The biggest legend in all of surfing is Duke Kahanamoku. Photo: Screenshot//YouTube
If you surf, you’ve heard of Duke Kahanamoku. He’s the most legendary of all surfing legends. He’s the surfer that all surfers respect. But you may not have seen him in anything other than black an white still photos — until now.
In this rare interview, released recently by PBS Hawaii, the Duke spoke with Bob Barker (not that one). Kahanamoku was 76 years old at the time. With much of his life in the rearview, he speaks about his ancestry, his Olympic achievements, and his career in Hollywood.
Although you may know him as the King of Surfing, Kahanamoku was far more than just a surfer. He was a swimmer and a water polo player, who medalled at the 1912, 1920, 1924, and 1932 Olympics, with golds in both pursuits.
For about a decade, he lived in Hollywood and appeared in several films, but his connection with Hawaii never faded. He will forever be the most legendary surfer who has ever walked the planet, and it’s wonderful to see him speaking candidly.
