Learn to surf on Maui

Learning to surf on Maui takes some of us back to the Beach Boys' music era of the 70's.  However, surfing in Hawaii has been around for centuries.  It was once a sport reserved only for royalty, which is the reason it was known in the early years as the "sport of Kings". The most recognized surfer in Hawaii is Duke Kahanamoku who grew up in Waikiki in the late 1800's.  Duke's fame began when he was discovered as a swimming sensation.  In his first competition he broke the world record in the men's100-yard freestyle. In 1912 Duke qualified for the Olympics where he brought home gold medals in the 100-yard freestyle and a silver medal in the Men relay event. He returned to the Olympics in 1920 and came home with two gold medals.  His last Olympic competition was in 1924 where at the age of34 won a silver medal.  Duke is for ever immortalized with a bronze statue located n Waikiki Beach.