South Redondo in Redondo Beach in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bill and Bob Meistrell

Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016

1. Bill and Bob Meistrell Marker

Inscription.
Bill and Bob Meistrell identical twins were born in Boonville, Missouri; Bill on July 30, 1928, and Bob 20 minutes later on July 31st. They started diving as kids in the farm's pond using an oilcan for a helmet, a bicycle pump and a hose for air. Bill and Bob had big dreams as Missouri farm-boys: own a submarine; be deep-sea divers; and go treasure-hunting. "Somehow we managed all three".

The brothers invented the first practical wetsuit in the back of their Redondo Beach shop, Dive N' Surf which was founded in 1953. From those wetsuits their legacy and iconic surf brand Body Glove began. Bill and Bob Meistrell will always be remembered as legendary watermen, lifeguards, avid surfers and icons of the surf and dive industry. A 32" replica of this statue is now the most sought after waterman memorial trophy in the world.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is July 30, 1928.

Location. 33° 50.7′ N, 118° 23.665′ W. Marker is in Redondo Beach, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Redondo. Marker is on Portofino Way, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200-308 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach CA 90277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. The Plunge and The Lightning Racer (a few steps from this marker); King Harbor and The Marinas (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Redondo Beach Plan (approx. 0.3 miles away); 9-11 Tribute (approx. 0.4 miles away); George Freeth (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Salt Lake (approx. half a mile away); Hotel Redondo (approx. 0.6 miles away); The First Bank of Hermosa Beach (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Redondo Beach.

Also see . . .
1. Bob Meistrell dies at 84; co-founder of surfwear firm Body Glove. The Log website entry:
Meistrell and his twin, Bill, made wetsuits that enabled surfers to stay in the water longer and more comfortably than ever before. The firm does more than $200 million in business each year. (Submitted on March 26, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

2. Bill Meistrell, a Pioneer of Wet Suits, Dies at 77. New York Times obituary; July 29, 2006 (Submitted on July 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Additional commentary.
1. Artist
The artist who sculpted the Meistrell brothers is Chris Barela, former Hermosa Beach resident, professional surfer; now artist.

— Submitted May 24, 2019, by Phoebe S. Barela of Kamuela,
Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016

2. Bill and Bob Meistrell Memorial
Marker is seen at the base of the statues.
Hawaii.

Bill and Bob Meistrell image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Kindig, March 25, 2016

3. Bill and Bob Meistrell

4. Bill and Bob Meistrell

Photographed By Adam Margolis, May 13, 2022

5. Bill and Bob Meistrell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 860 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 26, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 5. submitted on January 15, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.