In Fond Memory of Jim Drake

The co-inventor of windsurfing has sadly passed away. RIP Jim.

Yesterday brought the extremely sad news that the co-inventor of windsurfing, Jim Drake, has sadly passed at the age of eighty three. Jim Drake’s influence on windsurfing has undoubtedly changed the lives of millions of people around the world and his legacy shall live on forever.

Having achieved so much in the windsurfing world already, Drake was an early adopter of the latest phenomenon Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) and he was still heavily involved with Starboard in the development of their SUP’s, which is a testament to the creativity and vision of the man himself. 

The sport of windsurfing has influenced the lives of millions of people and both on and off the water. Windsurfing has no doubt led to people travelling to destinations they otherwise never would have, interacting with people they usually wouldn’t and providing all of us who participate in this amazing sport with a lifetime of invaluable memories. So next time you are out on the water take a moment to pay your respects to Jim, who we hope knows he has touched the lives of so many and will continue to do so.

Rest In Peace Jim, our thoughts are with your family and friends.

To read about Starboard’s Svein Rasmussen reflections on the great man himself and for more photos click HERE.