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| BSC Newsletter. 27th August 09 | ||
| Firstly, big thanks to Sal for organising the camping this weekend. Judging by the comments everyone had a good time. Next up, another date for the diary. Corndog has posted a provisional date of Sunday 18th October for a rematch between BSC and the Woolacombe longboarders. Like the last one this will be a FUN comp and this time it will be structured so it's more of a team effort rather than a knockout comp. If you would like to take part then post up on the forum. So, the calendar looks a bit like this: Sept 12th/13th - Club Longboard Championships, Saunton. October 3rd/4th - Coaching & Camping at Polzeath. October 18th - BSC/Wooly rematch. November 13th/14th/15th - Newquay weekender. Next up, a new feature for the news letter. From time to time we'll try to include a piece about Icons of surfing. Pete's stepped up for the first one and where better to start than the man himself.... The Duke. Duke Kahanamoku is the long celebrated father of modern surfing, from Honolulu a full blooded Hawaiian. A multiple olympic swimming gold medallist in 1912, 1920 and finally in 1924; world swimming record holder at 50 and 100 yards and cofounder of the Outrigger Canoe Club (world 2nd surf club). Noted for his elegant, straight-back stance, which was well suited to the smooth riding 10 foot planks. This stood him out from the crowd who at this time most surfers road 6 or 7 foot boards straight lining close to beach. The Duke had the board and the style to ride much larger waves further out back. He was also a celebrated life saver. At Newport Beach, California, in extremely heavy conditions the Duke pulled 8 fishermen out of the surf. In 1912 on the return trip from the Stockholm Olympics, he brought surfing to East coast america, in late 1914 / early 1915, Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Australia & New Zealand in front of crowds of thousands. Between 1915 through to the early 30's he helped to promote surfing in Southern California, effectively kick starting surf culture on the mainland. This Southern California connection gave the Duke the opportunity to have minor roles in many Hollywood films (mostly in stereotypical roles) and regularly socialised with Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Babe Ruth and many other stars of sport & entertainment. From 1934 to 1960 Kahanamoku was the Sheriff of Honolulu a mostly ceremonial, but highly respected position in Hawaiian life. In later life the aging, dignified Hawaiian became the front man of the Duke Kahanamoku Restaurant, Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship as well as a whole host of signature merchandise (this included surf boards manufactured by big wave legend Da Bull Greg Knoll). He continued to surf well into his 60's and sailed and swam till his mid 70's. The Duke died in 1968 at the age of 77 of a heart attack.Duke Kahanamoku was a skilled wave rider, but his real gift to surfing was the way he presented the sport as something that could be practiced with grace, humour and generosity. The Duke famously was quoted "You know, there are so many waves coming in all the time, you don't have to worry about that. Take your time - wave come. Let the other guys go; catch an other one.".... cool sentiment, not bad for a quiet 9th grade drop out.! Hopefully more Icons of surf will follow. There's a prospect of some surf over the holiday weekend so see you in the pub or in the water. |
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