Industry Mourns Bill Meistrell, co-founder of Body Glove
Bill Meistrell was a pioneering waterman and lifeguard whose inventions, talents and exploits helped transform surfing and diving into worldwide phenomena and billion-dollar industries. Bill died from Parkinson’s disease on Tuesday, July 26th at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes surrounded by family and friends. Bill was 77.

Bill and twin brother Bob are two of the three watermen named to both the surfing and diving halls of fames. Bill and Bob were born in Booneville, Missouri; Bill on July 30, 1928, and Bob 20 minutes later on July 31st. Bill and Bob started diving as kids in the farm’s pond using an oilcan for a helmet and a bicycle pump and a hose for air.

Bill and Bob moved to Manhattan Beach in 1942. Bill graduated from El Segundo High School in 1947. Bill, a Korean War veteran, was awarded the Bronze Star. Bill and Bob were among the first crop of Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards in the 1940s.

Bill bought into their retail store Dive N’ Surf in Redondo Beach in 1953 with brother Bob, legendary surfboard maker Hap Jacobs, and renowned surfer and diver Bev Morgan. Dive N’ Surf was the first and is the oldest surf and dive shop of its kind in the South Bay of Los Angeles. Bill and Bob became sole owners in 1958. Bill, Bob and partner Morgan are best known for inventing (in 1953) the first practical wetsuit, which revolutionized surfing and diving. Bill came up with the phrase “fits like a glove” and Body Glove was born. Body Glove’s boned-hand, which Bill helped design, is one of the most globally recognized brand logos.

Dive N’ Surf’s success was not lost on Hollywood. Hired to consult, they provided equipment and custom wetsuits for “Sea Hunt.” They have been involved in dozens of movies since, teaching diving to Gary Cooper, Hugh O’Brien, Charlton Heston, Jill St. John, and Richard Harris. Bill also retrieved millions in gold coins from shipwreck Brother Jonathan off the Northern California coast.

The following charities reflected Bill’s passion and life. If inspired, please make a contribution to the following in Bill’s name: The Redondo SEA Lab (310-318-7438), Make A Wish Foundation (310-788-9474), and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (800-457-6676).