Reivew of Capturing Kahanamoku: How a Surfing Legend and a Scientific Obsession Redefined Race and Culture

Ben Cater

doi:10.1080/00223344.2026.2655377

June 11, 2026Journal of Pacific History

Reivew of Capturing Kahanamoku: How a Surfing Legend and a Scientific Obsession Redefined Race and Culture

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Key Points

The review analyzes the intersection of Duke Kahanamoku's life and the eugenics movement, focusing on race and cultural identity.
Historical analysis of Kahanamoku's life and impact
Examination of eugenicists' interests in racial identity
Contextual exploration of cultural implications in surfing and society
Kahanamoku became a symbol for racial scientists seeking to define ideal racial traits.
His legacy complicates traditional narratives of race and culture in surfing.
The analysis reveals ongoing debates about identity and representation in sports.

Implication

This review examines how Duke Kahanamoku's legacy highlights issues of race and culture, reflecting societal obsessions.

Abstract

In Capturing Kahanamoku, University of Chicago historian Michael Rossi explains how world-famous surfer Duke Kahanamoku became a cause célèbre among eugenicists – racial scientists interested in ‘g...

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Cite This Study

Ben Cater (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2e44e4b1cc60ccdea8a412 https://doi.org/10.1080/00223344.2026.2655377

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Reivew of Capturing Kahanamoku: How a Surfing Legend and a Scientific Obsession Redefined Race and Culture

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Reivew of Capturing Kahanamoku: How a Surfing Legend and a Scientific Obsession Redefined Race and Culture

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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