Fred Simpson, founder of Viper Fins and a pioneer of bodysurfing, has died. He was 86 years old (1939-2025).
As a bodysurfing lover and huge fan of The Wedge, Fred Simpson spent decades mastering the world-famous Newport spot and somewhere in the 80’s he created Viper Fins, a duck-like rubber fin for bodysurfers – and later bodyboarders.
Fred charged the Wedge through the decades. While Simpson didn’t come up with the swim fin concept, he redesigned it in a way that revolutionized the sport of bodysurfing, a product that would earn a cult following in Newport Beach and around the world.
At the time, a friend suggested him put a dot on the fins, so in contests when the judge spotted the fins, they could give extra points. That became an iconic symbol for the Viper Fins, a splat of yellow and orange paint.
The fins didn’t really take off until the 1990s, when bodyboarding grew popular in the East and West coasts of the 
United States of America.
“Fred meant a lot to a lot of people in the surf world,” said fellow bodysurfer Tim Burnham. “He treated everyone with respect, he was so kind. He always had time for anyone who had time for him. He was a very special guy… What he created with Viper Fins is iconic in the world of surf.”
Simpson was known for his sense of humor and fearless approach to riding waves. He was a fearless leader, a former beach lifeguard, but also a husband to his first wife Anne, and a father to Vickie and Julie. He was a true mentor and inspirational figure to many lifeguards, bodysurfers, bodyboarders and others of the surfing spheres.
Bodyboarding pioneer JP Patterson (photo bellow with Fred), who by the way has been sponsored by Viper since 1981, has a role as the worldwide Viper licensee at Shore Break Surf, managing sales and promotion of the brand since 2020.
Honoring his legacy and celebrating his full life, a paddle-out for Fred Simpson took place at The Wedge in this month of April.
Rest in peace, Fred.
