Celebrating the Olympic Legacy of Duke Kahanamoku
August 24 marks Olympic legend and father of American surfing Duke Kahanamoku’s 130th Birthday. USA Surfing is pleased to partner with Duke’s Ocean Fest in presenting “Duke’s Day” — a day set aside to celebrate Duke’s Olympic legacy and spirit of Aloha.
As a celebrated Olympian and waterman, Duke inspired millions to enjoy the ocean, beaches and sport.
Fellow Team USA National Governing Bodies including USA Canoe and Kayak, USA Volleyball and USA Swimming will be joining in on the celebration of Duke’s legacy.
Please join us in taking part in an activity that was inspired by Duke and share your experience:
Surf. Swim. Paddle. Golf. Spike a ball. Or just share an act of Aloha, using the hashtag #DukesDay2020.
Duke was a three-time gold medalist in Olympic swimming and aspired to see surfing become an Olympic sport.
In 2021 that dream will be reality. Team USA’s Kolohe Andino, John John Florence, Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore will compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage — the Olympic Games.
When Carissa Moore won her fourth WSL Championship Tour world title, which qualified her for the Olympics, her home of Hawaii threw a huge welcome celebration in front of Duke’s Waikiki statue.
In an NBC Sports Olympic feature, Carissa said she looks forward to continuing Duke’s Olympic spirit.
“I know what the legacy of Duke is. It’s so important to me to do this Olympic journey right, to represent Hawaii right, to represent the people right,” Carissa said.
The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum hall of fame showcases the Hawaiian legend’s impact on surfing.
As the first and most influential surfing ambassador to the world, Duke traveled to California, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to demonstrate his prowess on homemade wooden surfboards. His favorite was 16 feet long and weighed 114 pounds.
We’re stoked to celebrate Duke’s ocean life and legacy with surfers, paddlers, swimmers, volleyball players and golfers. Show us how much you love the ocean and the Olympic Games on social media with the hashtag: #DukesDay2020
We will be posting several social media shares here and you can see more a www.dukesoceanfest.com
