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6 Things to Pack for the Beach

6 Things to Pack for the Beach

Rescue Tube, Original Watermen, Lifeguard equipment, original Watermen gear, Beach necessities, stay saltyThe 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.

Rashguards, Original Watermen, Lifeguard equipment, original Watermen gear3)      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.

stay salty, Sun Screen, Original Watermen, Lifeguard equipment, original Watermen gear

Tips For Keeping Warm This Winter

Tips For Keeping Warm This Winter

rahsguard, original watermen, surf rash, stay warm, watermen Rashguard

 

Frozen toes and ice cream headaches can’t stop you from reaping the benefits of cold water swells. I know it’s tough to not dream about surfing tropical waves while you’re out braving the elements, but there actually are a few things you can do to make your body feel a little more tropical without jumping on a plane. Here are a few tips for keeping warm this winter:

 

 

Layer Up

Give your waterman an extra layer of warmth with the watermen shorts, an Original Watermen boardshort liner.  These shorts will keep you nice and toasty underneath your wetsuit. It also offers you an easy transition from wetsuit to clothes and back. The extra layer will work to trap your body warmth from escaping. If you want an extra up top, try our surf rash guard under your wettie, as well. It’s the same concept as wearing board short liners, you’re giving your body another way to trap your hard earned heat. It’s also a good plan of attack to change in a warm place, don’t let your body catch the chill.

watermen shorts, layer up, boardshort liners, Original Watermen

 

Eat

Food equals fuel and fuel gives you heat. Make sure to have food in your belly before you go brave the cold. Don’t go gordito though, give yourself plenty of time to digest (couple hours) before you start mad dogging for waves. We recently wrote a blog on what should include the perfect pre-surf meal.

 

Keep Moving

Whatever you do, don’t toss anchor once you’re out in the lineup. Keep yourself moving and the blood flowing. Stay active and your body will never get the chance to settle into the cold. There’s nothing worse than surfing with cold little piggies because once they are cold they aren’t going anywhere, not even to the market. Keep the blood flowing and the body moving. This technique may also get you into a few extra peaks.

 

Winter is here. Instead of dreaming of warmer days embrace the cold and be prepared with these simple tips. There’s something gratifying about overcoming the elements to Earn Your Salt.

Protect Coral Reefs by Wearing Rash Guards

Protect Coral Reefs by Wearing Rash Guards

Protect Coral Reefs by Wearing Rash Guards

Protect Coral Reefs by Wearing Rash Guards

As watermen we are the protectors of the ocean. The ocean is our natural habitat, playground, and sanctuary; if we don’t do our best to keep it around for generations to come than who will? One of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, coral reefs, is in danger of dying off and there may be a simple solution we can all do to keep it around for our grandkids and their grandkids. The solution is to wear rash guards and limit the amount of sunscreen you apply.

 

The Threat

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean’s floor but are home to millions of fish, invertebrates, and algae.  Not only are they one of the most important marine ecosystems they also support commercial and recreational fisheries and local tourism. Studies show that the chemicals in conventional sunscreen are harming the coral reefs. Reefs are also important barriers for coastal areas during storm surge.  The harmful chemical found in sunscreen is known as Oxybenzone, a UV filtering compound, that is killing coral and is found in high concentrations around reefs that tourist frequently visit. Oxybenzone is a primary cause to endangering reefs and threatening reefs resiliency to climate change.

 

What You Can Do

Limit the amount of sunscreen you use by wearing a short or long sleeve rash guard. Original Watermen’s rash guards are SPF 50+ and fit like a second-skin. The special blend of 78/22% Xtra-Life Nylon Lycra in Original Watermen’s rash guard guarantees protection, comfort, and top-performance. Not only do rash guards keep you in the water longer and get you out there in a more timely fashion, it also is a stride in the right direction in protecting the marine environment. We know that you can’t exactly wear a full body and face rash guard and is still absolutely necessary to wear sunscreen on some areas of your body, just make sure the sunscreens you are using are reef-friendly. You can check if sunscreens are reef-friendly by checking the labels and seeing if they contain natural elements like zinc-oxide or titanium oxide instead of the harmful ingredient, Oxybenzone.

 

By taking small steps, paddles, strokes, and kicks we can preserve the coral reefs and the many benefits they provide for the next generation of watermen. Remember that the lotions your apply to your skin before entering the ocean may contain harmful chemicals and are ultimately affecting one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

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