Watermen…true Watermen… the term is sought after, respected, yet the TRUE definition has remained a mystery. The earliest use of the term started in the 12th century and was used to describe the water ferry drivers who fared passengers across dangerous waters in some of the most volatile weather conditions imagined. It has since become a word of controversy. Seeking to put an end to the squabbles using the historic past verbiage and the present-day usage, the most suitable definition would be that a true Watermen is a lifestyle of someone who is noted for their knowledge of the water, having a sound understanding of the dangerous currents, winds and extreme tides on the water. They are described as “a sturdy, rough breed” with their own jargon, where miles are paddled and bodies are hardened by water. Present day Watermen not only know the physical facets of water, wind, tides and how to use them to their advantage, but how to use their bodies and equipment in, on, and below water pushing themselves and their equipment to the limits.
True Watermen and Waterwomen are the elite class of beachgoers. They live all over the world, travel to remote and desolate places. They do unthinkable, unpredictable and unimaginable feats with water. Some compete, some just enjoy but they all think, live, and dream to be in, on, beneath, or above water.
Watermen need equipment that is high quality, dependable and able to withstand the knocks, bumps and bruises of radical use.
At the height of the Cold War, a German scientist named Max Kramer was curious how dolphins could move at such fantastic speeds. Kramer covered a torpedo with simulated dolphin skin made of a rubber membrane, and under laid it with a viscous fluid. He demonstrated that a dolphin skinned torpedo could modify the flow of water, enabling it to reach new top speeds.
How Watermen Shorts (compression shorts) were born?
We as a company, saw the need to develop the first of its kind amphibious high-performance new skin for true Watermen. So, we designed low drag compression shorts for the water that mimics the streamlined, hydrodynamic bodies of fish and mammals. These low-drag new skin shorts shave time off your races, while providing support and extra warmth to your southern region.
Watermen Shorts – Uses
Watermen Shorts answer the demands of nearly every facet of an all water-based, active lifestyle, great for competitions and athletes from all walks of life. Compression shorts made for water are fantastic for triathlons, ironmen, swim competitions, skiing, white water races, windsurfers, divers, kitesurfers, SUPs, or free divers, but they are widely worn under boardshorts and wetsuits are rash free support.
Watermen Shorts – Benefits
Compression shorts keep muscles warm to prevent muscle strain
Compression shorts help after your event to relieve pain from muscle stiffness and soreness
Compression shorts decrease the heart rate and the lactic build up in athletes.
Compression shorts reduce the time taken for muscles to repair themselves and help stabilize joints
Watermen Shorts – Built for Water
Not only do the compression shorts provide ultimate water efficiency, they are built to last. Compression shorts are made from a blend of super silky Nylon, Lycra and Spandex to keep them soft and lightweight, where as cotton would weigh you down. They are super fast drying and wick away sweat from the body preventing chafing and rashes. Compression shorts can be worn in the summer and winter. The material has a UPF 50+ which protects you and the material from the sun damage. No need for an uncomfortable pocket cup because their front is doubled lined and non-revealing. With material that so close to your body, we make sure compression shorts are made with antimicrobial and odor eliminating fabric. Watermen’s shorts are made to stand alone with their high fashion flashy patterns and can be worn as a jammer for workouts or as a support layer.
True watermen continue to tackle the challenge, the battle of the big, the better, the stronger, the faster and the more powerful. Driving these men and women is the adrenaline rush, the win and the finish. Stay Salty.
Look at the different people hitting the beach. What do you see? You see those on vacation, tourists and those who may be at the beach for the first time. You have the locals who look like they have beach written all over them. They have the right beach attire, shoes, shorts, and even sun bleached hair. You have the professionals, those who work at the beach including lifeguards who dress for the job, and have a supply of rescue equipment. Then you have the true watermen. These are the people who live to be in, on, or above the water. They surf, kayak, scuba dive, kite surf, swim, paddle board, etc. The beach is full of different people from all different walks of life. Each different group of beachgoers, need quality beach essentials.
1) The Local
The locals’ beach essentials are unique. Simple and easy is their motto. Locals hit the beach with the absolute bare minimum. Locals ramble around in t-shirts be it men or women, with fantastic designs including cool hats. Add a swimsuit, boardshorts and a towel and they are good to go.
2) Local Young
The young and spry carry everything with one arm, a surf board or a boogie board and fins, and a towel. Custom X makes the best body board on the market and a great set of fins. Custom X fins have a short blade are super comfortable, float and are often the #1 choice of lifeguards. The young also know enough to wear rashguards or surf shirts to protect their upper bodies from getting rashes and provide an extra layer of warmth, for those long hours in the water. Their t-shirts are light weight, soft, comfy and breathable as well.
Young guys and girls alike can both wear boardshorts, which can be worn as a pair of shorts or a swimsuit. The boardshort pocket is very important. Pockets with oversized Velcro closures with locking loops keep keys, money, and board wax safe while in and out of the water. Boardshorts with no drag grommeted cargo pockets are a must. LA County Lifeguards Association declared boardshorts without grommeted pockets unsafe because the pockets fill with water and drag you down. Boardshorts need to be quick drying, breathable and if you are lucky made with Diamond Dobby material.
3) Local Parents
Local parents pack-it-lite, instead of wagons full of stuff they use the one arm is enough philosophy. Local parents carry a blanket-in-a-bag, a small cooler full of snacks, sandwiches and water. No umbrellas, instead kids are dressed in rashguards, boardshorts, and plastered with sunscreen, while still at the car. They use great sunscreen like SolRx that stays on for the entire duration of the day. Local parent purchase kids swimsuits, rashguards or swim shirts that have built in UPF protection. Throw a hat on their heads and they are sun protected. Since local parents are in the know, they carry a sting ray kit, for protection against sting ray stings, the number one coastal emergency.
4) Local Oldies
The seasoned beachgoer, the cream of the crop, those who have spent most of their life at the beach, have going to the beach down to a science. These seasoned beacher’s have had many years of experience at the beach, testing and comparing different brands of essentials. Their essentials must be durable, top-quality, and extremely practical.
They dress at their car, putting on their boardshorts, or wetsuit by wrapping a towel around themselves. Men and women often wear compression shorts or go commando under their wetsuit. Compression shorts help keep the heat in and prevent irritating rashes. A lot of compression shorts aren’t made for use in the water. That said, look for compression shorts with 100% recycled Econyl Nylon, which is anti-microbial and odor eliminating. Compression shorts made for water also have a safety draw cord waist, and quality compression shorts come with a rash free guarantee, are hydrophobic and water repellent.
Since the seasoned beachgoer goes to the beach year around, on those colder days they too wear rashguards, often under their wetsuits. Note: Rashguards come in long and short sleeves.
Many of the seasoned beachgoers figures have changed over the years, and they prefer swim trunks to boardshorts and one piece swimsuit verses the two-piece swimsuit. Most seasoned beachgoers now wear Retro trunks, retro trunks have liners, elastic waists and pockets. Make sure the Retro trunk you choose uses the super soft Cool Plus liner, and not the old-style mesh. The pockets need to have sand and water drainage.
In the Beginning: Lifeguard Equipment and Clothing
Back in 1913 the beach lifeguards would row a small wooden rescue boat from the beach through the rolling surf to pull the stricken swimmers from the water. Rowing boats through waves and surf was slow and dangerous for both the lifeguard and the drowning victims. Throughout the last 100 years’ lifeguard clothing as well as lifeguard equipment has evolved into the efficient safe lifeguard products we have today.
Rescue Buoys
Rescue Can
In the beginning lifeguards had basic equipment. Lifeguard rescue buoys were made out of metal. One lifeguard in the 1940s had to be rescued himself after the swimmer he was helping let go of the buoy and a wave sent it into the back of his head, knocking him out. The rescue buoys were also constructed of aluminum wood, cork or fiberglass with rope handles. The lifeguard industry has come a long way in the manufacturing of rescue gear.
Present day rescue buoys are called rescue tubes and sometimes rescue torpedoes. They are hollow, made of soft vinyl not metal, and shaped like a torpedo. These rescue tubes can easily be wrapped around the victim for safe return to the shore.
Today, lifeguards also have rescue cans that are made of plastic, and buoyant enough to support the lifeguard along with several victims. The rescue can is more buoyant then the rescue tube, but also more hazardous in rough surf conditions, because of its hardness, rigidity and inability to actually wrap around the distressed victim.
The rescue can has several hand-holds molded into the side rails for the drowning victim to grab, and hold on to, as the lifeguard tows them to safety. Another great feature of the rescue can, is that it can be connected to the shore by a rope, and the victim can be pulled to safety from the shore.
Both products have a long leash that is worn over the shoulder of the lifeguard as the victim is towed to rescue. The rescue cans and rescue tubes are usually red or orange. These rescue tubes and cans must be carried by the lifeguard at all times.
Swim Fins
Da Fins Swim Fins
Lifeguards must be in great shape, as well as outstanding swimmers to pull drowning victims from the zigzagging troughs, and rip currents that drag swimmers out into deeper water. But pure strength wasn’t always enough, so in the early 1960s lifeguards began wearing swim fins. These fins provide the lifeguards with more torque and speed for the rescue, therefore enabling them to reach the victim quicker, and allowing the guard to tow swimmers to safety more easily.
There are many different kinds of swim fins to choose from in our lifeguard store. The number one choice of lifeguards and watermen across the planet is the Da Fin. The Da Fins most outstanding feature is that they float, many other brands have been lost because they stink. Da Fins have traction that will keep you from slipping on the rocks that line jetties. Many other fins are hard and stiff, making them extremely difficult to put on, Da Fin are soft and pliable, so they slip on quick and easily. As well, Da Fins have been engineered for excellent acceleration, maneuverability, and tracking.
Rashguards and Surf Shirts
Rashguard Long Sleeve Navy
In the beginning lifeguards had no protection except heavy cotton outer garments during cold and windy weather. Quick drying materials hadn’t been invented. Muscles got cold and cramped while making rescues. As time went on and man-made materials were invented, the creation of wetsuits and drysuits were thought to be the answer for protecting Lifeguards from the elements. But Lifeguards didn’t have time to complete the tedious job of putting on a wetsuit or drysuit before jumping into the water for a rescue. Now with the development of the rashguards and surf shirts, both female and male lifeguards have access to a comfortable layer of warmth between them and the sand, water or wind. Rashguards come in long and short sleeves, and can be worn as a shirt, so there’s no time wasted getting to the rescue. They are made of Polyester or a Nylon Xtra Life Lyrca blends. They are designed with special fabric to stop rashes, and have a UPF sun protection of 50+. They are so comfortable, lifeguards can sit in their towers for hours with them on, as well as surf, paddle and exercise in them. Rashguards and surf shirts are lightweight, super quick drying, ultra soft, have exceptional breathability, are hydrophobic, and water resistant. The difference between rashguards and surf shirts is that rashguards fit like a second skin, giving your muscles more warmth and support. The surf shirt is much looser, and more like a real shirt, that you would wear out and about beyond the water.
Board Short Liners
Board Short Liner Navy
Having trouble with your lower half being cold? Board short Liners can be worn under your boardshorts or by themselves. Boardshort Liners are streamlined with low-drag. All board short liners are super comfy, durable, breathable, and quick drying.
Boardshorts
Board Shorts Navy
If you don’t need the complete protection from the compression try boardshorts with CoolPlus liners. Our version of boardshorts, Watermen shorts, will also help keep your bottom end warmer, but with more room to breathe on a hot humid day. Boardshorts are made for both men and women. The CoolPlus liners supply extra warmth, and also prevent chafing when running. They are made with a special blend of polyester and spandex that wick away the moisture, keeping you dry and supported.
Staying fit, safe, warm and alert is possible thanks to the new technologies in lifeguard equipment and lifeguard clothing. Original Watermen, a company created by Lifeguards, for Lifeguards, supplying quality lifeguard products to millions of lifeguards all over the world.
At Original Watermen, we know commando is a popular choice among guys while doing water activities. We also understand the downsides that come with it after spending a day Earning Your Salt. As a result, we’ve developed top-notch men’s boardshorts as well as boardshort liners that supply ample support and flexibility at the same time, protect from rashes and odors, and even defend against the risk of exposure.
The Fly
Have you worn board shorts where the Velcro fly bunches up or sticks and pulls on the most painful places? Original Watermen’s special gusseted Lycra fly prevents rashes and puckers. The gusset reduces the stress from tight fitting clothing, while the Lycra provides the comfort, great fit and superior movement. This combination has created the #1 selling lifeguard board shorts on the market.
To Mesh or Not to Mesh
In the beginning, mesh was used as a lightweight, sand-free barrier to protect a guy’s private places from direct contact with the rough, harsh, stiff fabric of the actual board shorts. Lifeguards found the mesh itself even rubbed on body parts causing chaffing, rashes and raw spots, and became very uncomfortable as the day wore on. On the other hand, lifeguards liked the support and stability that the mesh provided.
We at Original Watermen saw (and felt!) the need and demand for a different type of board shorts mesh. Instead of the porthole type netting, they used state-of-the-art material to reinvent the mesh liner in an unparalleled way. That Cool-Plus-Comfort liner is a solid netting that improves the circulation of air flow and wicks away moisture, ensuring that the areas covered by the mesh don’t stay damp. Our Cool-Plus-Comfort mesh liner also provides a smoother, evened out line under your board shorts so when there’s a change in conditions, you’re the only one to know. Last but not least, our mesh liners, with moisture wicking and anti- bacterial fabric can be worn in comfort day after day. The U.S. Coast Guards enjoy the Original Watermen G Trunks because these men’s board shorts are packed with top-of-the-line features, including Ultra-lock seam construction, high strength thread, and, of course, the Cool-Plus-Comfort mesh liner.
So, if you’re one who likes mesh in your board shorts, you’ll never go back to the porthole mesh liners once you try Original Watermen’s super soft and comfy, fast-drying, stretchy Cool-Plus-Comfort mesh liners.
The Cure for Boxers
If mesh is not for you, but you’re over wearing that heavy, non-drying underwear underneath your board shorts, Original Watermen has the solution to that problem too. We have designed standalone boardshort liners (not connected to the boardshorts) that are essentially men’s compression shorts made for aquatic and even amphibious environments. These unrivaled compressions shorts for men provide extra support, protection, warmth as well as the privacy desired without being constantly damp and weighed down by wearing wet boxers. That’s right, with quick-drying features backed by a rash free guarantee, these compression shorts for men are ideal for transitioning to and from water and dry land.
These compression shorts can be worn underneath a pair of boardshorts but the fabric’s quality is good enough they can be worn alone, like if you’re a triathlete or open water swimmer. Plus, the prints are so stylish we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to don them solo. But their performance and functionality is truly what sets them apart… Because when the set comes rolling in or your muscles start cramping and pinching, the style points won’t get you through. These performance compressions shorts will literally cradle you through the chaos with their ultra-soft, breathable fabric. Last but not least, the day-after odors can be as uncomfortable as a rash. That’s why these men’s compressions shorts have a zero-odor factor, made with antimicrobial fabric. Remember it’s all about comfort.
Insanely Comfortable
Original Watermen’s men’s board shorts and boardshort liners are made of the lightest, softest and most versatile materials engineered. Forget the old school heavy and abrasive material that rubs you raw by the end of the day. Original Watermen uses 100% sanded polyester microfiber and spandex combinations that create a soft nest for your junk, keeping you dry, cool and rash-free on even the hottest and most humid days.
People of all ages and from all walks of life are lifeguards. Lifeguards are needed at pools, lakes, rivers, summer camps and at the beach. Reasons for becoming a lifeguard vary from person to person. Some want to be a guard because it’s great pay in great locations or they consider Lifeguarding a career builder, or others like the prestige. Many believe lifeguarding looks great on college applications. Whatever your reason, there are things you need to know. There’s a lot more to being a lifeguard than soaking up the sun. Lifeguarding requires you be fit, to know how to swim and do it well, you must be able to take command in emergencies situations and provide life-saving first aid and resuscitation. Life saving is not for the meek and mild. That said, read on before committing to taking your lifeguard test.
Training
Physical strength and endurance are required to rescue a struggling victim in the water. Beach Lifeguards compete for their job by completing one or two competitive Open Water swim-run tests. To start training you need the right gear, apparel and lifeguarding equipment, which should always come from a lifeguard store. You must master your swim strokes and train in cold choppy water. Note: Learning to body surf will give you a favorable advantage, helping you beating your opponents to the beach. To get ready for the runs practice sprinting and running long distances. As well, arm and leg strength is important, so lift weights to tone up.
Apparel
The correct apparel can help you complete your trainings and certifications in style and comfort. The Original Waterman lifeguard store was started by lifeguards for lifeguards. Having run the gauntlet themselves they know what you need to be the best.
Compression Shorts
In our lifeguard store we offer compression shorts for lifeguard men and women, and have sizes for those in the junior lifeguard program too. Compression shorts can be worn as jammers for your workouts or underneath as support layers. Compression shorts keep you warmer, give you support and prevent rashes. Compression shorts are streamlined for ultimate water efficiency, shaving time off rescues and your race events. The compression shorts in our lifeguard store also have a double lined front that makes them non-revealing. Because of constant use and the closeness to the body, purchase compression shorts which are made from antimicrobial fabric, it helps eliminate body odor.
Board Shorts
While training for your competitive runs don’t wear those heavy workout shorts instead try wearing lightweight board shorts. In our lifeguard store we sell board shorts with special ultra-durable four-way Flex material. This special material prevents drag on the legs when wet. They also have a soft Lycra fly that prevents rashes. Their brushed waistband won’t stretch out and provides a comfortable streamline fit. Our lifeguard board shorts have an oversized pocket sealed with a Velcro locking Loop closure. The pocket holds most phones so you can listen to music during training sessions.
Rash guards and Surf Shirts
Rash guards are tight fitting, similar to a second skin, providing extra warmth in and out of the water. In our lifeguard store we off lifeguard rash guards that fit snug around the body, using a new compression technology which keeps the muscles fresh and engaged. The tight-fitting Rash guard also provides extra support for female lifeguards while running or swimming to a rescue.
Rash guards fit easily under a wetsuit without bunching up and prevent chafing. To stay rash free and comfortable under the arms look for rash guards with Flatlock seams.
Rash guards provide SPF protection. Ours carry a UPF rating of 50+.
One of the best features is the Aqua Plus fabric. It helps with water repellency causing the water to bead up and roll off the surface giving you the ultimate in quick-dry comfort.
In our lifeguard store, we also have the looser fitting surf shirt is perfect for figures needing a bit more room.
Women Lifeguard Swimming Suits
The first choice you must make is whether you prefer a one piece or two-piece lifeguard swimsuit. With either option the straps must stay snug through the surf and not slip onto your shoulders hindering the full use of your arms. The worst-case scenario would be to have your suit ripped off in big surf. Lifeguard swimsuits should be made of state-of-the-art material. The fabric should be moisture wicking, chlorine proof, durable and able to stand up under extreme conditions. Original Watermen’s women’s lifeguard swimsuits were voted number one for “best fit” back design for staying on through the surf.
The right boardshort liners underneath your wetsuit can make a huge difference in the colder months. Original Watermen Boardshort liners give your waterman an extra layer of warmth.One extra layer heating up your engine can take you the extra mile.
The Watermen shorts are boardshort liners that are breathable, eco-friendly soft lycra made from recycled fishing nets. These boardshort liners are made by Watermen for Watermen. As keepers of the ocean, we understand the impact we make and we do our best to mitigate those effects. The Watermen Short is eco-friendly and made from recycled fishing nets. You will have a clear conscience and clear of rashes, while rocking these bad boys. Original Watermen continues to set the bar high with quality craftsmanship when making their products. The Watermen Shorts are no exception, as they’re made with ultra-soft, breathable Lycra®. Combine this comfort and sustainability with the draw-cord waist and you won’t have any reason to ever take these boardshort liners off.
Don’t let your muscles catch a chill underneath your wetsuits. If you’re really getting after then you’re destined to get some water flushing through your suit. We want to encourage that charging attitude so instead of second guessing a knifing drop because of the cold water, go for it and know that board short liners are solid backup plan to getting some integral pieces warm.
Not only are the watermen shorts perfect for layering under your wetsuit, they also aid in the treacherous changing process. When it’s cold outside, you want to spend the least amount of time in the low temps, especially in your bare skin. If you are already prepped in your board short liners, the changing process will be done in record speed. You’ll be toasty and getting spit out of tubes before your mates can even get themselves zipped up.
These boardshort liners are optimal for layering and giving you core warmth in the colder months. They fit like a second-skin, so you get the added warmth without the weight. Stay light and fluid in the Watermen shorts.
Watermen…true Watermen… the term is sought after, respected, yet the TRUE definition has remained a mystery. The earliest use of the term started in the 12th century and was used to describe the water ferry drivers who fared passengers across dangerous waters in some of the most volatile weather conditions imagined. It has since become a word of controversy. Seeking to put an end to the squabbles using the historic past verbiage and the present-day usage, the most suitable definition would be that a true Watermen is a lifestyle of someone who is noted for their knowledge of the water, having a sound understanding of the dangerous currents, winds and extreme tides on the water. They are described as “a sturdy, rough breed” with their own jargon, where miles are paddled and bodies are hardened by water. Present day Watermen not only know the physical facets of water, wind, tides and how to use them to their advantage, but how to use their bodies and equipment in, on, and below water pushing themselves and their equipment to the limits.
3) Local Parents 
Boardshorts and Boxers
