O'Neill

About Jack O'Neill 1950's The First Surfshop Jack O’Neill opens the first surf shop in 1952 off The Great Highway, San Francisco. He later invents the neoprene wetsuit through experimentation with WWII diving vests. An entire industry is born. 1960's Moves to Santa Cruz The O’Neill brand moves from San Francisco to Santa Cruz and goes full force into the wetsuit business, expanding the line to feature different styles and a women’s fit. 1970's The Supersuit Wetsuit O’Neill begins experimenting with the Supersuit wetsuit and surf leash. Both take hold and push the boundaries of innovation within the surf and diving communities. 1980's The Surf Bootie & Rash Guard The split-toe surf bootie allows for a more natural feel on the board, becoming a standard design that would be copied for decades to follow. The invention of the rash guard becomes just as prominent, allowing for a more comfortable surf experience. 1990's The Animal Wetsuit With wetsuit durability and comfort being a primary focus, O’Neill uses the best available materials to create the Animal Wetsuit. It is the first to feature knee pads, a key design aspect that eventually expands to every model. 2000's Hybrids & Superfreak Boardshorts O’Neill Hybrid shorts are released, creating a walkshort that is as comfortable on land as in the water. Superfreak Series boardshorts push the boundaries of stretch fabrication with the addition of a neoprene panel, allowing surfers more freedom of movement than ever before. 2010's Introducing The Hyperfreak Series O’Neill releases the Hyperfreak Series wetsuit featuring Technobut

What O'Neill Solves for Water Sports Fans

O'Neill addresses a core need for surfers and water athletes: durable, functional gear that actually keeps up with ocean conditions. Since Jack O'Neill opened the first surf shop in San Francisco in 1952 and later invented the neoprene wetsuit through experimentation with WWII diving vests, the brand has become synonymous with innovation in wetsuits, boardshorts, and protective apparel. Whether you're dealing with cold water or harsh sun exposure, O'Neill's product line offers tried solutions rather than generic sportswear. Their evolution from a single shop to a full manufacturer reflects decades of real-world testing—from the split-toe surf bootie that became an industry standard in the 1980s, to the knee-pad-equipped wetsuits of the 1990s designed specifically for durability and comfort. For anyone serious about water sports, O'Neill's catalog represents accumulated expertise rather than fashion-first design.

What stands out

• Invented and perfected neoprene wetsuits since 1952
• Functional designs tested by real water athletes

Worth knowing

• Mid-to-premium pricing reflects heritage brand status

Why is O'Neill more expensive than other brands?

O'Neill has 70+ years of innovation in wetsuits, boardshorts, and water apparel. Their products are engineered for durability and performance in real ocean conditions, not just casual beachwear, which justifies the mid-to-premium price point.