Banana George!: Don't Wait for Life to Happen Make It Happen

by Karen Putz, Georgia Blair

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780692997048
Publisher:	Georgia Blair
Publication date:	12/22/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	210
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Karen Putz is a mom, writer, transformational speaker, Passion Mentor and barefoot water skier. She specializes in helping others unwrap their passions. Karen grew up hard of hearing and became deaf from a fall while barefoot water skiing. She is the author of Gliding Soles and Unwrapping Your Passion and a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul
Georgia Blair, a retired Registered Nurse and Midwife, is a hospice volunteer, EMT, and women's rights networker. She has a son (Marcus and his wife Jennifer) and two grandsons (Antonio and Nicholas).

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

Banana George was the best ambassador that water skiing ever had. His high visibility (yellow) could be found on TV commercials, billboards, advertisements, magazine and newspaper stories around the world.

Scott N. Atkinson, Editor, The Water Skier magazine

I have skied with George, and hung out with him for many years, and he has always been an inspiration for me. George is a great example of someone who has lived his life to the fullest, and has been a great influence on many people around the world.

Mike Seipel, 2x World Barefoot Champion

Since I was eleven years old, Banana George has been an icon in the sport of barefoot waterskiing. Not only did he sign thousands and thousands of autographs, but he also contributed monetarily to the sport. He was a remarkable man and always positive in everything he did, both on the water and off. This book is a wonderful example of how we can continue to learn and grow, no matter our age.

Keith St. Onge, 18x US National Overall Champion, 15x World Champion Gold Medalist

As far back as I can remember since I started to barefoot, Banana George was in the spotlight. Every time I met him, he was happy, energetic, and extremely enthusiastic about the sport. He was and always will be someone I looked up to. He showed everyone that age is simply a number and that the only limits we have are what we put upon ourselves.

David Small, 6x World Barefoot Champion

For me, Banana George Blair was not only the man in yellow--he was the golden man, with soul and inspiration for our wonderful sport.

Franz Kirsch, 1st Chairman of the barefoot division of International Wasserski Wakeboard Federation (IWWF), Editor of Wasserski Magazine

The legend of Mr. Blair. What a career, what a man, and what an enduring life he lived with tremendous passion. If ole Banana was still around, I'd kiss his feet and congratulate him for inspiring millions of people to pursue their passions.

Todd Ristorcelli, former WATERSKI magazine editor-in-chief

Banana George was an icon in water ski barefooting. At age seventy-five, he learned to snowboard. He became Steamboat's Honorary Snowboard Ambassador, and my close friend. He loved to share his enthusiasm. His life was an inspiration to me and his story will be an inspiration to you.

Billy Kidd, Olympic Skiing Medalist and World Champion

This man is doing phenomenal things past the age of ninety. Without question, his performances are "world class" and I "tell his story" to people all over the world.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Cooper Institute and Clinic in Dallas, Texas

When you're a barefoot skier like I am, you live life large and want to be Banana George when you grow up--and never grow old. He was iconic in the sport, but you may not know how the passion he showed on the water extended to every area of his life. This book will inspire you to follow his example by squeezing all you can out of each opportunity you get.

Dave Ramsey, best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio show host

George Blair was a lifelong friend, mentor, and inspiration. His zest for life and health were an example that influenced how I live. His enthusiasm for his endeavors was inspirational and contagious. George truly redefined what aging meant for millions.

Ron Scarpa, 4x World Barefoot Champion, 13x US National Overall Champion, 2017 International Waterski & Wakeboard Hall of Fame

From the Publisher