Duke's Oceanfest, Waikiki, Hawaii

This weekend marked the start of Duke's Oceanfest in Waikiki. The annual event features longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, beach volleyball and lots of other watersports.

The event is to celebrate the life of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian who popularized surfing worldwide.

In addition to being perhaps the greatest surfer of all time, Duke was also a world class athlete. He broke several world records in swimming and won medals for swimming in the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympics, including three gold medals. In 1932 he was a member of the bronze medal US water polo Olympic team.

In 1934, Duke was elected sheriff of the city and county of Honolulu and was reelected 12 times.

Later, Duke became the first person inducted into both the swimming and surfing halls of fame. 

Duke died in 1968 and his ashes were scattered offshore at Waikiki, per his wishes. Today, a 9 foot statue of Duke stands at Waikiki Beach. There is also a statue of Duke in New Zealand commemorating his visit and popularizing surfing among the Kiwis.

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