When you think of a great combination of roots for an open water swimmer, what could be better than a lineage from both Hawaii and Ireland?
The utter fearlessness, brute courage, and ability to handle all conditions of the Irish mixed in with the fluid grace, knowledge of ocean dynamics and the aloha spirit of the Hawaiians could not produce a better waterman.
Known as The Man Who Can Walk On Water, Freeth took the best of the DNA on his parents’ sides and became a surfer from Hawaii who later introduced surfing to the United States and organized the first lifesaving corps on California beaches.
For his avid promotion of swimming during the first and second decades of the 20th century, he was nominated as a Pioneer for induction in the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In addition to often being credited as being the Father of Modern Surfing, Freeth is credited by some with developing the rescue paddle board.
Whether onshore teaching the benefits of swimming, the techniques of life saving, or making heroic rescue of fishermen in storm conditions, Freeth was legendary and memories remain in a variety of forms. His life and contribution to surfing and lifeguarding is a significant part of the documentary film WaveRiders. His bust is currently located in Redondo Beach, California.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.