Duke Kahanamoku was a Native Hawaiian professional swimmer and surfer, considered the father of modern surfing and the most influential surfer of all time. Duke Kahanamoku was also a 5-time Olympic champion in swimming. He travelled around the world and gave swimming and surfing exhibitions that helped popularize surfing as a sport. Duke Kahanamoku was considered the greatest freestyle swimmer in the world for a period of time. He was also an actor and appeared in various films. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 24, 1890 at the age of 77. Duke Kahanamoku has various statues and monuments made after him and his legacy.