Surfing Pioneer, Lifeguard. Born in Honolulu, on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, he is revered as the man who brought surfing to Southern California. At an early age, he excelled at both swimming, diving and was selected captain of the prominent Waikiki-based Healani swim team. In 1907, he came to Southern California, where beachgoers were awed at the sight of a man riding the waves just off Venice Beach on a 200-pound, 8-foot-long solid wood surfboard. He later taught surfing and developed the first life guarding techniques, which were disseminated nationwide. For his efforts, he was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor for bravery. He died at age 35 in San Diego, California.
Surfing Pioneer, Lifeguard. Born in Honolulu, on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, he is revered as the man who brought surfing to Southern California. At an early age, he excelled at both swimming, diving and was selected captain of the prominent Waikiki-based Healani swim team. In 1907, he came to Southern California, where beachgoers were awed at the sight of a man riding the waves just off Venice Beach on a 200-pound, 8-foot-long solid wood surfboard. He later taught surfing and developed the first life guarding techniques, which were disseminated nationwide. For his efforts, he was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor for bravery. He died at age 35 in San Diego, California.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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