Downing, Keone (1953 – )

Smooth and steady regularfoot surfer from Hawaii; winner of the 1990 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big-wave contest at Waimea Bay; son of big-wave pioneer George Downing. Keone Downing was born (1953) and raised in Honolulu, and began surfing at age five in Waikiki. He won the juniors division of the Makaha International in 1968 and 1969, placed fifth in the 1970 World Surfing Championships, and was runner-up in the 1980 Duke Kahanamoku Classic.

Downing was one of Hawaii's most decorat...