Jack O’Neill (yes, he of O’Neill surf brand fame) is widely credited for coming up with the first wetsuit that was specifically designed for use when surfing or enjoying other water-based sports.
The wave-gliding legend, who injured his eye during a gnarly board-based accident, is instantly recognisable from his pirate-like appearance, but also contributed massively to the sport, taking learnings from early wetsuit pioneers, such as American businessman and diver Bob Meistrell, as well as US Navy researcher Hugh Bradner, to develop the wetsuit into something we recognise today.
