Robert Wilson Simmons (March 29, 1919 – September 26, 1954), better known as Bob Simmons, was an early surfing pioneer, and considered to be the father of the modern surfboard.
Simmons was born in Los Angeles, California. During his early teens, he developed a tumor on his left ankle which nearly caused his leg to be amputated. After beating the cancer, Bob was involved in a serious bicycle collision and, while staying in the hospital, he was advised to try surfing. He first got on a surfboard at age 20 at Newport Beach, California. In 1954, Bob drowned while surfing at Windansea Beach in San Diego, California.
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“There is no question what the roll of honor in America is. The roll of honor consists of the names of men who have squared their conduct by ideals of duty.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)