Duke Kahanamoku was a three-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, a public servant, a goodwill ambassador of the State of Hawaii, and is considered by many to be the father of modern surfing. In the early 1920's, he surfed under Huntington's Pier. In his 70's, he returned to Huntington Beach to help promote the U.S. Surfboard Championships. For many years, the championships were dedicated in honor of his contributions to the sport of surfing. He is long remembered for his principles of fair play, good sportsmanship, and his gracious aloha spirit.
