Jack O'Neill, who popularized wetsuits and gave his name to the O'Neill brand, has passed away at the age of 94 at his home in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz. The surfing legend started his career as a draftsman, taxi driver and fire extinguisher salesman in San Francisco, while famously tinkering with sweaters soaked in oily water sealants to try and stay warm while surfing on Ocean Beach. He ended up selling neoprene shells with a nylon interior, marketed with the line that it's “always summer on the inside.” The inventive surfer then opened a surf shop and turned his name into the leading brand of wetsuits (the paternity of the invention is a subject of debate). The O'Neill brand was later expanded with accessories and apparel. He helped to spread surfing in California with his wetsuits as well as astute marketing. O'Neill was an avid outdoorsman, who lost an eye while surfing. He also became involved in marine and environmental education programs. The image of Jack O'Neill, with his eye patch and bushy beard, was regularly used by the brand to underline its authenticity. He became such a personality that he could pick up an award clad in a tuxedo and flip-flops. A Dutch fashion and apparel company bought the global rights to the O'Neill brand in 2007. O'Neill spent the last years mostly at his blue beach house, overhanging the rocks and the beach at Pleasure Point. He will be honored with a paddle-out at this spot on July 9. O'Neill is survived by his second wife, six of his seven children and six grandchildren.

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