Located at the Redondo Beach Pier is this statue and
tribute to George Freeth. Below are the exact words printed on this memorial
with an inset photo of the statue.
Surfing is popular throughout
California.
GEORGE FREETH
FIRST SURFER IN THE UNITED STATES
GEORGE 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 INTRODUCED THE GAME OF WATER
POLO TO THIS COAST. HE TRAINED MANY CHAMPION SWIMMERS AND DIVERS.
GEORGE WAS THE "FIRST OFFICIAL LIFEGUARD" ON THE PACIFIC COAST. HE INVENTED
THE TORPEDO SHAPED RESCUE BUOY THAT IS NOW USED WORLD WIDE. ON DECEMBER
16, 1908 DURING A VIOLENT SOUTH BAY STORM, GEORGE RESCUED 6 JAPANESE FISHERMAN
FROM A CAPSIZED BOAT. FOR HIS ALOR HE RECEIVED "THE UNITED STATES LIFESAVING
CORPS GOLD MEDAL."
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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