The Berkeley Physicist Whose Invention Changed Surfing Forever

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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