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.
The common surfer in the weight room at the gym did not used to be commonplace. A surfer has been more of a counterculture icon in many places throughout the country. There are more and more surfers hitting the weights as it can actually help them master control on the waves that before they could not achieve. Lifting weights has also become easier than ever as there are plenty of resources to help a beginner learn. With YouTube a beginner has the ability to see proper form and with a smartphone video one can see where they need to make modifications. Also, it’s worth mentioning some men’s boardshorts and women’s swim shorts (like what we carry) are made with more durable, comfortable and quick-drying materials so they can be worn from the gym to the beach — no change of clothes needed.
Does surfing build muscle?
Yes of course, surfing builds muscle like any other physical activity and likewise you build strength in the areas and muscle groups being used. Just like amateur and professional athletes alike all cross-train in various ways, weightlifting is a great way to build strength in the specific muscles in new ways as well as in complimentary muscle groups to make you an overall stronger athlete.
The following are ways that weightlifting can help you master the waves like you dream.
Strength and Endurance
Just the endurance it takes to paddle out and into a great wave can leave many surfers drained. Weightlifting is the perfect way to make the paddle out a breeze. Fitness programs like Crossfit can be incredible for surfers as it hits every area of the body instead of isolating one muscle group at a time. Anyone that can do regular intense Crossfit or other group fitness workouts will have no problem with fatigue on bigger swells.
Olympic Lifting Mimics Standing on a Board
Olympic lifting like cleans, jerks, and snatches are incredible for surfing. These incorporate trying to get your body and feet under the weight then standing completely up. If this sounds incredibly similar to surfing that is because many of the same fundamentals are almost identical. Exercises like the split jerk which makes one foot go forward and one back then standing up with the weight above the head can help one stand up with more ease while taking off on a steep face. One quick fluid motion is needed for both activities. Try out a few Olympic lifts to help with your explosiveness and the speed of your feet.
Core Strength Needs Constant Work
Working on the core is something that most people realize they have to do but neglect it daily. The core can be exercised at the gym using a physio ball as well as some weights. Dumbbell flies and presses on this ball will help strengthen your core as well as all the connective tissue you might not have realized existed. Try these exercises in short intervals and at low rates to start, in tandem with the well-known plank. Nothing can ruin cross training for surfing quite like an injury so keep safety in mind when trying new exercises.
Wearing The Same Shorts To Do Both
Working out in your men’s or women’s boardshorts as an alternative to gym shorts can be more comfortable, especially when doing surf specific exercises. Gents, our Waterman compression shorts will not limit your movement which is imperative in weightlifting (remember, they’re designed to keep everything together even on the most embarrassing trip over the falls)! Another bonus to these men’s compression shorts is the quick-drying characteristics protect you from uncomfortable rashes. And don’t worry about those funky workout odors with these compression shorts either as we designed them to prevent that even after a weekend lost in the trunk, wet. There are various patterns and color options, so you’ll find some sure to fit your personal style.
Weightlifting for surfers will always be beneficial as both sports have plenty in common, more than many might see. Set yourself up for success on the water by putting yourself into the best physical shape that you can then see what you can do!
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.
The beach is full of people, tourists, locals, professionals, and true watermen. Tourists flood to the beach with cars and wagons piled high with ice chests, towels, chairs and huge umbrellas or shade tents. Tourists wear different clothes; they do different things and have different needs at the beach then the locals, professionals or true watermen. Tourists can be honeymooners, families full of kids, retirees, or tourist from different parts of the country or those from different counties. Each person is unique but they all have the same desires, a happy, safe, fun time at the beach. We have watched decades of people flock to the beach and in doing so have compiled a list of essentials for newbies and tourists heading to the beach.
1) Sunscreen
The number one essential is a great sunscreen. Sunscreen selections can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, UV factors, ingredients, spray-on vs. wipe-on, waterproof or not, and lotions vs. oils. Sunscreen can be a waste of money if it washes off immediately when you go in the water. Get a good sunscreen like SolRx. SolRX was voted best in its class. SolRX sunscreen is medical grade zinc based formula that goes on quick and will last 8 hours with one single application. SolRX sunscreen doesn’t clog the pores like some of the thick and greasy lotions and spray-ons. SolRX is recommended by dermatologists for those with acne or sensitive skin. It is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It protects baby soft skin as well as aging skin. It doesn’t run and burn the eyes when exposed to the water.
2) Retro Swim Trunks
So, you’re not into the classic board short, try retro swim trunks. Retro swim trunks offer 2 side-seam pockets with mesh gussets for stream lined water flow, so your pockets don’t fill with water and pull your trunks off. The mesh gussets also release air so you don’t get that big balloon look. There are different kinds of mesh liners, rough and brassy and the silky, soft Cool-Plus liners that take the Retro Swim trunks to the highest-level of comfort. The liners are ultra comfortable, supply super support and they wick away moisture, keeping you dry and high. The waist band is elastic and holds up in the waves.
3) Rashguards
Don’t take your kids to the beach in an old t-shirt. They fill with water and can drag your child down in the water. Cotton t-shirts stretch and tangle up in their legs make movement difficult. Sand slips in between the cotton woven fabric and causes terrible rashes on many parts of your child’s body. Rashguards are tightly woven, light weight, breathable, super quick drying beach shirts. Most provide UV protection and some give a rash free guarantee.
Kids also need other things such as swimsuits and hats. Check out the Jr. lifeguard selection of beach wear, it has everything needed to outfit children with top notch, high quality gear that is made to stay up, stay-on, and has UV protection built in.
4) Stingray Kit
There has been an influx of stingrays this year. Be sure to shuffle your feet while you are in the water. If stung get the person’s foot into very hot water immediately. Stingray kits are perfect and easy to use in such an emergency. The stingray kit contains everything you need to make sure the stung person goes without 6 hours of excruciating pain. The stingray kit is light weight and convenient to carry. Every parent should have one.
5) Hats
Besides a huge umbrella, you need shade to stop the sun from beating down on the top your head. A hat also helps block UV rays, as well as sand glare. We have a great selection of hats. They have a variety of comfortable baseball style hats with terrific beach logos. Check out the snapback, trucker and 5 panel style hats. If you want more protection try a Tonga hat, La Palapa hat or Guard Flex visor.
6) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a personal choice. Make sure they wrap around your eyes and don’t leave areas in which the sun can sneak in and damage your eyes. Spend some money and get glasses that have both 400 UV protection and UVB protection. Polarized glasses reduce the glare coming off the asphalt, sand and water.
These essentials will ensure you have a fun, safe day at the beach. We strive to supply all beachgoers with the perfect gear for the beach.
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.
Here is a list of beach and safety essentials put together by a professional lifeguard. To date, most of the “What to take to the beach?” lists say the same thing, that is why our lifeguards have come up with a comprehensive list we guarantee, you never thought of. And for your convenience, everything is easily found within our lifeguard store.
Prepare for Everything
1) Sting Rays
Every family needs to carry a Stingray Kit with them to the beach, which can be purchases at our lifeguard store. Lifeguards report hundreds of stingray stings all along the coast, thus are warning swimmers to beware of the stingrays when entering the water. Though sting rays are not aggressive, beachgoers are stung by accident more often than you can imagine. Stingray stings are one of the most common dive and beach-related injuries. And if you have ever experienced the sting, you know it needs to be taken care of immediately. The excruciating pain if left unattended will put down even the toughest individual for 6-8 hours.
What should you expect if stung?
The person feels an immediate, sharp, excruciating pain that peaks in 1-2 hours. The wound bleeds. The wounded area may become swollen and may turn blue or red. Lymph nodes may become swollen.
Serious symptoms:jo8
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
muscle cramps
tremors
paralysis
fainting
seizures
elevated heart rate
decreased blood pressure
Death may even occur, so fast action is needed. By using a Portable Ray RX Stingray Kit from our lifeguard store, you can stop symptoms before they start.
2) Drowning
Lifeguards always say, “Don’t drown your kids with standard heavy cotton t-shirts”, these tend to become heavy and bothersome while swimming. Instead we recommend Rashguards (Surf Shirts), they are light weight and breathable. Rashguards are used by lifeguards and the public against rashes caused by abrasions and nasty sunburns from extended exposure to the sun. Rashguards can be worn by themselves, or under a wetsuit.
3) Rashes
Combining sand, sun, and salt water with surfboards, life vests, or wetsuits create the perfect environment for beastly beach rash. Again, in the lifeguard store our Rashguards or surf shirts provide a barrier between the rash causing elements.
Our lifeguard store also has lower body rashguards. You can wear them under boardshorts, wetsuits or by themselves. At Original Watermen, we created the watermen short (our version of compressions shorts), where we offer a rash-free guarantee, as it is made with antimicrobial odor eliminating fabric.
4) Jelly Fish
Lifeguards deal with jelly fish stings daily. Jelly fish are unseen in the approaching wave; therefore, stings are a common. The tentacles trailing from the jellyfish body inject you with venom from small barbed stingers. Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Getting stung results in immediate pain and red marks on the skin. Some jellyfish stings may cause illness and in rare cases jellyfish stings can cause death. Protection can be improved by putting on a rashguard life the ones we carry at our lifeguard store.
Jelly fish sting
First and foremost, seek emergency medical help if you feel you are having a severe allergic reaction, if the sting is from a box jellyfish or if the sting covers more than half an arm or leg.
What should you do once stung?
Get out of the water
Remove all tentacles by scraping the affected area with a credit card
Immerse the affected arm or leg immediately in hot water for at least twenty minutes
This is another instance where the sting ray kit from our lifeguard store can help, as it contains a self-contained heating system.
Rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds (If vinegar is not available make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply over the affected area)
5) Sun Danger
Of course, you need sun protection in and out of the water. At the lifeguard store we offer Solrx sunscreen. Solrx was voted best in its class, and lasts 8 hours with one single application, plus it stays on in the water. Solrx sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists and is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Don’t forget your hats
We have a wide variety of hats in our lifeguard store. Not only do hats protect your face from the bad (UV) rays of the sun, but a hat also protects your eyes, ears and the top of your head from disease and skin cancer. Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
How does the sun affect you?
UV rays radiate from the sun and come from many directions and are reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces. Sun damage to eyes occurs even on cloudy days as the sun’s rays pass through haze and thin clouds. Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing a hat and sunglasses. In our lifeguard store, we have a quiver of hats, which offer you an array of options, for any day and any condition.
Now you have a complete list of essential equipment needed for a safe day at the beach, and all can be quickly found on our Original Watermen website and lifeguard store.
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.
The common surfer in the weight room at the gym did not used to be commonplace. A surfer has been more of a counterculture icon in many places throughout the country. There are more and more surfers hitting the weights as it can actually help them master control on the waves that before they could not achieve. Lifting weights has also become easier than ever as there are plenty of resources to help a beginner learn. With YouTube a beginner has the ability to see proper form and with a smartphone video one can see where they need to make modifications. Also, it’s worth mentioning some 
3) Local Parents 
The beach is full of people, tourists, locals, professionals, and true watermen. Tourists flood to the beach with cars and wagons piled high with ice chests, towels, chairs and huge umbrellas or shade tents. Tourists wear different clothes; they do different things and have different needs at the beach then the locals, professionals or true watermen. Tourists can be honeymooners, families full of kids, retirees, or tourist from different parts of the country or those from different counties. Each person is unique but they all have the same desires, a happy, safe, fun time at the beach. We have watched decades of people flock to the beach and in doing so have compiled a list of essentials for newbies and tourists heading to the beach.
3) Rashguards
