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Wetsuit inventor Jack O’Neill has died aged 94, US media reported late Friday.
O’Neill, who opened his first surf shop in San Francisco in 1952, died at his home in Santa Cruz surrounded by his family, friends told KSBW News.
The founder of the O’Neill surf and swimware chain, O’Neill is credited with popularizing the use of neoprene wetsuits, which allowed surfers to stay in the water for much longer periods.
He lost an eye in 1971 in a surfing accident, after which he took to wearing an eye patch, giving him his infamous piratical appearance.
