Owen Churchill, waterman and developer of the first commercially produced swim fins, could be considered the father of surf matting, body surfing, and modern skin and SCUBA diving. Back in 1936 Churchill, an avid sailor and Olympic champion, marveled at the speed and grace of dolphins. If only humans could imitate them. What if we had finned feet? ... With that “ah ha” idea he set to work developing the contemporary swimfin that has been adopted and adapted world-wide.
(In 1716, Benjamin Franklin designed and made a rudimentary swim fin from wood and leather. The next step in the evolution was the use of rubber by Frenchman Louis de Corlieu. His design of 1933 could be considered the first true flipper.)
Most of us senior water folks grew up using Churchill’s original flippers that first appeared on the U.S market in 1940. Three years later the Frogmen of World War II were pulling on Chruchills and scouting the beaches of Normandy prior to the D-day invasion.
To promote the efficacy of his aquatic swimming aid, Churchill would give demonstrations at swimming competitions, handily beating all the freestylers who challenged him.
In 1938 Johnny Weissmuller’s fame as Tarzan reached its peak. Johnny was ten years beyond his final Olympic victory, but still in great shape, and active in competitive swimming. At a major swim meet/aquatic carnival in Los Angeles, Johnny and Owen Churchill met. Each was scheduled to give a demonstration of their swimming prowess. One the promoters suggested they race each other. Owen would use his new fins and try to beat Johnny’s fantastic swimming ability.
Owen offered to give Johnny a five yard head start because his swim fins would give him the advantage. Johnny shook his head. “Tarzan doesn’t need swim fins to beat you. Let’s race.”
Churchill beat Weissmuller by five yards. And as they say, the rest is history.
(In 1716, Benjamin Franklin designed and made a rudimentary swim fin from wood and leather. The next step in the evolution was the use of rubber by Frenchman Louis de Corlieu. His design of 1933 could be considered the first true flipper.)
Most of us senior water folks grew up using Churchill’s original flippers that first appeared on the U.S market in 1940. Three years later the Frogmen of World War II were pulling on Chruchills and scouting the beaches of Normandy prior to the D-day invasion.
To promote the efficacy of his aquatic swimming aid, Churchill would give demonstrations at swimming competitions, handily beating all the freestylers who challenged him.
In 1938 Johnny Weissmuller’s fame as Tarzan reached its peak. Johnny was ten years beyond his final Olympic victory, but still in great shape, and active in competitive swimming. At a major swim meet/aquatic carnival in Los Angeles, Johnny and Owen Churchill met. Each was scheduled to give a demonstration of their swimming prowess. One the promoters suggested they race each other. Owen would use his new fins and try to beat Johnny’s fantastic swimming ability.
Owen offered to give Johnny a five yard head start because his swim fins would give him the advantage. Johnny shook his head. “Tarzan doesn’t need swim fins to beat you. Let’s race.”
Churchill beat Weissmuller by five yards. And as they say, the rest is history.
Peter L. Dixon
