All this talk of being a ‘waterman’ and not a windsurfer or a surfer, etc can start to get a little overwhelming and far fetched, a concept for people with too much time and money. But is this an accessible concept for your everyday worker who can’t hit the water from 9-5? The answer in my opinion is yes! A massive YES! In fact I believe it’s actually far more beneficial for us 9-5ers than it is for your Laird Hamiltons of the world.

My reasoning behind this is that the big name professional watermen have the whole day everyday to pick and choose the conditions to suit different sports and then which sport they are gonna decide to play on. Therefore if the forecast is great for windsurfing friday afternoon, they will wait and windsurf, then saturday morning is great for surfing they will go for a surf. Perfect. However For anyone with a 9-5 work shift this luxury is not available, we are limited to early mornings and after works. For this reason the waterman flexibility is vital to getting the time on the water. If we limit ourselves to one sport then we are going to have to pass up day after day waiting for the right forecast at the right time in the day or on our day off, not cool.

As a waterman you are giving yourself the opportunity to enjoy getting on the water every single day, because the forecast is always right! No wind, no real waves SUP yourself out there play in the waves or go for a coastal tour. Big swell but no wind, not a problem grab your surfboard. Massive storm comes flying through turning your local spot into a natural cauldron, get on your windsurfer and take part in your own Redbull storm chase. Beautiful sunny day, but not quite enough wind to get out on your wave kit, Why not have a lighter wind Kitesurfing session and give yourself the weightless feeling of a massive air? The possibilities are endless! Meaning when you look out of the office window, or take an afterwork drive to the sea your not thinking ‘I wish it was kitesurfing weather, I’ve heard there is a day coming next week that might be good’ you’ll arrive and say ‘sweet, no wind, and it’s flat grab the SUP then, fancy paddling to the point? might even be some little waves out there’ see the difference?

So this winter, Put your Winter Wetsuit through it’s paces and give it the beans! whatever the weather, whatever the day, whatever the conditions and start making the most of the time you do get!