60 (!) years ago, the American surf legend Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit. A product that not only meant that surfing was possible all year round, but also enabled surfers to discover new surfing territory. From then on, the waves in arctic waters off Iceland's coast could be ridden. More milestones perhaps?
In 1952 Jack opened his first surf shop in San Francisco. That's where he sold the world's first wetsuits and surf accessories that were hard to get hold of. Always on the look out for the perfect line-up, a move to Santa Cruz followed. In 1996 he founded the organisation 0’Neill Sea Odyssey, its aim being to teach children respect and love for nature. He is a member of the International Surfing Hall of Fame and in 2000 he received the SIMA Waterman of the Year award.
All good reasons to celebrate the impressive story of the singular inventor and surfer Jack O’Neill, with his Biography “Jack O’Neill: It’s Always Summer on the Inside”. The 256 pages, packed with history and original photos, are a feast, and not just for surfing fans. Available in O'Neill stores and online.
