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The Thrill of Costa Rica

The Thrill of Costa Rica

We caught up with our guy Grant Begley @dontfearthesweeper to talk story about his recent trip to Costa Rica. How he planned it, to what happened while they were down there. From the looks of it we think he scored. Our very own Sam Nelson @brothersnelson sat down to chat with him.


Grant, your trip looked epic! Tell us a little bit about your trip, when you first started going to Costa Rica and how has your love for it developed?

“I have been going to Costa Rica thrill seeking land and sea for over 20 years. Its amazing to see how it has changed before my own eyes. What once was all dirt road has been replaced with pavement, tolls, and açaí bowls. Surf schools up and down the beach accompanied by local ticos with waiting of tourist for a coco frìo is pretty common. These things are great for the economy, but when I want to get away, I want to get away from all of that.” 

So what do you do instead of going to mainstream Costa Rica?

“I want the real Costa Rica. About 6 years ago, I found Spearfishing Adventures guide that offered my getaway. Now I have been running away 1-2 times a year to get there. No cell service, power is a maybe and definitely no hot water. I love it! You either take a small plane or a small boat down a river to get to it, and someone once said the smaller the plane when traveling means the bigger the fish.”

Guess what’s for dinner tonight? Grant showing off his Yellow.

From the looks of it, sounds like you scored. So where do you find them? 

“Poor Mans paradise is in south Costa Rica that is designed to cater to the everyday backpacker or birdwatcher. It’s quite the subtle place…… until our guide stepped foot onto the land. Good Time Charlie Charters definitely brought a wild sided absolute thrill seeking adventure to the area. The property and bungalows are surrounded by the Corcovado National Park, and filled with pristine wildlife. There are no major ports or harbors close, so the fishing is very lightly impacted.”

So what were you searching for on this trip?

“The main target is big Pargo (snapper), but this year we changed it up to focus on Yellowfin Tuna. A faster growing pelagic fish, higher specie population, and still big! We planned our arrival almost 8 months in advance to arrive on the new moon. This means the tuna should be looking for food during the day since there is no light at night. It worked. With two boats, and two professional guides, we decided to set up a friendly fishing tournament.”

Do you always use a guide or do you go out remotely?

“Something we find very important and won’t do trips without is a guide. Although Spearfishing can seem as easy as swim and shoot, it can be extremely dangerous. Even the smartest individuals can make the dumbest mistakes. It’s important to plan safety and do research before trips like this. Fortunately our guide service does all the ground work, and we just get to have fun.”

We were stoked to help make the trip happen how was the outcome?

“Yeah man, everyone was hyped that Waterman provided the prizes for the daily weigh ins giving a next level experience for the final winning boat. Everyone literally killed it, putting over 500lbs of tuna in the boats over the trip.”

Wow, that’s so rad dude. What were some highlights from the trip?

“The main highlight of this trip is that a group of working class fisherman bring over 500lbs of fish back to the base camp and all go home safe. Everyone in the village shows up and the rewards from the days catch are passed around and quickly brought home. Nothing is wasted. It is truly a waterman paradise. You eat what you catch, diving in shore reef to blue water all in the same day. On your off days, the beach has surf to play in and rivers to follow up to hidden waterfalls. I can’t wait to go back next year.”

The last day for tuna was fun. The weather was perfect, the schools of dolphin were broken up and the tuna were hanging a bit deeper below, but we found some. Sushi for dinner.

We are stoked you continue to show everyone here what a true waterman does. It’s inspiring to say the least. We can’t wait to see some more of your trips throughout the year!

Last day means, wash gear, recover and make a quick dive for dinner. It’s been fun, but it’s time to head back home.
Top Outdoor Workout

Top Outdoor Workout

waterm shotrs, compression shorts, earn your salt, stay salty

Top Outdoor Workout Clothes This Winter:

The chilly mornings are upon us. It’s taking extra motivation to jump in the frigid water every morning. You sip your coffee just a little slower so you can really enjoy every bit of the warmth while you have it. If the low temps have you down check out our favorite outdoor workout clothes that are sure to heat you up.

 

One thing that is proven to keep your core temperature controlled are our Original Watermen Compression shorts. Layering up on cold days is important element to staying warm and improving performance. Our men’s compression shorts feature double lining in the front for an added warmth. These shorts are also non-transparent, anti-microbial, and rapid drying. Whether you are planning to workout in the water or on land, the watermen compression shorts literally have you covered. The extra warmth these shorts provide while kept your engine chugging in even the coldest temps.

 

We are ultimately motivated to keep you in the water as much as possible. We know how difficult it can to be to get in the water if you have already caught the chill. Our Original Watermen pullover hoodies are designed to be the most optimal gear to keep you toasty while you are working out or to get bundled up in before or after jumping in the water. Our favorite to hoodie to wear while working out is the Humbolt pullover hoodie, it’s perfect weight keeps you warm without compromising your movement. If you’re looking for our lightest weight hoodie the Baja pullover Hoodie is your go to option. It’s thin, warm and prepped with good wave hunting Baja vibes. Our absolute warmest option is the old favorite, the Watermen Sherpa Hoodie. This hoodie was designed to keep your internal temperature forever at summer levels. It’s always sunny in the Watermen Sherpa Hoodie.

 

Original Watermen is here to supply you with premium outerwear and treat you to the best compression gear on the market. We want you to be psyched to get in the elements and one way to do that is to be geared up. Don’t let anything keep you from earning your salt!

 watermen compresion shorts, stay salty, liners, water liners, Original watermen

The Perfect Boardshorts Workout for fall

The Perfect Boardshorts Workout for fall

Do not have an offseason, as watermen, it is integral to stay fit all year around. Fall time is the best season to take your training to the next level. The air is cooler, the tourists are gone and there is no better time than now to Earn Your Salt. Here is your guide on what to wear and what to do to keep you in the water stronger and longer:

Dressing properly for a workout is an important part of having a successful training session. What you wear sets the tone. If you dress lazy, you perform lazy. If you dress in breathable stretchy gear, you are more likely to accomplish your workout goals. Here is what we suggest wearing to achieve your ultimate fall workout.

Watermen Super Stretch

BoardshortsThe Watermen Super Stretch boardshorts are the perfect boardshort for a workout because of their comfortable 4-way super-stretch durable technology. These boardshorts are Original Watermen’s premiere short. Stretch, bend, and train in any manner and these bad boys will be with you every step of the way.

Since it is fall time and air has a little chill to it, we suggest pairing the Watermen Super Stretch with the Watermen Short underneath. The Watermen boardshort liners add a much needed layer of warmth to your workout gear just right for the cooler fall time. You don’t your muscles getting cold while working out, the Watermen Super Stretch boardshort and boardshort liner are the perfect combination to keep your muscles warm and ready to perform.

Now that you have the right workout gear for the fall here are areas to concentrate on training in order to achieve a surf specific workout.

Balance

Some good ways to work on your balance is to train on a balance board/ indo board type of equipment. Balance training can also be achieved by practicing a variation of squats and lunges. Stay balanced and practice often.

Core

A strong core is essential to a high surfing performance. Your core muscles keep you stabilized while paddling, turning and rotating, and balance. An excellent core exercise is the side plank with reach through. To practice this exercise, set yourself on your side and propped up with your arm, stack your feet and pull your arm underneath your body and back all while keeping you head rotating and focused on your arm.

Shoulders

Being a strong paddler is one of the most important parts to surfing. It’s the difference between catching waves and not, and you can’t be a surfer if you don’t catch waves. Push-ups and pool swims are an excellent way to keep your muscles trained and endurance up to par.

Do not cut your session short because you have not trained properly. Be prepared for a fall full of chasing swells. Get your gear ready with Original Watermen and set up a consistent training program. The fall is the best time to get and stay prepared for all of the adventures on the horizon.

3 Reasons Why You Should Be Wearing Original Watermen’s ‘Watermen Short’

3 Reasons Why You Should Be Wearing Original Watermen’s ‘Watermen Short’

Watermen Short

It’s hard to figure out what people are sporting under their board shorts, after all, most of the time it is nothing. Asking about someone’s underwear is not a typical conversation point. That’s why we are here to help. We know what to wear; we’ve been there, done it, tried it all. The Original Watermen Watermen Short has you covered with comfort and style. This boardshort liner is kind of a cross between a compression short and swim jammers; specially-designed for surfers, watermen and everything in between. Here’s why you should be wearing this boardshort liner, the Watermen Short:

1. RASH-FREE GUARANTEE

There is nothing worse than the Sumo Wrestler walk of shame. As Watermen, we stay salty, which is a good thing… most of the time. Those other times can wreak havoc on our barnacles. The Original Watermen boardshort liner comes to the rescue. Long distance swimmers, runners, triathletes and lifeguards asked us for functional water shorts that minimize rashes and drag resistance caused by typical men’s boardshorts. The lifeguards reveled at the rash free properties when running in wet boardshorts, and the chafe resistance when out on long patrols on the paddle board or even just surfing on their time off. “You guys really have something big on your hands! Finally, compression shorts that can be worn all day at work under your board shorts and won’t give you those pesky rashes you get from wet boardies.” – Court Carroll, San Diego Lifeguard. The Watermen Short provides a comfortable protective layer right where you need it most.

2. DYNAMIC FUNCTIONALITY FOR SURFING/YOGA/TRAINING/ETC.

Not only do the Watermen Shorts work great as liners under your board shorts, they are also perfect for practicing yoga, stretching, any training, diving, and many other activities. They are our go-to for all of our Watermen & outdoor activities, and we know they will soon be yours, too. The dynamic possibilities of the Original Watermen boardshort liners are endless, especially when you consider the wide-variety of colors and patterns we offer. The Watermen Shorts are double-lined, which gives you the coverage you need in your most critical zones. This extra lining gives the shorts the ability to be worn under board shorts or just by themselves. Optimize your Watermen gear and add these board short liners to your regiment.

3. BREATHABLE ECO-FRIENDLY, SOFT LYCRA® IS MADE FROM RECYCLED FISHING NETS

These board short 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’ll 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.

We guarantee you’ll be looking for more reasons to stay salty after wearing Original Watermen’s boardshot liners. We at Original Watermen are proud to introduce the Watermen Short for water and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. The applications and functionality of our boardshort liners have shown to be endless. Our team of Watermen returned with praises of the product far exceeding our expectations, and we know you will as well. 

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