Dive N’ Surf’s Meistrells statue unveiled in Redondo Beach
Billy and Robbie Meistrell drape leis over the statues of their fathers. Photo (CivicCouch.com)
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 revered watermen, were memorialized on Thursday June 4 with the unveiling of a bronze sculpture depicting them as young Los Angeles County Lifeguards. Bill died in 2006 at age 77 and Bob died last year at age 84.
Robbie Meistrell and is mother Patty. Photo (CivicCouch.com)
“It’s fitting that the the statue be placed in King Harbor, at the entrance to Seaside Lagoon because my dad and uncle drive up and down this street two to four times a day, running between their Dive N’ Surf shop and their boat,” Bill’s son Billy told the hundreds of watermen and water women who attended the unveiling.
Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel addresses the divers and surfers from throughout the state who attended the unveiling. (Photo (CivicCouch.com)
The twin 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. B
Honoring the Meistrell twins memory were Manhattan councilman Dave Lesser, Supervisorial representative Steve Napolitano, Redondo Councilman Bill Brand, Body Glove CEO and former Manhattan councilman Russ Lesser, Redondo councilman Pat Aust, Hermosa councilman Pete Tucker and Redondo councilman Steve Smammarco.