Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame Unveils 2019 Inductees

HONOLULU – (July 24, 2019) Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation formally announced today that the three athletes who will be inducted into the 10th Annual Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame for 2019 are Kai Lenny, Tracy Phillips Darling and Robby Naish.

The most coveted waterman award in Hawaii – the honor is given to those who perpetuate the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku – Hawaii’s most famous global ambassador of aloha and original waterman. Inductees will be recognized at the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame awards banquet at Outrigger Canoe Club on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. Ticket and table purchases are available at www.DukeFoundation.org.

“Duke Kahanamoku was the greatest aquatic sportsman in the world; the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who perpetuate his legacy through sport and aloha,” said Bill Pratt, chairman and co-founder of the Waterman Hall of Fame event. “Now in its 10th year – this inspirational event is also the major fundraiser for Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, supporting Hawaii’s next generation of scholar athletes.”

KAI LENNY | SURFING
Lenny is the eight-time SUP Surfing World Champion, VICE KSP Kiting World Champion, Molokai to Oahu Foil World Champion and World Record Holder as well as Molokai to Oahu SUP World Champion. Lenny was awarded the 2019 Biggest Wave and Best Performance of the Year. He founded the Positively Kai Foundation in 2015.

TRACY PHILLIPS DARLING | PADDLING
Phillips Darling competed in three-straight Olympic Games in flat-water kayaking, is a four-time World Champion outrigger canoe racer and Pan American Games medalist. She was the four-time State Doubles Beach Volleyball Champion, a State Champion in racquetball and competitive surfer. She was awarded the prestigious Winged “O” by the Outrigger Canoe Club In 2004.

ROBBY NAISH | WINDSURFING
Naish is a kitesurfing and stand-up paddling pioneer with 24 Windsurfing World Championship Titles and more than 150 event victories. Owner of Naish International, manufacturer of windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling and foil equipment that is sold globally.

The Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame was initiated to create a lasting tribute to the Hawaiian Islands’ water sports legacy and honor the achievements of Hawaii’s standout watermen and waterwomen. The criteria used to select inductees are: keiki o ka ‘aina / keiki o ke kai; sustained outstanding influence to the sport; international, national and local accomplishment and recognition alongside lasting community contributions.

The event is a unique component of Duke’s OceanFest – a weeklong festival in Waikiki that features a variety of ocean sports that were close to Duke’s heart, including surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, volleyball and more.

Net proceeds from the Waterman Hall of Fame dinner benefit the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s (ODKF) college scholarships and athletic grants program. With active stewardship from generous donors and the waterman community – ODKF has gifted more than $3 million in grants and scholarships since its inception in 1986.

Major event sponsors include Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and The Foundation for Global Sports Development.

Past Hall of Fame Honorees:
Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Wally Froiseth, Fred Hemmings, Buffalo Keaulana, Rabbit Kekai, Keo Nakama, Nappy Napoleon, Rell Sunn, Peter Cole, Ethel Kukea, Aileen Soule, Nainoa Thompson, Ricky Grigg, Archie Kalepa, Brian Keaulana, Michael Tongg, and the four surfing ali‘i of the Royal Family of Hawai‘i: Prince David Kawananakoa, Prince Edward Keli‘iahonui, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole, and Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani, Steve Borowski, Tommy Conner, Linda Kaiser, Bill Smith and China Uemura, George David “Dad” Center, Mark Cunningham, Anona Napoleon, Randy Rarick, Sonny Tanabe, Joey Cabell, Duane DeSoto, Walter Guild, Soichi Sakamoto, Bruce Blankenfeld, Paul Straunch Jr., Diane Stowell and Sharron Weber, John and Jim Foti, Tim Guard, Tommy Holmes, Pokey Watson Richardson, Woody Brown, Dave Kalama, Kalani Vierra and Ann Yoshida.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: DukeFoundation.org or email info@DukeFoundation.org.

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