MEISTRELL, Bill

MEISTRELL, Bill

USA (1928-2006)

Last updated: August 1, 2017 at 0:10 am

Pioneer instructor; commercial diver; inventor; co-founder of Body Glove International with brother Bob; co-developed his first wetsuit in 1953; bought Bev Morgan’s share of his dive shop, Dive N’ Surf, in 1957, which became the home of The Body Glove.

“In 1953 we invented the first practical wetsuit, which revolutionized surfing and diving. We came up with the phrase ‘fits like a glove’ and Body Glove was born.” — Bill & Bob Meistrell

Honours and Awards:

NOGI Award (Sports & Education, 2007)
DEMA Hall of Fame (1990)

Website(s):

Body Glove

Bill and Bob Meistrell pose in front of Dive N' Surf in the 1950s. Image from newspaper ad (Fair Use)

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