Ben Finney
American anthropologist concentrating in surfing, Polynesian navigation and canoe sailing, and human space colonization
About Ben Finney
Lived 1933 – 2017 (aged 83). Ben Finney was an American anthropologist and historian.
Ben Rudolph Finney was an American anthropologist known for his expertise in the history and the social and cultural anthropology of surfing, Polynesian navigation, and canoe sailing, as well as in the cultural and social anthropology of human space colonization. As "surfing's premier historian and leading expert on Hawaiian surfing going back to the 17th century" and grew up in San Diego, California.
Polynesian voyaging
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Important facts
People in Ben Finney's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ben Finney's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ben Finney?
American anthropologist concentrating in surfing, Polynesian navigation and canoe sailing, and human space colonization (1933-2017)
When was Ben Finney born?
Ben Finney was born on 1 October 1933 in San Diego.
When did Ben Finney die?
Ben Finney died on 23 May 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What was Ben Finney's occupation?
Ben Finney was an anthropologist and historian.
What nationality was Ben Finney?
Ben Finney was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ben Finney. https://biography.guide/ben-finney/
MLA: "Ben Finney." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ben-finney/.
Chicago: "Ben Finney." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ben-finney/.
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