The inventor of the wetsuit and a legendary surfer died Jun. 2 at his home. He was 94. O’Neill was a Navy pilot during World War II and began experimenting in 1952 with neoprene which the Navy used to make vests that would help keep him warm as he surfed in the cold waters of Northern California. He was also making surf boards but when he began making full bodied wetsuits his company exploded into a global enterprise. His influence on the sport extended well beyond making revolutionary products. O’Neill was also a promoter ... Log in to view full article.