The history of wetsuits—and key features you should care about

In this episode, we trace the surprisingly nerdy, wartime origins of the modern wetsuit. From Hugh Bradner’s experiments with neoprene in the 1950s to Jack O’Neill’s surf shop innovations and the rise of Body Glove, learn how a few cold-water pioneers made it possible to surf year-round—without turning into a popsicle. We’ll also break down what actually keeps you warm in a wetsuit, why seam construction matters, and which zipper style surfers can’t stop arguing about.