11th Annual Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame is Golden

Waterman-Hall-of-Fame-Mike Spalding Hall of Fame

With the Pacific Ocean waves adjacent and stars shining above, four of the world’s most inspirational athletes were inducted into the 11th Annual Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame on Dec. 2, 2021 at a sold-out event at Outrigger Canoe Club.

The most coveted waterman award in Hawai‘i – the honor is given to those who perpetuate the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku – Hawai‘i’s most famous global ambassador of aloha and original waterman. This year’s inductees included Olympic gold-medalist Carissa Moore, acclaimed swimmer Mike Spalding, award-winning paddler Kelly Fey, and world-champion surfer Shane Dorian.

A star-studded event, the venue was filled with professional watermen and industry icons ranging from Bob Hurley and Mike Healey to Kimi Werner, Seth Moniz and Jack Johnson. Many past inductees were there for the celebration as well, including Kai Lenny, Senator Fred Hemmings, Pokey Richardson, John and Jim Foti, Joey Cabell and Archie Kalepa.

All four inductees spoke fondly about their love for the ocean and all it provided them – from life-long friendships to epic adventures and even a place of solitude to bring peace and healing in times of challenge.

“Duke Kahanamoku was the greatest aquatic sportsman in the world; the Hawai‘i 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 11th year – this inspirational event is also the major fundraiser for Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, supporting Hawai‘i’s next generation of scholar athletes.

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

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 included: Sidewinder Films, The Foundation for Global Sports Development and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

A preview of Sidewinder Film’s new movie – WATERMAN – about surfing legend, Olympic superstar, Hawaiian icon and American hero – Duke Kahanamoku was shared that night, with movie producer David C. Ulich on stage, sharing how in making the film he learned the true meaning of aloha. Duane DeSoto, surfing champ who plays Duke in the movie was also at the event that night.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort – which sits on the site of the original Outrigger Canoe Club – is the host hotel for Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame. Earlier that day, Carissa Moore and Shane Dorian took part in the property’s Surfer in Residence program – a talk-story session with Tammy Moniz of Faith Surf School, who also attended the event. Outrigger’s support of ODKF and Waikiki’s surf culture extends to being a major sponsor of Duke’s OceanFest and unveiling a surf art experience in partnership with Bishop Museum, with total in-kind and cash contributions for the three organizations hitting $50,000 this year alone.

The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with DukeFoundation.org.  For press releases and advertising inquiries please contactAdvertising@SwimmingWorld.com. 

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