Call us “watermen” or “waterwomen” or sailors, kiters, surfers, divers, or whatever. We are water people. But let’s talk about that phrase “water people.” More traditionally, the word “watermen,” is a term of respect, admiration, and even endearment bestowed on those that have mastered the skills of Hawaiian and Polynesian peoples living close to and off of the ocean: outrigger canoeing, kayaking, sailing, diving, and fishing. More recently surfing and stand-up paddle boarding have been added to the list; and even more recently, kiting, foiling, winging, and down-winding. Quite the laundry list of skills. None easy. All require time, commitment, a dedication to learning, and a willingness to be salty.

The list of modern Hawaiian “watermen” begins with Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku. Born on Oahu in 1890, “Duke” is known worldwide as a symbol of integrity and the “Father of Modern Surfing.” Today, born just a touch over 100 years later on the island of Maui, in 1992, Kai Lenny is extending the definition of watermen into an entirely new era of big wave riding, kiting, paddle boarding, and downwinding.

However, the skills, knowledge, and practices associated with the ocean have long been a basis of survival throughout human history among indigenous peoples everywhere. While surfing began with the ancient Polynesians, sailing was first created for transportation by the Mesopotamians five thousand years ago. Cultures all over the world have lived close to the ocean, fishing, farming, and diving as staples of their survival for thousands of years.

So, “water people” are everywhere. We are on, in, under, or near the ocean. Connected to it, entertained with it, mesmerized by it, and dependent on it for myriad resources. Most notably, the ocean provides at least half the planet’s oxygen, with some estimates ranging as high as 80%. Our name then, Salty Brother, is not a nod to the fact the founders are brothers. Nor is it a nod to an exclusive club of athletes. But, it most definitely is a nod to everyone that is touched by the ocean, humans and non-humans alike. We’re all salty. We all have salt water running through our veins, and that is the sisterhood and brotherhood that is the origin of our name.