![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Duke_Kahanamoku_c1912.jpg/640px-Duke_Kahanamoku_c1912.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Duke Kahanamoku
American swimmer, surfer and actor (1890-1968) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Duke Kahanamoku (August 24, 1890 – January 22, 1968), was a Hawaiian athlete who is called the inventor of modern surfing.[3] He was also on the United States Olympic team as a swimmer, and won several silver and gold medals.[4]
Quick Facts Personal information, Full name ...
![]() Duke Kahanamoku c. 1912 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Full name | Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Nickname(s) | "The Duke," "The Big Kahuna" | |||||||||||||||||||||||
National team | ![]() | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Born | (1890-08-24)August 24, 1890 Haleʻākala, Honolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Died | January 22, 1968(1968-01-22) (aged 77) Honolulu, Hawaii[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[1][2] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 190 lb (86 kg)[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | Swimming | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Strokes | Freestyle | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Club | Waikiki Beach Boys | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Contrary to some misinformation on the internet, Duke is not known as the Big Kahuna. He himself rejected that term, because he knew its meaning. The Big Kahuna is a character in the Gidget story, which is based on a portrayal of Tube Steak Tracy, a famous surfer of the '40s & '50s in Malibu.