Our Story

As a professional surf photographer, bodysurfer, and ocean lifeguard, the ocean has always been my office, my playground, and my responsibility.

Like all watermen, I trusted sunscreen to do its job. I applied it between surf sessions, before long shifts, and ahead of shoots in the water. But over time, something didn’t sit right. Chemical sunscreens felt slick and heavy, irritated my skin, and washed off faster than they promised—right back into the water I depend on and want to protect. I was reapplying constantly, wiping stinging eyes, and wondering why protection felt like a compromise. 

I needed something better. Something natural, non-toxic, and extremely water resistant. 

So this brand started where all good ideas start: with frustration, curiosity, and a lot of testing. I dug into mineral sunscreens, learning what actually blocks UV, what stays on in moving water, and what doesn’t harm reefs, marine life, or the people wearing it day after day. I wanted a formula that could handle long swims, harsh sun, and salty skin—without the burn, the breakouts, or the environmental cost.

This isn’t your typical sunscreen. It's created by watermen for watermen; and for anyone who believes protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the ocean's (and your) expense. WTRMAN SUNCARE is a Hawaiʻi-rooted, waterman-inspired, suncare brand built for the people who spend real time in the ocean. 

Every product we make is mineral-based, thoughtfully formulated, and tested the same way I test my gear: by using it relentlessly in real conditions until it earns its place. No shortcuts, just protection that works when you’re far from the shade and fully committed to the water. All-natural, reef-safe, surf-tough. 

See you out there. 🤙🏼

Joe

Founder, WTRMAN SUNCARE