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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.
The watermen crew takes on Chicama…

The watermen crew takes on Chicama…


SEPTEMBER 26,2018

WATERMEN CREW: CHICAMA PERU SURF TRIP

Let’s state the obvious here, this is one wave you’ll dream about forever and our crew is stoking to surf it. Chicama is best known for having the longest wave in the world, then you can mosey over to Pico Alto for one of the biggest waves in the world, not a bad place huh? Don’t even get us started on the food there, ceviche for days… Maybe not the “American Dream” but sure as heck the “Watermen Dream”.

We’ll land in Lima take a jumper flight to Trujillo, and by that time the froth sets in. Once we are in Trujillo we hitch a ride to Chicama, the trip usually takes around 45 minutes, give or take how hungry we are. Start the days off with some eggs and bacon, hop on the zodiac and surf until your thighs are too sore to move.

Why do we do this to our bodies? Why do we travel to the ends of the earth all for a wave? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you, but here at Watermen we are hooked on that feeling. That feeling of adventure and being in the ocean, and what better way to travel than with your favorite crew? Maybe we could do without Ryan, since he is notorious for snaking waves.

Next month’s newsletter will have some pictures from our trip. I imagine a few stories of mishap and casualties, more than anything tales of one of the best waves around the world. But for now, we will leave you at the edge of your seat wanting more…

– The Watermen Crew

What to Pack for Surfing in Baja?

What to Pack for Surfing in Baja?

original watermen, stay salty, earn your salt, baja surf trip, surfshirts, sun screen.Baja California Mexico is a surfers paradise but also a brutally harsh environment for humans to survive in. Adventures in Baja, away from the main towns, are not for the air conditioning hotel going types. Dirt is everywhere, cacti are everywhere, and there is no fresh water to speak of. No wonder it hasn’t been developed. Traveling in this dusty land requires street smarts, survival instinct, and experience. You will most likely need two of everything because Baja giveth and Baja taketh away. Expect to get lost, and expect to get stuck, but most of all, expect an epic adventure. The following is a list of some of the essentials I like to bring with me when exploring the remote reaches of this barren land.

1)      Full size spare tire– Although there are llanteras, or tire shops in English, it is a necessity to have a full sized spare when searching for that remote point break. I have guys get stuck fifty miles from the main paved road and I have had to tell them, “Sorry. Best of luck as there is nothing I can do. I will tell the next campo owner.” Note: It could be days until the word travels down the road and a tire guy comes to help you.

Repair kits help and so do compressors, but they are both useless if you shred a tire.

2)      Water– It is hot and it is dry. It’s a desert, so this should go without saying, but bring twice the water you think you will need for your trip, including enough water for cooking and cleaning.

3)      Food– While a lot of old Baja lizards don’t bring ice or coolers on their multi week or month adventures, it is possible to bring refrigerated goods. Let them enjoy their warm beer and rice dinners. The new technology in coolers allows you to keep block ice for well over a week at a time. Just keep the cooler out of the sun by hanging your boardshorts on it. There are few things better than a cold beer after an all-day surf session.

Food should be easy to prepare and able to survive a bumpy truck ride. Sealed packages of non-refrigerated chorizo and a few eggs make a great easy breakfast. Bring a lot of tortillas and anything else that doesn’t require a tremendous amount of water to cook. But if you forget tortillas I suggest getting them fresh there! If you are camping near a local fish camp, you can usually buy fish off the locals for super cheap, and even pay them to take you fishing when the surf gets flat. I have seen guys paddle out to shrimp boats offshore and buy a kilo bag (2 pounds) of shrimp for 20 U.S. dollars.

Bring a lot of food, but don’t go overboard. Plan your meals. Water and food are some of the heaviest items and take up most of the space in your vehicle.

4)      Shovels– Even four-wheel drive vehicles get stuck. Plus, you will need this to bury your poop. It’s a smart idea to dig a hole deep enough, so the coyotes wont dig it up again. Go the bathroom as far away from where others are camping as you safely can. It is sad when you drive all that way and see toilet paper scattered everywhere in the bushes behind camp.

5)      Lighting- Solar lights are the way to go. There is no shortage of sun in Baja. The company Luci makes a great light that compacts into almost nothing, but is quite bright as a canopy light. Make sure everyone in your camp has a good headlamp. It can be quite annoying to hold a flashlight while cooking.

6)      Shade- Having shade and battling the wind is a tough egg to crack. Pop up type tents are easily blown away, so bring lots of rope and stakes to hold them down. Be prepared for the wind to switch without warning. Baja is almost always windy.

Note: your shade structures also make a convenient place to hang a surf shirt or rashguard. The sun and sand are relentless and unless you are a scorpion or reptile you will shrivel up and go crazy if you can’t get out of the elements some way or another.

7)      Shoes- Bring a few pairs of sandals and some shoes or boots. Your feet will thank you. Make sure you put them out of reach of coyotes, they are known to go through your trash and take shoes in the night.

8)      Sun Protection–  Bring a good hat like a snapback and lots of sunscreen. I suggest bringing SOLRX. And bring an extra pair of sunglasses.

9)      Bug spray – For certain rare areas near fresh water. They are relentless.

10)  First aid- The basics, and know how to use them, and where the closest real hospitals are. Fin cuts are no joke down there. They are trip enders.

But far worse are stings from Sting Rays, which are relentless in Baja, so I suggest a portable sting ray kit as well.

11)  Insurance- Get good Mexican insurance for your vehicle, it is required and will get you out some serious trouble if you do crash or get pulled over. Note: You can easily purchase this insurance right before crossing the border.

I hope this list helps, as these are just a few items you should have in Baja, anytime of the year. Also, please know, that this list could go on and on, so remember to be prepared for everything and anything, including some of the most incredible morning sunrises over the ocean.

original watermen, stay salty, earn your salt, baja surf trip, surfshirts, sun screen, sting ray kit

What a True Watermen Wears

What a True Watermen Wears

watermen, true watermen, stay salty, earnyour salt, boardshorts, watermen gearWatermen…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.

Striped Board Short Liners - Watermen Short, watermen, true watermen, stay salty, earnyour salt, boardshorts, watermen gear

Striped Board Short Liners – Watermen Short

Men’s Boardshorts & Women’s Swimsuits – Have the Right Threads?

Men’s Boardshorts & Women’s Swimsuits – Have the Right Threads?

Men’s Boardshorts & Women’s Swimsuits – Have the Right Threads?

Looking for board shorts and swim suits that are made with all the right stuff? No matter what, our swimwear has come a long way from the days of vintage swim trunks, but that could mean a lot of different things depending on what you need and like. Below, we’ve elaborated on the various materials used in our men’s boardshorts and performance women’s swimsuits, the benefits they offer and the issues they address.

Diamond Dobby -The Bondi Boardshorts Have It All

Original Watermen’s men’s Bondi boardshorts are the most revolutionary boardshorts on the market. The diamond dobby material alone stakes this claim.

Bondi men's board shorts

Royal Blue Bondi men’s board shorts

Diamond dobby is a rip stop material with a super flexible 4-way stretch. The ripstop prevents runs, tears and rips in case your board shorts get snagged. Most other materials when will almost surely run, fray and continue making an unstoppable hole in your board shorts. The superb 4-way flex allows the freedom of movement no matter how you are using your board shorts.

Not to mention, these men’s boardshorts don’t sacrifice any of the resistance, durability or fast-drying aspects equipped in all of our premier boardshorts. They’re made from the lightest, most durable, fastest drying, most comfortable and high-tech materials in today’s world.

Supplex Soft

Original board shorts

Black Original board shorts

For those not interested in stretchy boardshorts, there is no comparing our Original men’s boardshorts and their super soft 100% supplex-nylon to the old school rough, stiff, loud crinkling nylon boardshorts from days gone by. This supplex-nylon blend is an advanced textured fabric that gives you the feel of soft cotton.  Yet, unlike cotton, supplex-nylon will help hold the boardshorts’ shape and not stretch out; nor will they fade, shrink or crease. Supplex-nylon is like wearing cotton without the heavy weight and non-drying feel.

 

Water Weighs You Down

Men, are you over the boardshorts that stick to your legs after getting out of the water? Tired of boardshorts that can take hours to feel dry? Our Supplex-Nylon material is resistant to the penetration of water which prevents the boardshorts from dragging on your legs when wet. It’s different than cotton which traps the moisture and sticks to your skin. Since the Supplex-Nylon is water resistant and doesn’t soak up water, your board shorts feel dry in minutes. It’s water resistant yet breathable, and therefore helps prevents rashes caused by heavy, rough, and water-soaked materials.

Fading and High-Tech Polyester

Whether you are a lifeguard at the pool or the beach – male or female – you want swimsuits that are made from anti-fade fabric. Hours in the sun or chlorine are harsh on both swim suits and lifeguard apparel. The sun and chlorine cause the colors to bleach and the material to weaken. We raise the bar in the watersports & -activity training & lifeguard swimsuit markets with these more advanced blends of sanded polyester.

Royal blue X-Back women's swimsuit

Royal blue X-Back women’s swimsuit

On the ladies’ side, the X-Back Elite swimsuit for women uses blends of polyester, Spandex, sanded microfiber, supplex and Cool-Plus to create the perfect lifeguard women’s swimsuit. This polyester blend is strong and flexible, and wrinkle and tear resistant. The Women’s X-Back Elite is rated to withstand 300+ plus hours of chlorine and sun abuse. They guarantee it will hold its color. The X-Back Elite women’s swimsuit’s 4-way stretch polyester blend is also breathable and intensely comfortable.

The retro swim trunks for men also boast this soft and durable high-tech hydrophobic polyester/spandex blend on the inside with their Cool-Plus Comfort liners (not mesh!), engineered to keep you cool, comfortable, dry and rash free. The hydrophobic material wicks away the water, drying your shorts ultra-fast. This advanced material comes in the entire line of the Retro Collection!

Our recent blog on boardshort liners instead of boxers goes into more detail about Original Watermen’s Cool-Plus-Comfort liners.

Xtra Life Lycra – Strengthening Women’s Swimsuits and Men’s Boardshorts.

Xtra Life Lycra is a cutting edge, sustainable techno-fabric that uses the latest yarn and knitting technologies to create the most comfortable, ultra-soft and durable swimwear available today.

We use Xtra Life Lycra fiber in some of their women’s swimsuits and men’s boardshorts to improve their comfort and longevity. These suits with Xtra Life Lycra fiber are twice as strong and resistant to chlorinated water, heat and sunscreen lotions that typically breakdown fibers more quickly causing the material to lose its softness and other qualities. Swimwear that’s protected with Xtra Life Lycra fiber will have no significant fiber breakage even after hundreds of hours of exposure to the elements. And a special blend with nylon helps it not fade from extensive sun exposure.

performance women's bikini swimwear

performance bikini

Our women’s training and rescue bikinis are blended with the fiber technology of Spandex and Xtra Life Lycra which makes their fabrics ultra-soft. We also have Xtra Life Lycra rescue bikinis blended with polyester so they won’t stretch out too much to help support those ladies with a little more curves.  These women’s training lifeguard bikinis are free from bunching, sagging and stiffness, and prevent having to be pulled up all day. The material’s fibers also have a run-resistant technology that helps prevent perforations, holes, snags and scratches.

We also use the Xtra Life Lycra on all their men’s boardshorts flies to ensure that ultra-soft feel never goes away in the most delicate of areas.

 

At Original Watermen, we combine these fabrics to produce men’s and women’s swimwear that is durable, anti-microbial and great at preventing rashes. We use the highest-grade materials and promise our customers comfort, style, and quality. Whether you’re a lifeguard on the beach all day or a surfer catching their morning rides, our swimwear will take you as far as you want to go, and helps you feel and look great before and after you get wet. It’s an investment you won’t regret!

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