Honolulu’s own Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku is recognized as the Father of Surfing and during his life gained worldwide popularity as an Olympic swimmer, all round waterman and humble philosopher. Many popular quotes track back to him during his 77 years and maybe the most famous is “Never turn your back on the ocean”.
The late, great Eric Soares was a spectacular modern-day waterman in his own right. Co-founder and Commander of the Tsunami Rangers he and his crew introduced the world to a gonzo sea kayaking discipline that is called Rock Gardening. While Eric departed this plane in 2012, he left us with his Ten Commandments of Sea Kayaking. Knowing a good idea when he heard it he borrowed from Duke and his First Commandment is “Never turn your back on the sea”.
