BananaGeorge is the story of an extraordinary life that lasted almost 100 years. It starts in the 1920s, runs through the Depression and concludes in the twenty-first century. Learn how this man transformed himself from a debilitated forty-year–old to a star athlete, entrepreneur, inventor, business man, and banker.

He is an inspiration to athletes, active seniors, and entrepreneurs. The story is told from his family’s intimate perspective, and draws from his personal archives. George had a thirst for life and an ability to overcome his physical defect. He was a self-made businessman, a daredevil, and had inexhaustible energy. Known worldwide for barefooting, he is in the Water Ski Hall of Fame and appears in the Guinness Book of World Records five times.

Foreword

Preface

Introduction: The Showman

Section I: The Early Years, 1915–1973

Chapter 1: Growing Up

Chapter 2: Love in Bloom

Chapter 3: Becoming a Dad

Chapter 4: The Birth of an Entrepreneur

Chapter 5: A Barefoot Water Skier Is Born

Chapter 6: Blair Family Rhythm

Section II: Fame and Change, 1973–1985

Chapter 7: Changing Course

Chapter 8: Relentless Tenacity

Chapter 9: Becoming Banana George

Chapter 10: Yellow Fever

Chapter 11: Around the World on Water Skis

Section III: A New Focus, 1985–2013

Chapter 12: Florida to Antarctica to Russia with Love

Chapter 13: Barefooting in Finland and Switzerland

Chapter 14: Becoming a Hall-of-Famer

Chapter 15: Daredevil and Movie Star

Chapter 16: Skiing for the King

Chapter 17: Renaissance Man

Chapter 18: Bulls and Broken Backs

Chapter 19: Media Star

Chapter 20: Ninety Years Young

Chapter 21: Unstoppable

Chapter 22: All Good Things Come to an End

Banana George’s Lessons on Life

Businesses Owned by Banana George

Banana George’s Affiliations/Memberships

Countries Where Banana George Skied and/or Barefoot Water Skied

Contributors

Bibliography

About the Authors