Illustrations by Chris Danger

Duke Kahanamoku

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

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.

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 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.

  1. How did Duke introduce surfing to people all over the world?
  2. Why do you think the author calls Duke a hero?
  3. What do you think it means that Duke “broke his own world record”?
  1. How did Duke introduce surfing to people all over the world?
  2. Why do you think the author calls Duke a hero?
  3. What do you think it means that Duke “broke his own world record”?
videos (1)
Skills Sheets (4)
Skills Sheets (4)
Skills Sheets (4)
Skills Sheets (4)
Games (1)
Slideshows (1)
TEACHER SUPPORT (1)
Leveled Articles (1)
Text-to-Speech