When you think Body Glove, you immediately think Missouri, right? Although the South Bay region of Los Angeles is actually considered the home of Body Glove, the long story of the company actually traces back to a farm near Booneville, Missouri- a long way from their eventual home along the Pacific.

If was there that founders Bob and Bill Meistrell taught themselves to swim and by age twelve had used their imaginations to rig a makeshift diving bell out of a wooden crate and descend into the depth of the farm pond. This love for the water eventually lured the brothers to Manhattan Beach as teenagers in the 40s.

Bob and Bill instantly took to the ocean, joining other pioneers of California surfing including the legendary Dale Velzy and Greg Noll to form the Manhattan Beach Surf Club. Cementing their credentials as true watermen, Bob and Bill become L.A. County Lifeguards, the scuba divers, then vital participants in the First Los Angeles Country UnderweaterInstructors Course (1uicc)- Joining the first group in the world to become certified scuba instructors.

Since then, Body Glove has provided product and sponsorship for top surfers. In the early days pioneers like Greg Noll, Mickey Munoz, Jeff Hakman, David Nuuhiwa and Hobie Alter all wore Body Glove suits. The next group included Gerry Lopez and Larry Bertelman, followed by riders like U.S.Champ Mike Lambresi, Joey Buran, Shane Dorian, Rob Machado and Pat O'Connell in the 90s. The current Body Glove surf features 2001 Wold Champ C.J. Hobgood, Bruce Orons, Conan Hayes, Gravin Beschen and top amateurs and regional pros around the globe- a tribute to a legendary heritage that began all the way in Missouri.