O'Neill Wetsuits

O'Neill wetsuits have pioneered the surf scene with their legendary wetsuits and gear.

However, their early wetsuits pale in comparison of today’s comfortably and efficient wetsuits. O’Neill has come a long way in water sports history from their first crude wetsuits.

Around 1950, in San Francisco, America, three brothers started a surfing shop in a garage. Back then, wetsuits were virtually non-existent and navy personnel, surfers and water sports enthusiasts had to soak their woollen jumpers in oil to prevent the cold ocean from freezing them.

One of the brothers, Jake O'Neill started making basic surfboards from balsa wood and he also started experimenting with ways of keeping warm while surfing. He tried making vests out of an assortment of different materials; however, the results weren’t satisfactory. O’Neill then started to play around with neoprene and was impressed by its positive properties. As well as neoprene was a great insulator, it also was very buoyant which was helpful in the rough oceans.

The early wetsuits offered from most companies were crude in general, there were inflexible and did not mould to the body, thus letting a lot of water in and a lot of body heat out. They were also exceedingly difficult to put on and off.

Production of those earlier O'Neill wetsuits were overwhelmed with setbacks, such as if the neoprene material was sown together it would put holes in the neoprene, making water enter the wetsuit easier. They early use of glues and adhesives, didn’t fare much better, as they would fall to pieces with the water and harsh movement of surfing. Some of the ones that did stay together were very sticky or chaffed the skin.

O'Neill wetsuits started to shine as they overcome these problems. The wetsuits were becoming more flexible, which was great for the movements of surfing and body boarding.
Jack O’Neill’s son also worked on inventing and perfecting surf gear. He created the leg rope or leash, but in a freak accident the tubing of the leash flung back and hit Jack in his eye, causing him to lose it.

O’Neill wetsuits also came up with spring suits, short john, long john wetsuits and those long tailed jackets that close under your groin.

Today O'Neill wetsuits create a collection of women's and men's wetsuits and surf products and accessories, such as surfboards, hats, bags, footwear, board shorts, and other surfing apparel. They also lead the field with some great innovations in wetsuit technology such as, Zen Zip Closure System and XDS-Air Insulated Neoprene. Rash vests, insulated shorts and tops, surf boots and gloves, surf hoods and other modern wetsuit designs and accessories.

O'Neill Sea Odyssey was set up to give back to the surfing and water sport industry as an education program to teach young people about marine life and the environment.

O’Neill wetsuits and clothing are found in stores, surf and sporting outlets all over the world and are known as a quality brand.