Jim Drake

Jim Drake (January 8, 1929 – June 19, 2012) was an American aeronautical engineer who invented the sport of windsurfing. In 1967, Drake designed, built, and successfully tested the first modern windsurfer, introducing the free-sail system, which allows the rider’s body to control both the power of the sail and direction of the board without a rudder, which is a steering device found on traditional sailboats. In 1968, he co-patented his design and co-founded the sport's first company, Windsurfing International, contributing the core foundation to the global development of the sport.

Before inventing the Windsurfer, Drake worked as a principal engineer on advanced aerospace projects, including the X-15 rocket plane, the first operational space plane and the fastest crewed aircraft ever flown. His application of aerospace engineering principles to sailcraft design was central to his inventing windsurfing.

Early life and education

Drake earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with an option in aeronautics, from Stanford University in 1951. which established altitude and speed records for crewed flight, and the XB-70 Valkyrie high-altitude bomber. Further refinements followed, including adding an uphaul line and conducting open-water testing off the coast of Santa Monica. The design proved viable and controllable, forming the basis of modern windsurfing equipment.

Windsurfing International and patent

In 1968, Drake and Schweitzer jointly patented the windsurfer design and founded Windsurfing International to manufacture and license the product.

Later design work and innovations

Building on the original windsurfer, Drake continued to design sailboards and related equipment. In 1981, he invented and co-patented a handheld Wing sail along with journalist Ullrich Stanciu. Drake's wing design was the precursor to all modern wing foiling equipment used today.

From the late 1990s, until his passing in 2012, Drake collaborated with Svein Rasmussen at the windsurfing manufacturer Starboard. Together, they developed innovative board designs, including the Formula class, characterized by short, wide boards optimized for light-wind racing. Drake’s later work influenced modern windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and foiling board design.

Death

Drake died on June 19, 2012, at his home in Pfafftown, North Carolina, from complications related to lung disease. He was 83 years old.

Legacy

Drake is widely recognized for applying aerospace engineering principles to recreational watercraft design. His work on the X-15 and other advanced aerospace projects, combined with his inventions of windsurfing and winging, establishes a dual legacy in both aerospace engineering and sport innovation.