The Duke dethroned as our (Aussies) surfing history is rewritten
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
'SURFING history has been turned on its head with claims that legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku was not the first person to ride waves in Australia.
Historian Mark Maddox argues Kahanamoku chose to give his famous 1914 surfing exhibition at Freshwater Beach because at nearby Manly too many surfers were dropping in on his waves.
A statue of Kahanamoku, celebrating his ride, stands on a headland north of the beach at Harbord. But Mr Maddox wants a monument outside North Steyne Surf Lifesaving Club at Manly acknowledging "the true birthplace of surfing in Australia". He says club members were riding boards they had brought back from Hawaii as early as 1911...'
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