Today for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month we are looking at the surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku aka the Big Kahuna.

Via Surfer Today:

Kahanamoku, nicknamed “The Duke” and “The Big Kahuna,” is considered to be the father of modern surfing. The Hawaiian won five Olympic medals as a swimmer, but he also showed off in the movie industry, politics, and business life.

The star of the swimming world kept collecting Olympic medals (Antwerp, 1920, and Paris, 1924), and surfing was starting to become a global sport. During his 30s and 40s, the Hawaiian waterman appeared in Hollywood movies, worked as a mechanic and lifeguard, and shared his swimming knowledge.

In 1925, Duke saved the lives of eight men, when 40-foot yacht “Thelma” was hit by a giant swell, at Corona del Mar. The waterman made three trips to and from the beach to rescue a group of fishermen.

If you are looking for some guidance the Duke had 8 ways to live like a surfer: Broaden Your Horizons, Look Out For Others, Stay True to Yourself, Do What Scares You, Have Fun With Success, See the Big Picture, Keep On Growing. Read more!