Red Bull TV: The Ripple Effect
Episode 3 O'Neill, Jack O'Neill

Created by our friends at Red Bull TV, The Ripple Effect is a unique series that tells the story of an inspiring group of innovative founders and brand pioneers who have shaped action sports and youth culture. Episode 3 celebrates how one man’s idea has changed the world of watersports forever. That man just wanted to surf for longer. That man is Jack O'Neill.

Unveiling the story behind Jack’s passion for wanting to create a surf lifestyle for him and his family, The Ripple Effect showcases the evolution of the wetsuit and the truth behind the world’s first surf shop. From iconic marketing techniques to risqué advertising, this special narrative illustrates Jack’s journey and the creation of the O'Neill brand. Learn more about his brief career in door-to-door sales, riding his first wave and how sharing his love for the ocean with the next generation continues to grow. Join us in watching this fun edit to better understand Jack's groundbreaking influence on the surf industry.

               The first surf vest

Jack’s original surf vest back from the 1950s was made from sheets of PVC foam he found in a surplus store. Since the closed-cell foam lacked tensile strength, he covered it with clear plastic sheeting, which also allowed the vest to shed water faster, thus limiting the cooling effects of evaporation.

The first surf vest