Duke Kahanamoku: The man who gave us surfing

Before surfing became a global obsession, there was Duke Kahanamoku—a Hawaiian waterman whose life changed the sport forever. In this episode, we explore how Duke’s Olympic swimming triumphs and joyful spirit introduced surfing to Australia, California, and the rest of the world.

From riding giant waves on handmade boards to standing on his head as beachgoers watched in awe, Duke embodied a style and generosity that defined an era. But his story also includes struggle: discrimination in Hollywood, being denied service in restaurants, and decades of being underestimated.

Join us as we celebrate Duke’s lasting impact on surfing—and why his simple philosophy still resonates today: “Take your time—wave come.”