On August 7, Dana at Honolulu Daily Photo posted a wonderful picture of Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku.Here's The Duke in Sydney! He is credited with popularising surfboard riding in Australia when he demonstrated his skills at Freshwater Beach (see photo below) in December 1914.
The statue was unveiled by his widow Mrs Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (Nadine) on Australia Day, Wednesday January 26, 1994.
There's a walk around the headland with mosaic tributes to the many Australian men and women who have since been world surfing champions. The plaque at the site adds "It is hoped that this Park and the men and women it honours, will help to fulfil Duke's dream of surfboard riding becoming an Olympic sport."
I've posted a whole heap more photos at Sydney Daily Photo Extra. It was so hard to choose one,so here's another:
Freshwater Beach (and Manly Beach in the background)Thanks to PB for telling me how to find the statue; I only got lost a few times!
what a great statuette, and the place seems perfect =)
ReplyDeleteThis beach reminds me of Waimea and a beautiful place to have a statue of the Duke! =D
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! The Duke truly was an amazing man.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. It seems the man were a real man !
ReplyDeleteThat is a very imaginative way to portray the Duke surfing some Sydney sandstone! I particularly like the shot which is somewhat silhouetted.
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