Tom Blake (surfer), Date of Birth, Date of Death
TweetTom Blake (surfer)
Surferm inventor
Date of Birth: 08-Mar-1902
Date of Death: 05-May-1994
Profession: swimmer, surfer
Zodiac Sign: Pisces 
About Tom Blake (surfer)
- Thomas Edward "Tom" Blake (March 8, 1902- May 5, 1994) was an American athlete, inventor, and writer, widely considered to be one of the most influential surfers in history, and a key figure in transforming surfing from a regional Hawaiian speciality to a nationally popular sport.
- Assessing Blake's significance, the sociologist Kristin Lawler wrote: "Tom Blake is a legendary figure; he's considered the founder of California surf culture.
- He personally innovated most of what's associated with surfers to this day: he was the first to experiment with making better surfboards, revolutionising board design in the process with lightweight materials and the fin; he was the first to build a waterproof camera housing and inaugurated the tradition of surfers documenting themselves and their friends; and he was the first among countless surfers to come to write a book on the history and pleasures of surfing.
- In addition, his personal style became the prototypical beachcomber look, still in effect today."
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