Biography

He was an 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 specialty to a nationally popular sport. he's considered the founder of California surf culture. Blake was a self-taught man and a wealth of knowledge. His contributions to surfboard design are immeasurable. From his varied inventions to his progressive templates, his biggest impact in surfing can be whittled down to the work he did with those era-defining boards. He made the first hollow board ever, calling it first a cigar box then later a kook box. The fin, a keel of sorts for the giant boards of the era, was his brainchild, as was the leash, which he at first attached around his waist. He invented the sailboard, which in itself invented windsurfing, and then there was the collapsible surfboard experiment, which is only worth mentioning out of novelty. He was doing so much on the water he wanted it documented, so he created the first waterproof camera housing, changing surf photography and kick starting what was probably the early genesis of a movement to compile those photos in a magazine. His surf photos was published in National Geographic in 1935
- IMDb mini biography by: Inertia

His swimming background was a natural introduction to lifeguarding for Blake, who in 1924 patrolled in Santa Monica. His interest in surfing piqued while on the waterfront, where he'd later guard with Duke at the Santa Monica Swimming Club. He'd go on to work on coastlines around the country, with large amounts of time spent lifesaving in Hawaii. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Blake decided to enlist in the Coast Guard because it was "the thing to do," despite the fact that he was 40 years old at the time. Over the course of 3 years, Blake rapidly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a platoon leader and commanding a company of 54 men and 20 canines for search and rescue. His lifeguarding and waterman expertise served him well, and at 43, after drafting multiple rescue manuals and survival guides, he was honorably discharged so he could return to his surfing and seafaring ways in Waikiki.