Long time South Bay resident and businessman Bob Meistrell is a renowned waterman pioneer.
A devoted swimmer, surfer, boater and diver, Meistrell has spent a lifetime in and on the water and successfully turned his passion for water sports into a thriving business.
Meistrell and his brother Bill are credited with inventing the modern wetsuit and in 1953 they founded the hugely successful Body Glove water sports brand.
The family business, Dive n’ Surf in Redondo Beach, is the recognized outfitter of choice for all water related activities.
Meistrell recently played a pivotal role in replacing a memorial bust of George Freeth—the man who brought surfing to the mainland—that was stolen from the Redondo Beach Pier in 2008.
Meistrell posted a reward of $5,000 for its return but with no results.
A fundraising effort was then launched to replace it and Meistrell raised over $8,400 by auctioning off trips on the Body Glove cruiser Disappearance.
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Meistrell then collected more than 1,500 pounds of scrap metal which was sold to further finance the project.
The fundraiser was such a success, $4,800 of unused funds was donated to the City of Redondo Beach. The new bust was installed late last year.
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In 1990, Meistrell was inducted into both the Diving Hall of Fame and the Pioneers of Surfing Hall of Fame. He spent his 80th birthday doing both and plans on celebrating his next birthday aboard his new submarine. Yes, submarine.
The following is Meistrell’s take on South Bay living:
Q: What do you consider the South Bay’s best kept secret?
A: The Rainforest and SEA Lab.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most successful community improvement project in recent memory?
A: The Switzer Learning Center.
Q: Preferred South Bay cultural pastime?
A: Visiting SEA Lab.
Q: On the Strand, you are……
A: Checking the surf and looking for dolphins.
Q: Your go-to South Bay eatery?
A: Mexican Riviera, Gina Lee’s Bistro and Carl’s Jr.
Q: Favorite local holiday tradition?
A: King Harbor Boat Parade (The Disappearance is the Grand Marshall Boat).
Q: How would you describe South Bay style?
A: Relaxed. I hate wearing suits and ties.
Q: South Bay charity of choice?
A: The Switzer Learning Center.
Q: You’re enjoying a summer Sunday concert at Polliwog Park while sipping……..
A: Iced Tea.
Q: What recent South Bay story inspired you?
A: How many people got involved to replace the George Freeth Memorial bust.
Q: Can’t miss local event?
A: Jackie Brile’s 4th of July fireworks party at her home.
Q: Surf’s up! Long board or short?
A: Long board.
Q: Friends are visiting the South Bay for the first time – where do you take them?
A: I’d take them to Body Glove HQ and Dive n’ Surf, then a cruise on the Disappearance and a visit to SEA Lab and Terranea.
Q: Strolling along the shore, you find a genie in a bottle and are granted one specific wish—what South Bay institution, tradition or establishment would you restore?
A: Can’t think of anything. The South Bay is perfect as is.
Q: The South Bay offers an assortment of guilty pleasures. What’s yours?
A: Taking the Disappearance out for a cruise.
