GEORGE FREETH WAS THE FIRST SURFER IN THE UNITED STATES. FREETH WAS BORN IN HONOLULU NOVEMBER 8, 1883 OF HAWAIIAN AND IRISH ANCESTRY. AS A YOUNGSTER HE REVIVED THE LOST POLYNESIAN ART OF SURFING WHILE STANDING ON A BOARD. HENRY E. HUNTINGTON WAS AMAZED AT FREETH'S SURFING AND SWIMMING ABILITIES AND INDUCED GEORGE TO COME TO REDONDO BEACH IN 1907 TO HELP THE BUILDING OF "THE LARGEST, WARM SALTWATER PLUNGE IN THE WORLD."
GEORGE FREETH WAS ADVERTISED AS "THE MAN WHO CAN WALK ON WATER." THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CAME HERE ON THE BIG RED CARS TO WATCH THIS ASTOUNDING FEAT. GEORGE WOULD MOUNT HIS BIG 8-FOOT LONG, SOLID WOOD 200 HUNDRED POUND SURF BOARD FAR OUT IN THE SURF. HE WOULD WAIT FOR A SUITABLE WAVE, CATCH IT, AND TO THE AMAZEMENT OF ALL, RIDE ONTO THE BEACH WHILE STANDING UPRIGHT.
GEORGE FREETH DIED APRIL 7, 1919 AT THE EARLY AGE OF 35 YEARS AS THE RESULT OF EXHAUSTION FROM STRENUOUS RESCUE WORK.
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