
The Berkeley Physicist Whose Invention Changed Surfing Forever
From The Bay by KQED
May 25, 2026 · 23 min
About this episode
This episode explores the invention of the wetsuit and its impact on surfing, featuring insights about Ocean Beach surfers and a UC Berkeley physicist's contributions.
The wetsuit changed surfing forever, making it possible for surfers to wade in the frigid waters of the Bay and allow the scene to thrive. In this episode of Bay Curious, we learn about the Ocean Beach surfers and the UC Berkeley physicist who had a part to play in the wetsuit’s invention. Links: The Wetsuit Changed Surfing — We’ve Got a Berkeley Physicist to Thank for It Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: KQED
Topics covered
- surfing
- wetsuit invention
- Ocean Beach
- UC Berkeley
- physicist
Keywords
- wetsuit
- surfing
- UC Berkeley
- Ocean Beach
- physicist
Mentioned in this episode
Products: wetsuit
Places: Bay, Ocean Beach
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