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Surfer of the Century : The Life of Duke Kahanamoku
Ellie Crowe

Imagine zooming through two miles of curling wave on a surfboard! Twenty-seven-year old Paoa Kahanamoku made that spectacular record-breaking ride and earned the title of Duke.

Considered to be the father of modern surfing, Duke improved surfboards and introduced surfing to California and Australia.

Becoming a Hawaiian state surfing hero was not easy. Struggling with the work, he dropped out of high school and had little money. He had to

contend with racism because of his dark Hawaiian skin. Despite all of these hardships, Kahanamoku trained himself to swim and surf…and ended up competing in three Olympic games!

Read about the accomplishments of this quiet, dignified athlete and learn how he became known as the "Ambassador of Aloha."