Stamp Honoring Surfing Legend to Be Unveiled
A new postage stamp honoring surfing legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, credited with popularizing the sport throughout the world, will be dedicated Sunday at the Huntington Beach Pier on Pacific Coast Highway.
“The Duke Kahanamoku stamp reminds us of the lasting, positive influence of a talented individual and relatively unknown hero in our culture,” said Huntington Beach Postmaster Jeanne Hannahs.
A Honolulu native, Kahanamoku gained fame when he broke the record for the 100-yard freestyle in the Amateur Athletic Union swim meet in 1911.
He was also a member of the U.S. swimming team at the 1912 Olympic Games, where he won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle and a silver in the 800-meter relay. He also medaled in the 1920, ’24 and ’32 Olympics.
The stamp dedication is the centerpiece of a monthlong surfing celebration sponsored by the International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach. The noon ceremony will be on the north side of the pier.
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