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Thursday, 7 June 2012
The California State Historical Resources Commission voted unanimously earlier this month to approve the site of the original Santa Cruz O’Neill Surf Shop as a “California Point of Historical Interest.”
The location, at the entrance to Cowell’s Beach, near the Dream Inn and directly across the street from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, was where Jack O’Neill established his Santa Cruz Surf Shop in 1959. The designation was made official on June 4, 2012, when State Director of Parks Ruth Coleman authorized the action.
Santa Cruz City Councilmember David Terrazas, who spear-headed the effort to obtain the designation said, “the O’Neill story is uniquely Santa Cruz and representative of California’s innovative spirit and culture throughout the world. Jack and his family are integral to our town and have built something really special here.”
The O’Neill Surf Shop represents the ‘start up’ of a California borne industry and this designation represents a milestone to a period when local surf culture intersected with a visionary entrepreneur able to elevate the sport well beyond Santa Cruz – the birthplace of modern cold water surfing.A plan for historic signage at the site will be developed in the coming months. CouncilmemberTerrazas added, “I am very pleased for the State’s recognition of Jack O’Neill, his family and the Santa Cruz Surf Shop with this designation.”
Among many notable accomplishments, Jack O’Neill is credited with creating the first viable wetsuit, opening the world of surfing year round to millions of surfers worldwide. O'Neill is now one of the best-selling wetsuit brands in the world, as well as one of the top sportswear brands, with licensees and distributorships in more than 67 countries. In addition, Jack founded the non-profit O’Neill Sea Odyssey, which has taught over 65,000 students about ocean science and ecology while sailing Monterey Bay.
Upon learning about this designation, Jack O’Neill made the following statement: “My family and I are honored to have our fist surf shop/shack in Santa Cruz be acknowledged as a California Point of Historic Interest. What started out as a way to catch as many waves as possible has turned into a life I could not have even dreamed up. I am grateful to all of you who have supported us along the way from our roots through sixty years. I am thrilled with the fact that life has given me the opportunity to start the O’Neill Sea Odyssey, a very effective program that brings awareness of the invaluable oceans to the next generation. Follow your bliss!”
Pat O’Neill, son of Jack and CEO of O’Neill Wetsuits, added, “To be that kid in the iconic photo skating with my brother from the shop to the beach is amazing. That first little surf shack really is an enduring bit of Santa Cruz history for which I'm lucky and grateful.”
The City of Santa Cruz is calling for members of the public to share any of your photos or fond memories of the original Santa Cruz O’Neill surf shop. Please send old snapshots or information about the original “surf shop” to incorporate into a planned interpretative signage project or information about the original 500 square foot building to cityofsantacruz2012@gmail.com
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| Early wetsuit designs © O'Neill |
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