Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. Waterman explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing, following the sport’s first-time inclusion in this year’s Summer Olympics – a fitting tribute to his work promoting the sport around the globe.
Direction
Halasima threads archival gold with present-day Olympians seamlessly.
Score
Jason Momoa's narration somehow makes you *feel* the undertow.
Editing
Those 1920s competition reels restored to heartbreaking clarity.
Director
Isaac Halasima
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Duke's 1912 100-meter world record stood for 17 years; he also rescued 8 drowning fishermen in 1925 using his surfboard.
The documentary subtly reframes Duke not as 'the Hawaiian who conquered swimming' but as a diplomat who weaponized joy against American assimilation.
US
