Bob and Bill Meistrell memorial unveiling in Redondo Beach

Bob and Bill Meistrell, two of the most influential men in the history of surfing and diving, and two of the South Bay’s most beloved watermen were memorialized with the unveiling of a bronze sculpture depicting them as youg Los Angeles County Lifeguards. Bill died in 2006 at age 77 and Bob died last year at age 84. The unveiling was at 4 p.m. at the entrance to the Seaside Lagoon in King Harbor, near the location of the original Dive N’ Surf store, where the twin brothers met the needs of watermen and waterwomen for nearly six decades. The brothers invented the modern wetsuit, which made it possible for people worldwide to be in the ocean year ’round. The statue was funded by the local community and sculpted by former Hermosa Beach pro surfer Chris Barela.

All photos by Brad Jacobson