What is a waterman?

the title reminds me of a song.

[video=youtube;N0SN6P4Kql0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0SN6P4Kql0[/video]

 

Have to kind of go with Sisurfdog's definition.....

A "Waterman" is in my book, generally a well-rounded person in all aspects of sea sports. Whether it be diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, kiting, kayaking etc...

Someone that has spent years of their life in and around the water and has extensive knowledge of its entire workings along with the weather, moon and all other of mother natures contributions.

I wouldn't say that you have to be a professional surfer but you must be in tune with what's going on.

Pretty much everything and anything having to do with Water just short of having gills!

 

Agree with all posters here...

A waterman is someone who not only knows how to use the ocean for recreation and is proficient in these activities, but as a food source...responsibly, works to protect the ocean and guard others from the perils of it's clutches.

sisurfdog, thanks for the shout out...lol...maybe the more pertinent video would have been this classic

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/81883359/

 

He is a white guy with blonde hair. He wears lycra green pants and orange shirt with a gold belt. He is a friend to all sea creatures and commands them when needed. He is....Waterman.



S&M leash sold separately.

 

/thread. this is fantastic.

 

I agree with everyone else. Waterman doesn't seem (to me at least) a title that can be awarded, or a skill that can be taught. It is gained from a lifetime in and around the ocean or any body of water - taking from it, giving back to it, protecting it, getting your arse kicked by it every now and then.

I by no means feel like I can call myself a waterman simply for the fact that I know there is always more for me to learn. Don't get me wrong, I can hold my own in many different situations - be it with a rod and reel, on a wave or 200 feet below the surface on a shipwreck - but that doesn't exempt me from the 60+ years I still have left to gain knowledge about the bodies of water I know and love. Being a waterman is that unrelenting desire just to be in and around the water and for the experience you gain from living that life.

 

All you have to do is wear that $40 a bottle surfer sunscreen.

 

It strengthens it as far as I'm concerned.

 

I don't boil live crabs or lobster either... I love fish and spend most of my evenings/weekends fishing in the Spring, Summer and Fall. (I like cod, but I hate fishing when it's freezing).

 

it's a rare human being who can be considered a true waterman before the age of 30 or 40.

 

You guys are all idiots. This is a Waterman

 

I hear you. It's nothat that I judge people that do it. It's just not for me.
When cleaning a fish I'll kill it first. I see people start gutting fish while they're alive too.

 

There seems to be geographic variation. In HI, a waterman typically surfs and often lifeguards (EMT's)
http://www.dukefoundation.org/index.php/aboutthewatermanhalloffame53 while in the mid Atlantic the term most often seems to be used to refer to commercial fishermen who may or may not surf.

 

Me I am, I do everything in the water besides eat but I eat fom the water liva la southern waterman.

 

Hey blaster of ye sand, welcome back!