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Watermen in the woodlands

Watermen in the woodlands

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 like the 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!

How to Stay Warm in Cold Water – rescues, swimming, spearfishing, sailing, kayaking and more!

How to Stay Warm in Cold Water – rescues, swimming, spearfishing, sailing, kayaking and more!

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How can they do it with no wetsuit? How can people will themselves to take off their clothes and get into frigid water? Are they crazy?

Cold water, cold weather and cold bodies, nothing stops the true watermen. Lifeguards and Coast Guards must perform dangerous cold-water – sometimes even icy – winter rescues and participate in winter try-outs and practice rescues all year long. As well, tri-athletes, competitors and adventurous individuals frequently brave the frigid waters.

Sometimes a wetsuit won’t work or doesn’t make sense depending on the activity or sport involved. According to a longtime friend, watermen and professional California State lifeguard, a wetsuit just doesn’t make sense, “if you want to get to the water in 5 to 10 seconds”. In some sports and competitions, a wetsuit isn’t worn unless absolutely necessary because it slows you down and restricts range of motion, both inside and outside the water.

So how do Watermen enter the bitter cold water to swim, sail, kayak, ride, spearfish, dive or do a multitude of other sports without hesitation, you ask; well here is how.

Keeping warm in cold water comes down to wearing the right protective layers such as compression shorts and a long-sleeved rashguard. It really helps to acclimate to the water temp, but that’s not always applicable/possible. Lifeguards going out on an emergency rescue don’t have time to squeeze into a wetsuit. Although watermen in a sailboat, kayak or SUP aren’t inside the water, the Watermen compression shorts will block the bitter wind and splashes to prevent stiffening muscles and even cramps.

Cover Your Upper Body

Watermen yearn for warmth without losing mobility or speed. Covering your body is the key to cold water performance (& survival!). Cover your upper torso with a rashguard. A rashguard holds a little heat close to your body and blocks constant bouts of cold water. It keeps the muscles warm to prevent cramps and muscle weariness, and helps with muscle support. They also help prevent abrasions caused from boards, life vests or wetsuits. Original Watermen rashguards allow a full range of motion for paddling or swimming, while guaranteeing rash free protection because they’re built with breathable, soft, 4-way stretchy AquaFast Extra Life Lycra and low-profile flat-locked seams. They come in short or long sleeves.

Another way to stay warm is by wearing surf shirts, which are similar rashguards but looser fitting.  Our rashguards and surf shirts are hydrophobic, quick drying and water repellant. Layer the rashguard or surf shirt with a wetsuit, dry suit or a survival suit.

 We also make these for your little ones. Rashguards and surf shirts will keep your child from suffering blue lips after swimming. Not only will it keep your kids warm, but also provide sun protection UPF 50+. The surf shirts are made with special looser fitting fabric giving kids a t-shirt like feel. No more rashes from boogie boards or sand. Note: surf shirts are made with chlorine-block material making them great for swimming pools.

cold water, warm water gear, stay salty, earn your salt, original watermen, compression shorts, watermen linersCover the Lower Half                      

Watermen never forget the lower half of their body, and Watermen compression shorts are their go-to. Wear these amphibious men’s compression shorts on their own or use them as boardshort liners since they slide easily under almost anything.

Not all compression shorts are made the same. Our compression shorts are made to be used in the water as well as on land, and they are perfect for people with active lifestyles. These low-drag compression shorts streamline your body, shaving time off your rescues and races. The tight-fit compression offers more benefits in addition to extra support and warmth. Compression shorts boost athletic performance by improving blood flow which helps reduce muscle fatigue and promote faster muscle recovery.

Are there compression shorts for children? Our “junior”-sized compression shorts range from small to large, so your child no longer has to worry about sand gathering in their cotton underwear leaving them wet and cold, and/or causing rashes.

*Bonus*: if you are a year-round lifeguard or want to get serious in a year-round water sport, you may want to consider neoprene socks (& hoods). Exposure to cold water often results in a throbbing feeling, but having neoprene on your feet allows you to slowly adjust to the temperature without any painful annoyance. Even professional racers use neoprene socks, though it is suggested to take them off once your body has adjusted to the current water temperature.

ACCLIMATE when Possible

If you’re exercising or competing inside the water, it’s really helpful to acclimate your body to the water temps before you go 100%. When you first dive in keep your body moving with swift/quick movements and it will get used to the cold. Give yourself minimum of 10-15 minutes to fully warm-up before hitting full throttle. Unless you’ve practiced cold water entries, it’s best not to dive, jump or run into the water until your body has warmed up and adjusted.

Rashguards, cold water, warm water gear, stay salty, earn your salt, original watermenSo, stay warm in cold water with Watermen gear! At Original Watermen, we back our products as being the best for creating a feeling of a warm water environment in the most frigid water, and making the highest quality apparel even for the harshest of winter months.

So You Want To Be A Lifeguard? Things to Consider Before You Apply

So You Want To Be A Lifeguard? Things to Consider Before You Apply

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People of all ages and from all walks of life are lifeguards. Lifeguards are needed at pools, lakes, rivers, summer camps and at the beach. Reasons for becoming a lifeguard vary from person to person. Some want to be a guard because it’s great pay in great locations or they consider Lifeguarding a career builder, or others like the prestige. Many believe lifeguarding looks great on college applications. Whatever your reason, there are things you need to know.  There’s a lot more to being a lifeguard than soaking up the sun. Lifeguarding requires you be fit, to know how to swim and do it well, you must be able to take command in emergencies situations and provide life-saving first aid and resuscitation. Life saving is not for the meek and mild. That said, read on before committing to taking your lifeguard test.

Training

Physical strength and endurance are required to rescue a struggling victim in the water. Beach Lifeguards compete for their job by completing one or two competitive Open Water swim-run tests. To start training you need the right gear, apparel and lifeguarding equipment, which should always come from a lifeguard store. You must master your swim strokes and train in cold choppy water.  Note: Learning to body surf will give you a favorable advantage, helping you beating your opponents to the beach. To get ready for the runs practice sprinting and running long distances. As well, arm and leg strength is important, so lift weights to tone up.

Apparel

The correct apparel can help you complete your trainings and certifications in style and comfort. The Original Waterman lifeguard store was started by lifeguards for lifeguards. Having run the gauntlet themselves they know what you need to be the best.

Compression Shorts

In our lifeguard store we offer compression shorts for lifeguard men and women, and have sizes for those in the junior lifeguard program too.  Compression shorts can be worn as jammers for your workouts or underneath as support layers. Compression shorts keep you warmer, give you support and prevent rashes. Compression shorts are streamlined for ultimate water efficiency, shaving time off rescues and your race events. The compression shorts in our lifeguard store also have a double lined front that makes them non-revealing. Because of constant use and the closeness to the body, purchase compression shorts which are made from antimicrobial fabric, it helps eliminate body odor.

Board Shorts

While training for your competitive runs don’t wear those heavy workout shorts instead try wearing lightweight board shorts. In our lifeguard store we sell board shorts with special ultra-durable four-way Flex material. This special material prevents drag on the legs when wet. They also have a soft Lycra fly that prevents rashes. Their brushed waistband won’t stretch out and provides a comfortable streamline fit. Our lifeguard board shorts have an oversized pocket sealed with a Velcro locking Loop closure. The pocket holds most phones so you can listen to music during training sessions.

Rash guards and Surf Shirts

Rash guards are tight fitting, similar to a second skin, providing extra warmth in and out of the water. In our lifeguard store we off lifeguard rash guards that fit snug around the body, using a new compression technology which keeps the muscles fresh and engaged. The tight-fitting Rash guard also provides extra support for female lifeguards while running or swimming to a rescue.

Rash guards fit easily under a wetsuit without bunching up and prevent chafing. To stay rash free and comfortable under the arms look for rash guards with Flatlock seams.

Rash guards provide SPF protection. Ours carry a UPF rating of 50+.

One of the best features is the Aqua Plus fabric. It helps with water repellency causing the water to bead up and roll off the surface giving you the ultimate in quick-dry comfort.

In our lifeguard store, we also have the looser fitting surf shirt is perfect for figures needing a bit more room.

Women Lifeguard Swimming Suits

The first choice you must make is whether you prefer a one piece or two-piece lifeguard swimsuit. With either option the straps must stay snug through the surf and not slip onto your shoulders hindering the full use of your arms. The worst-case scenario would be to have your suit ripped off in big surf. Lifeguard swimsuits should be made of state-of-the-art material. The fabric should be moisture wicking, chlorine proof, durable and able to stand up under extreme conditions. Original Watermen’s women’s lifeguard swimsuits were voted number one for “best fit” back design for staying on through the surf.

As always, the Original Watermen lifeguard store provides quality lifeguard wear for yourself, above and below the water.

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How The Right Boardshort Liners Helps With Wetsuits in Colder Months

How The Right Boardshort Liners Helps With Wetsuits in Colder Months

Boardshort Liners, Watermen Shorts, Compression Shorts, Original WatermenThe right boardshort liners underneath your wetsuit can make a huge difference in the colder months. Original Watermen Boardshort liners give your waterman an extra layer of warmth.  One extra layer heating up your engine can take you the extra mile.

 

The Watermen shorts are boardshort liners that are breathable, eco-friendly soft lycra made from recycled fishing nets. These boardshort 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 will 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.

 

Don’t let your muscles catch a chill underneath your wetsuits. If you’re really getting after then you’re destined to get some water flushing through your suit. We want to encourage that charging attitude so instead of second guessing a knifing drop because of the cold water, go for it and know that board short liners are solid backup plan to getting some integral pieces warm.

 

Not only are the watermen shorts perfect for layering under your wetsuit, they also aid in the treacherous changing process. When it’s cold outside, you want to spend the least amount of time in the low temps, especially in your bare skin. If you are already prepped in your board short liners, the changing process will be done in record speed. You’ll be toasty and getting spit out of tubes before your mates can even get themselves zipped up.

 

These boardshort liners are optimal for layering and giving you core warmth in the colder months. They fit like a second-skin, so you get the added warmth without the weight. Stay light and fluid in the Watermen shorts.

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Watermen Liners

5 Best Winter Wetsuits

5 Best Winter Wetsuits

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Top 5 Wetsuits for the Winter

 

Finding the right wetsuit is nothing short of a marathon. Wetsuits come in all different types of fits, thicknesses and feature all different types of technology. Some suits offer extra warmth, some are more flexible and others are fast-drying. It’s best to go into the shopping process with an idea of what exactly you are looking for in a suit. Our biggest tip to get you through this strenuous process is to make sure you are rocking your board short liner. It will make trying on wetsuits 100% easier.

 

With the amount of hours logged between all of us watermen, we have come to decision on our top 5 wetsuits this winter and here they are:

 

1) Patagonia Yulex

This is a wetsuit we can really get behind. The Yulex wetsuit is designed with a renewable rubber instead of the conventional neoprene used in most massed produced wetsuits. Using a renewable rubber source cuts down on Carbon Dioxide emissions. Patagonia is paving the way in eco-responsible business approaches. Show your love for earth and oceans by supporting a company that is putting their efforts into preserving our environment. Reduce your carbon footprint in Patagonia’s Yulex wetsuit. Patagonia offers this suit in a full range of thicknesses to have you covered in all water temperatures.

 

2) Body Glove

Body Glove’s premier suit, Red Cell, uses technology to take warmth to the next level. It harnesses infrared technology to make this suit one the warmest on the market. Not only is warm, it also is built with less seams to give you optimal movement and flexible. Body Glove is a trusted wetsuit company that has passed the test of time.

 

3) XCEL

Xcel wetsuits has always been synonymous with flexibility and lite weight neoprene. Xcel is a company that specializes in wetsuit manufacturing, so that as a consumer, you can be assured that all over their energy and concentration is in delivering a quality product. Their dry lock technology keeps the water out and the warmth in. And less times your suit endures the flush out the warmer your waterman will be.

 

4) Rip Curl

With Rip Curl’s quick dry features, you will never be lazy in bed while the surf is firing because you can’t get over the thought of putting on a cold, wet wetsuit. Rip Curl’s Flash Bomb is the world’s fastest drying wetsuit. So forget single sessions days, you’re back out there in the Flash Bomb.

 

5) O’neill

Founder Jack O’neill is accredited with inventing the wetsuit. Now, if that isn’t enough legendary information then we don’t know what is. O’Neill’s Pyscho Tech suit offers flexibility and lightweight rubber so that you almost feel like you are surfing in nothing at all. Their suits are uniquely designed to retain heat in all the right places.

 

Now that you have a list of our 5 favorite suits, you can decide which was tickles your fancy and get to the sweat fest of trying them on at your local surf shop.

 

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