
Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard
Clip: 5/10/2022 | 2m 41sVideo has Closed Captions
Duke Kahanamoku rescued eight men from the capsized Thelma in California.
On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard
Clip: 5/10/2022 | 2m 41sVideo has Closed Captions
On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."
How to Watch American Masters
American Masters is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now

A front row seat to the creative process
How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipHow Duke broke the swimming world record in Hawaii
Video has Closed Captions
Duke Kahanamoku shattered the Amateur Athletic Union's swim record in 1911. (2m 40s)
Video has Closed Captions
Paul Strauch recounts a conversation he had with Duke about the power of the word "Aloha." (2m 10s)
Overcoming the distinct challenge of indoor swimming
Video has Closed Captions
Duke found his mind and body shocked by his first time swimming in an indoor pool. (2m 27s)
Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
Video has Closed Captions
Jason Momoa narrates the story of five-time Olympic medalist and surfer Duke Kahanamoku. (1m 56s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSupport for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...