The Peconic Puffin

A blog about a group of windsurfers and other water sports enthusiasts, and their friends. Established 1993.

Newman Darby Windsurfing Inventor

Newman Darby invented the windsurfer. He wasn’t successful at marketing it, and his design needed refinement, but he up and invented it. There are people who quibble over this fact, but Jim Drake (the design half of Drake and Hoyle Schweitzer, who manufactured and successfully marketed the original “Windsurfer” thus launching the sport) always acknowledged that Darby was the original inventor. As does the Smithsonian.  Darby passed away on December 3rd, 2016.  

I can think of nothing to say but Thank You, Mr. Darby. Rest in peace.

(Photo from AmericanWindsurfer.com)

 

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2 responses to “Newman Darby R.I.P.”

  1. christian Avatar
    christian

    Video: That’s light wind freestyle!

  2. Michael Avatar

    It sure is! I like the behind the back sail flip.

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