Surfing Icon, Wetsuit Pioneer Jack O’Neill Dead At 94

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Surfing legend and Santa Cruz resident Jack O’Neill died of natural causes at the age of 94 on June 2, according to the O’Neill website. The Colorado native and founder of O’Neill Surf Shops called Santa Cruz his home for more than 50 years. The beach icon, recognizable around town by his signature beard and eye patch, was known as a pioneer in the evolution of surfing wetsuits.

O’Neill opened his famous surf shops in the 1950s. The first shop was opened in Southern California, later opening another in Santa Cruz.

In 1996, O’Neill established the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, a program designed to teach students about environmental stewardship and the ocean. Thousands of students have visited the classroom catamaran in the Monterey Bay over the years. Those wishing to donate in O’Neill’s memory are asked to donate to the O’Neill Sea Odyssey.

His family and O’Neill Surf Shop invite the public to a paddle out party in honor of O’Neill at 11 a.m. on July 9 at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz.

Image via Pixabay