Baywatch star reveals behind-the-scenes trick to combat cold water ‘shrinkage’ on set

Baywatch, the show famed for its skimpy swimwear and sculpted bodies, has always been as much about the cast’s physique as it was about saving lives on the Los Angeles beaches.

Now, David Chokachi, who played heartthrob Cody Madison in the 90s hit series, has spilled the beans on how he dealt with the dreaded “shrinkage” issue caused by the tiny trunks.

In the new docuseries “After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun,” Chokachi joined other cast members to share behind-the-scenes details of the legendary show. He talked candidly about the challenges of wearing those revealing shorts in cold water.

The actor, now 56, reminisced: “The problem was that a lot of times it’s 6.30 in the morning and it’s freezing, and it’s like, ‘Alright, get in the water’. The shrinkage is ridiculous.”

He shared his personal trick to tackle the issue: “I had my own technique. I would basically try and find a little towel or jacket and hid under it and would do a little personal fluffing. Then it created a little circulation and you could represent yourself a little bit better.”

Chokachi also revealed his failed attempts to convince the producers to let him wear something less revealing, saying: “I was like, ‘Can’t I just wear the red trunks?’ and they were like, ‘No, because the lifeguards did wear speedos because they are more effective in the water’.”

David first joined the sun-soaked series in ’95, taking over from David Charvet, but waved goodbye to the show in ’99 after a solid four-year run. The actors opened up about the intense pressure the lads faced to match their female colleagues in the looks department.

In the revealing documentary series, Carmen Electra, who starred as Lani McKenzie, commented: “I think Baywatch was ahead of its time because the men were featured and men looked hot.”

Echoing her thoughts, Alexandra Paul, known for her role as Lt. Stephanie Holden, mentioned: “Men can be sexualized just as much as women and Chokachi is a perfect example of that in the opening credits.”

“He’s coming out of the water and his muscles are popping out, he throws head back, and in slow motion you see his suit and it was hot.”

Season six kicked off with David’s character making a splash in blue shorts which showcased his impressive form footage that became iconic in the opening credits thereafter.

Kelly Packard, who played April Giminski, remarked: “On the show the men all had to wear next to nothing and there was little left to the imagination.”

Reminiscing about the global smash series, David shared: “The 90s were full of these dudes who were super ripped and had these eight packs and just like wearing underwear.”

He also disclosed details from his casting experience: “As soon as I stepped through the door it was like, ‘You are Cody Madison. You are the guy we’ve been looking for for months.'”

The star disclosed: “I figured out early on in the show that the more fit you are, the more episodes they are going to write for you, the more fans you’ll have and the more money you’re gonna make. It was like a self-fulfilling thing so I just embraced it.”

They added with determination, “I wanted to be super, super fit and I made sure I was.”

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