A new endowed fund will support O’Neill Sea Odyssey (OSO), which was founded in 1996 by Jack O’Neill, surfing giant, wetsuit pioneer and philanthropist. O’Neill, who was a staple on the Santa Cruz surf scene, passed away in June 2017.
However, his legacy of love for the ocean lives on through OSO, which turns the Monterey Bay into an interactive, ocean-going classroom.
“Harry Hind and I were old-time surfers from San Francisco,” said Jack O’Neill. “I had the idea to open a surf shop at the Santa Cruz Harbor, and asked Harry if he could back me on the deal. He said he would. Our surf shack became an 8,500-square-foot building (which) Harry and I donated to the Sea Odyssey. Harry and I had a lifelong interest in the ocean, and his generosity has helped to make this program possible.”
The Monterey Bay – Ultimate Outdoor Classroom
In 2018 1,300 Monterey County fourth-sixth grade students will get a chance to explore hands-on science, navigation, ocean and watershed stewardship aboard a catamaran sailing the Monterey Bay.Most students have never been on the ocean,” – Dan Haifley, O’Neill Sea Odyssey Executive Director.
“Harry Hind and I were old-time surfers from San Francisco,” said Jack O’Neill. “I had the idea to open a surf shop at the Santa Cruz Harbor, and asked Harry if he could back me on the deal. He said he would. Our surf shack became an 8,500-square-foot building (which) Harry and I donated to the Sea Odyssey. Harry and I had a lifelong interest in the ocean, and his generosity has helped to make this program possible.”
