O’Neill Europe
O'Neill Europe B.V. is a renowned company that stands as the owner of the iconic brand O'Neill, which is widely recognized as the original California surf, snow, and lifestyle brand. The company's journey began in 1952 when Jack O'Neill opened the first surf shop off The Great Highway in San Francisco. This was a pivotal moment not only for the brand but also for the surf industry, as Jack O'Neill went on to invent the neoprene wetsuit by experimenting with WWII diving vests, giving birth to an entire industry.
The brand's evolution continued as it moved from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, diving full force into the wetsuit business and expanding its line to include different styles and a women's fit. Innovation has always been at the core of O'Neill's philosophy, which is evident in their development of the Supersuit wetsuit and surf leash, both of which significantly impacted the surf and diving communities.
O'Neill's commitment to enhancing the surfing experience led to the creation of the split-toe surf bootie, which provided a more natural feel on the board, and the rash guard, which increased comfort during surfing. The company's focus on durability and comfort materialized in the Animal Wetsuit, the first to feature knee pads, a design aspect that would become standard across all models.
The brand has also been a pioneer in apparel, with the introduction of O'Neill Hybrid shorts that are as comfortable on land as they are in water, and the Superfreak Series boardshorts that pushed the boundaries of stretch fabrication with the addition of a neoprene panel, allowing surfers unprecedented freedom of movement.
In recent years, O'Neill Europe B.V. has continued to innovate with the Hyperfreak Series wetsuit featuring Technobutter neoprene, the lightest and most flexible material on the market. The Hyperfreak Hydro boardshorts revolutionized design with the "No Tie Fly" closure system, maximizing comfort and security in the water. The company's latest achievement is the award-winning Hyperfreak Fire Series wetsuit powered by TB4, which utilizes recycled yarns infused with graphene for increased wear strength, unrivaled flexibility, and heat retention.
O'Neill Europe B.V. wholesales and distributes a wide range of products, including neoprene wetsuits, jackets, tee shirts, headwear, belts, eyewear, and snow gear. The company's products reflect a commitment to quality and innovation, and they conduct business operations throughout Europe, headquartered at Oosteinde 32, 2361 HE Warmond.
The brand's legacy, rooted in the pioneering spirit of its founder, continues to influence the surf and snow industries, and O'Neill Europe B.V. remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the surf culture and lifestyle it helped create.