. Y gracias a Duke, millones de surfistas sienten la misma alegría que sintió él cuando montaba las olas.