Who was Jack O'Neill? Everything you need to know!

December 21, 2022

Without Jack O'Neill, there would not be surfing as it is known today. He not only launched O'Neill the original surf brand, he launched the whole notion of the surf industry.

In 1952 when our founder, Jack O'Neill began designing and producing the world's first neoprene wetsuits out of the world's first surf shop. He was a legendary businessman and surfing innovator. In this article, you will read everything you need to know about this extraordinary person!

Who was Jack O’Neill?

Jack O’Neill was a legendary businessman and surfing innovator. He was, among many more, the founder and name giver of our company, and helped to develop the wetsuit that allowed surfers to hit the water all year-round. In this blog article, you will read everything you need to know about this extraordinary human being, who remains a huge inspiration to all of us here at O’Neill.

Jack O’Neill’s early life

Jack O’Neill was born in Denver on March 27, 1923. He grew up in Southern California, where he started body surfing in the late 1930s. In his early career, he served in the Army Corps, sold fire extinguishers and worked as a fisherman. In 1949, Jack moved to San Francisco, where he attended San Francisco State University. Three years later, he opened up a small shop in surfing equipment near Ocean Beach – a ‘surf shop’. It might be hard to believe, but Jack is credited for inventing the term. In 1959, Jack moved to Santa Cruz, where he lived near the ocean for the rest of his life.

Jack oneill hot airballoon

Jack O’Neill’s house in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, Jack O’Neill lived in a cozy green house on a cliff in the Pleasure Point neighborhood. The point is known as one of the best surf spots in the Santa Cruz area. The spot directly in front of his former house is now known as the ‘O’Neill spot’. The Pleasure Point Community also celebrates ‘Jack O’Neill Day’ in honor of the legendary local.

Is Jack O’Neill the creator of the first wetsuit?

Jack O’Neill is often said to be the inventor of the wetsuit. Truth is, it’s hard to credit one person with the invention. Like more surfers at the time, Jack had long been searching for ways to surf for longer in cold water. He experimented with oil-treated sweaters, underwear with a layer of rubber and suits of PVC foam. In this sense, it is safe to say Jack created some of the first pieces of insulated surfwear. Seeing the successful experiments of UC Berkeley physicist Hugh Bradner in the early 1950s, Jack O’Neill switched to neoprene. The material proved to be ideal for surfing: flexible, lightweight and capable of trapping body heat. Jack O’Neill was one of the first to sell neoprene wetsuits commercially and helped to popularize them all over the world. He also introduced a nylon jersey lining that made the material wearable against the bare skin, and made the first fullsuit. O’Neill’s success in making wetsuits also led to one of the best-known slogans in surfing: ‘It’s always summer on the inside’.

Jack O’Neill eye accident

In 1971, Jack lost his eye in a surfing accident. From then on, he wore an eye patch. Combined with his big, wild gray beard, this gave him an iconic, pirate-look. The Jack O’Neill T-shirts with his face became hugely popular.

O’Neill Sea Odyssey

Besides setting up a successful company and making a huge contribution to the sport of surfing, Jack was a fanatic sailor and hot-air balloon pilot. Nevertheless, he considered the O’Neill Sea Odyssey his biggest legacy. The Sea Odyssey is an educational program that teaches children about the ocean to encourage the protection and preservation of the oceans. He once told a reporter: “The ocean is alive, and we’ve got to take care of it. There is no doubt in my mind that the O’Neill Sea Odyssey is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Is Jack O’Neill still alive?

Unfortunately, Jack O’Neill isn’t alive anymore. He passed away at home in 2017, aged 94. He died of natural causes.

What are the main differences between skiing and snowboarding?

Skiing and snowboarding are two ways to slide down a snowy mountain. The biggest difference is that snowboarders ride sideways using a board, while skiers go forward with two skis on their feet. In addition to that, skiers usually use ski poles to manoeuvre down the mountain.

Which one is easier to learn skiing or snowboarding?

This is quite a tricky question, because there is no consensus among experts as of yet. However, it’s often said that skiing is easier to learn, but harder to master. The reason for this is that on skis, you face forwards and can move both legs independently. Thanks to the poles in your hand, it’s not hard to keep your balance while standing still or at lower speeds. Especially if you have some experience with ice skating or rollerblading, skiing can feel quite natural.

Snowboarding, on the other hand, might be a struggle at first. With both feet strapped onto one board and trying to ride sideways, it’s harder to balance and maneuver. As a result, you will spend a fair amount of time falling and sitting on your knees and behind when you just start. But once you have survived those first one or two days, it’s often easier to progress. After one week, you’re often able to turn in both directions, and with a bit of luck, you can even perform some basic tricks.

“IF YOU ARE ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS YOU CAN FORGET THE DAILY BUSINESS AND JUST LIVE IN THE MOMENT.” - YANNECK KONDA

Which one is faster: Skiing or Snowboarding?

In general, there are only small differences between skiing and snowboarding in terms of speed. Trained skiers and snowboarders you will see around the resort will reach similar speeds. The speed someone can reach depends more on a rider's comfort level, skill, and preferences than on the choice between a pair of skis or a snowboard.

When you look at world records however, skiing is the fastest of the two.

  • The world speed record for skiing is 255 km per hour by Simon Billy in 2023
  • while the speed record in snowboarding is ‘only’ 203 km/h. by Edmond Plawczyk in 2015

Do you want to go faster yourself? Check out our slim fit snowboard jackets and snowboard trousers for men and women for increased aerodynamics!

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Differences in style between skiing and snowboarding

Skiing is often seen as more elegant and graceful than snowboarding. This is largely due to the upright stance and parallel movements. Snowboarding, on the other hand, has a more loose and nonchalant style – a sort of swagger. Advanced riders are often able to express themselves in a creative way. This is especially true for freestyle snowboarders.

Is there a difference in equipment for skiing & snowboarding?

Of course, there is a difference in equipment between skiing and snowboarding. To begin with, for snowboarding you need a snowboard with bindings, and specific snowboard boots. These boots are often softer and more comfortable than ski boots. That is why they are called soft boots. For skiing, you need a pair of skis with bindings, and ski boots. In terms of clothing, you need the same equipment. We advise a water and wind resistant snow jacket and pants, plus insulating and moist-wicking layers underneath to keep you warm and dry.

Have Fun!

Snowboarding and skiing are both great sports that we deeply love. The question whether skiing or snowboarding is better, is impossible to answer, just like the question which sport is more fun. Consider what you find most important, and if you can’t decide, just try them both!

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1 comments

  • Hi oneill.com admin, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.

    Karina Northcutt on

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