Whether they surf or SUP, lobster dive or scuba, swim or sail, most seasoned watermen know what it’s like to be in and around the water even when it’s a tad unbearable during winter. We know what it’s like to be out in a variety of water temps and conditions, even if some have the luxury of living in a sub-tropical or tropical location.
A wetsuit is an obvious piece of gear to wear into cold water. In California we split the year into two: spring suits and trunks; and in the winter 3-, 4-, and 5-mil suits. Yet sometimes, that’s just not enough. In addition to your full winter wetsuit, you might need a little extra “armor”.
Here’s some extra tips to add even more warmth when your wetsuit isn’t cutting it and you just can’t stay out of the water.
+Don the booties. A lot of us are not huge fans of extra accessories weighing us down in the lineup but we can attest to booties adding a significant amount of warmth to the whole body.
When you compare the tradeoff of extra warmth to extra weight/drag, warmth wins based on how it improves attitude, energy levels and physical range of motion. Those on the North Pacific and North Atlantic coasts don’t think twice, particularly when the offshore winds howl around. Some may even don the hoods and booties for 6 months of the year!
+Extra neoprene. The more you wear – the better. This means choosing a wetsuit with enough thickness for the water temp, but also being knowledgeable when it comes to the seams and construction of the wetsuit itself. Glued seams and zipper-less wetsuits tend to be the warmest.
All that extra neoprene can be bulky and rigid. And unless you’re paying top dollar for your wetsuit, you’ll likely get some chaffing on your thighs and neck, and knees and arm pits (at the body’s main joints). In addition to our performance rash guards for your neck and arms, our boardshort & wetsuit liners are great to wear under a wetsuit.
+Layers, layers, layers. We’ve covered this plenty before with some other basic tips to keep warm in winter, but it’s so important it’s worth emphasizing again.
Using layers to keep your core temperature higher will significantly increase your blood flow and temperature. And that will significantly increase how long you can stay out in your favorite element. Using our amphibious compression shorts under your wetsuit will do just that. Further, they’re extremely comfortable with their ultra-soft material, and they’re the perfect base layer – guaranteed rash free.
All in all, being out in the cold is bound to happen if you are a serious water- enthusiast and athlete, but being cold and shivering doesn’t have to be the result. Using these tips and tricks might not make you ready to tackle the polar ice caps, but we’re pretty sure your next cold session will be a little toastier.
Here’s more tips and tricks on our blog if you want to learn more from our experience of surviving in, recovering from and even enjoying the bitter cold waters of winter—
We scramble out of the office and start our traffic-congested drive to the elusive Joshua Tree. We arrive in the quaint little town to find out that all the campsites are taken, so what do we do? Improvise! We drive ten miles or so from town and setup camp in the middle of nowhere. A toasty fire and a few bacon-wrapped hot dogs later, and we were off to snooze.
We wake up, pack up and ship out. On the way to the national park we had to stop for some morning ice cream because as they say “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”. We park the Watermen van a few miles back from the crowded, actual Jumbo Rocks site and head to the top of some jumbo rocks.
Max blended in with a pair of our khaki crew shorts and scaled the side of some rock walls! While the description of these men’s quick dry hiking shorts with pockets reads “4-way stretch”, we watched a couple climbs with crucial, acrobatic moves and we’re convinced it’s really a 10-way stretch short.
After hours and hours of bouldering we were gassed, but the adventure ensued…
The sun had set and for some reason we decided that going to the cactus gardens in the dark would be a great idea. Just feel your way out right?! So after a few pricks and pokes we headed over to our next campsite in Cottonwood.
We start a fire, pitch our tents and start grilling more bacon-wrapped hot dogs. After munching, we geared up for a quick little night hike. Anyone who’s been out to the desert knows how chilly it gets when the sun goes down, and we were grateful to have our cozy Sherpa hoodies and Watermen sweatpants. And Jeff may have stepped on a cactus… or two, but no pain no gain. After a night of laughs, we started early the next morning to head home. It was a humbling experience and also a grand adventure. Stay tuned to see where the Watermen crew is off to next.
WHETHER YOUR ARE A WATERMEN OR A LANDLUBBER, GET OUT THERE AND EARN YOUR SALT.
Let’s be honest, a surfer’s most important and prized piece of equipment is their surfboard-hands down. But what a surfer or ocean lover wears in the water is right up there with their board in terms of importance, unless they want to paddle out in the nude. In all seriousness, when hitting the line-up, wearing boardshorts that fit, are comfortable and stay on, are a MUST in warm water. A wetsuit with properly-sealed, taped or glued seams is also essential in cooler or cold water, or you aren’t going to last very long. However, is there something to wear under a wetsuit?
Well what do you wear inside a wetsuit, you ask?As a team of ocean enthusiasts who have clocked a lot of water time in our own lives, we decided to create this wetsuit liner product to wear under under your wetsuit to protect your lower half from chaffing – like a rash guard from the waist down.
Think of the times you’ve been in the water and were too hot or cold, your boardshorts were chafing, or a piece of equipment was failing you. A bummer, right? No one wants to paddle in when some part of their gear goes awry. Just as you might opt to wear a rash guard under your wetsuit if your neck was bothering you, these amphibious compression shorts are a great wetsuit liner that will give you a sense of peace about those areas we don’t want to have to worry about chafing.
What to wear under your wetsuit?
Our boardshort and wetsuit liners called Watermen Compression Shorts are very comfortable and prevent rashes. These are the best option to wear under your wetsuit and meet both your performance and comfort needs. The specialized 4-way stretch ultra-soft, breathable Lycra® made from recycled fishing nets gives you comfortable and functional range-of-motion. No matter what motivates you to be in the water, our wetsuit liners have you covered. This means more distance to swim or paddle, extra waves to ride or jump, and more fish to see while snorkeling or scuba diving. Always more good times to be had!
Because seriously, there is nothing worse than an epic day of surf that you have to sit out because of a rash on your inner thighs. Dealing with that major discomfort through your entire session isn’t much better. Try these compression shorts as what you wear inside your wetsuit, and feel a new level of comfort and ease in the water you probably have not before.
We have also chosen patterns and materials in alignment with surf culture that aren’t flashy or glittery, but take on a more natural look-and-feel, similar to that of the water and sea life themselves .
Watermen’s tried and tested performance-driven gear keeps up with the turn of the tides and the rise of the seas. It’s important to dress appropriately. Do yourself a favor and wear these wetsuit liners designed for watermen that go out and earn their salt.SHOP NOW!
Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate, but who’s trying to stop this? Lucky for us, Watermen – Dr. Jacob Eurich, is doing his best to help. He’s part of a great community researching the interactions between coral reefs and human communities. Along with his studies he also gets to travel to some pretty cool remote places and spend his days in the ocean doing research – not a bad gig, huh? People like Jacob are needed this day and age to help bring awareness to our dying reefs. We all need to step up and take part in saving our environment, and here at Watermen we plan on continuing to do our best to reduce our footprint. We’ve led this charge with one of our flagship products. Our men’s amphibious compression shorts are 100% sustainably-sourced from recycled fishing nets!
So what is it you actually do?
I am a marine conservationist and faculty researcher at UCSB in the Marine Science Institute, same thing as a professor but without the teaching. My job as a scientist is to discover new solutions for real world problems and then communicate the results back to people who need the information. Right now, I am working on many projects, advising students, and collaborating with governments and non-profit NGO organizations – all on the health of our coral reefs and why healthy coral reefs are so important. My research aims to tackle ecological and social-ecological coral reef issues under the overarching themes of climate change, human use, fisheries, and the resilience of our reefs.
So, what does your day entail?
Most of a marine scientists’ time is spent in the office writing, analyzing data, working on reports, and traveling to work functions like workshops, conferences and meetings. I would say 70% of my days are spent on a computer doing the actual research. The other 30% of my time is the exciting fieldwork where I get to go out to remote coral reefs and small island nations. Those days are spent diving, fishing and working with local communities – typically 10 hours out on the boat each day for a month. I do a few trips a year and this is where Waterman really supports me with durable, performance swimwear and gear, as well as sun protection products.
How does your research help the reefs?
One of my main projects right now is on the interactions between coral reefs and human communities. With colleagues from around the world, we are aiming to understand how much coral reef-derived foods matter to human health. Celebrating the diversity and beauty of species in endangered ocean ecosystems, like coral reefs, resonates with many world leaders. Others, however, will only act when it can be proven that the oceans demonstrably benefit the people and communities they represent. One of the most compelling of such human benefits is the linkage between human health and environmental health. Right now, we do not have a good understanding of how coral reefs shape human health and so many world leaders are not focused on reef conservation. We are looking to identify effective reef management practices that can lead to levels and types of seafood consumption that promote human nutrition. Healthy reefs = healthy people and we need to improve reef conservation to make sure this link remains for future generations.
What can the average person do to help?
I think there are three major things that people can do to help save our reefs and promote ocean health. The first is reducing your carbon footprint. We can all reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by using public transport, biking or walking, as well as being conscious of your energy use at home and work. Switching to fluorescent light bulbs, taking the stairs, avoiding AC/thermostat, and educating family and friends are a start! A second important thing is being sustainable with your seafood choices and product use. Limit your plastic impact, store food in non-disposable containers, reusable bags and bottles, and support brands that are environmentally conscious like Waterman! Lastly, I would say influence change in your community with your vote and public voice.
What is the favorite place you’ve traveled to for research?
One of the more remote places that I have conducted research in is an island called Butaritari in the South Pacific. Butaritari is a coral reef atoll that belongs to the country of Kiribati. It took multiple flights, local boat transportation, and motorbikes to get to the villages our project works in. I went out there to survey coral reef health and to work directly with the island’s elders and fisheries workers. We lived in a stilt house in the local village, ate local food, and learned about life out in a remote Pacific island. The reefs were incredible and largely pristine!
We recommend you use reef friendly sunscreen! Check out our line of SolRX!
Watermen
has UPF
50+ sun/surf shirts that are clutch out on the boat all day, in and out of
the water. Their performance
rashguards are UPF 50+ as well and work perfectly for colder weather
activities.
Well, last we caught up, the Watermen Crew ventured
to Chicama to surf the longest left known to man. Where are we now? In the
forest – feels likethe middle of nowhere – with no cell
reception and nothing but breathtaking views. AKA Yosemite. So how did we make
it out of this one?
The trip began with a
seven hour drive up the coast of California, then into the winding roads of the
High Sierras. Once we arrived, we set up camp, started a fire and, of course,
roasted some smores. Day one, not too shabby.
We kicked off day 2 with a “bike tour”; little did
we know this bike tour is a 12-mile loop up and down the mountains on beach
cruisers— yep, you read that right. Beach cruisers. As in, no gears, suspension
or handbrakes, but at least we had our compressions
shorts to block the chaffing. Still, the scenery was amazing and the ride
was fun— taking the corners quickly around huge boulders and dodging trees,
trying not to fall off the bike.
Day 3– the crew woke up for a nine-mile hike starting
at Glacier Point, then wrapping around Yosemite Falls and Mist Trail, and ending
in Yosemite Village. Right away we saw a bear; and Vic tried to get as close as
possible (yikes!). We took a little dip in the frigid river and then marched onto
the next uphill climb. After about 5 hours, we arrived at the top of the
waterfall for a much-needed lunch break. Then we headed down the steep steps of
Mist Trail. Exhausted and almost to the end, Ryan started running and singing
“pizza and beer” to pass the time, and then slipped and landed right on his
butt! He didn’t rip his shorts though, thankfully, since he had on his
crew shorts and they’re built to take a
beating both on land and in the water.
Finally, rest! Day 4– With all our limbs sore and immovable, we spent the day floating the river and going down the rapids. To top off the trip, that evening we headed to Glacier Point to watch the sunset with some wine. Wow what a view! We would all recommend you visit Yosemite if you haven’t already. Make sure you take your men’s hybrid boardshorts and womens’ stretch shorts, since Watermen gear is built for days like these! For us, now it’s time to head home…
Where will the Watermen Crew be next? Stay tuned & stay salty!
We firmly believe the best workout for watermen or women should be done in the water preferably with a heavy dash of salt. There are many workouts that one might tolerate just for the sake of exercise, but why not make those workouts rewarding and enjoyable. Below is just a scratch on the surface of water-based workouts that will get your skin salty and your blood pumping.
What
do all these workouts have in common? Beside the salt? Extensive action in saltwater can leave you stinging like a
jellyfish swam through your shorts. Save yourself the agony by gearing up with our compression
shorts through it all.
Surfing
You may have heard the phrase “I need to get back into surfing shape”. A great workout can be found in any surf conditions, even when it’s piddly and soft. In a crowded or mediocre beach break, try paddling from peak to peak down the beach. At a crowded point break? Keep a sharp eye for sets but try and pick off a few inside swingers. You will always have more fun when you keep moving. When it’s pumping and consistent there are very few workouts that can compare. The feeling of full body exhaustion you experience when it’s peaking, and your paddling to make it over the set just to turn-and-grind into a bomb to give your legs and core a good burn, just to kick out and sprint-paddle until your arms go numb to the outside to get another and avoid taking a few on the head. Just paddling out in big beach break is a workout in itself, albeit sometimes frustrating. Still, it’s way better than sitting under florescent lights at the gym. There’s no feeling quite like being surfed out after scoring good waves all day.
Down swell/wind paddling
If you’re lucky enough to have a
spot where you can do this on the regular, you should make it a routine. It’s
quite a mental workout not to mention a physical one. Windy and 15kts onshore?
Try taking the blinding spray to the face on the way out with a workout
mindset. Then, when you just can’t take the abuse anymore turn around and
navigate those wind swell whitecaps as you plow back toward shore. Whether you
do standup paddling or prone, try experimenting with longer cruiser-type shaped
boards that can catch every little ripple downwind, and glide so effortlessly
down a big rolling ground swell. You will find yourself racing to catch the
next trough in the swell for those few moments of relief.
Body surfing
Take a beating in the shore break.
Get whomped in big closeouts until your ears, nose and eyes are full of sand.
Your sense of wave energy will greatly improve your abilities in other ocean
activities. You become more in-tune with a wave when it’s just you and the
ocean and no other floatation. You have to swim yourself to the perfect spot
where you can get yourself up on plane and let the wave do the rest of the work.
Swim
fins help but if you don’t have the right pair, they can become
blister machines when the sand gets wedged in the foot pockets; but that’s all part
of the fun. Getting tossed around in the surf will also help your board surfing
by knowing how to get under waves and shoot out between the vortices in the
whitewater.
Kayak fishing or spearfishing
Ocean kayaking through caves is a
blast, but why not bring a rod or speargun along to get some taco meat to
nourish those noodle arms you’re guaranteed to have after a full day out
fishing. Want to step up your workout on the way out to the fishing grounds?
Try paddling on your knees and you’ll get a solid leg and core addition.
Windsurfing and Kite boarding
It’s no easy task to control all that surface area in the wind and
surf. You’ll get forearms like Pop Eye the sailor in no time, not to mention
all the other muscles you burn trying to steer your course. This is a great
activity when it’s howling side shore and everyone else left the beach. You
engage your entire body to power though sections and over foamy closeouts that
would otherwise be impossible to make on any other human-powered craft.
Wear the Watermen compression shorts under your wetsuit or boardshorts
or even on their own! They’ll help you stay out
longer whether you body surf, kite board or go fishing. Our compression shorts keep
you warm and protect you from getting sand in places it should never go.
Meant to last and never rash all while being made from recycled
fish nets.
