A wetsuit is a vital piece of equipment for surfers, divers, windsurfers, and others who play water sports. Properly caring for and storing your wetsuit will extend its life and ensure comfort and performance the next time you use it. There are several key steps to take when storing your wetsuit between uses.
Should You Rinse a Wetsuit After Use?
Yes, you should rinse your wetsuit after each use. Rinsing will wash away saltwater, chlorine from pools, dirt, sand, and other debris. These can be abrasive to the wetsuit material and seals. Rinsing helps preserve the life of your wetsuit.
Use freshwater to rinse your wetsuit after surfing in saltwater. You can use a garden hose or bring it into a shower. Rinse both the inside and outside surfaces. Pay extra attention to rinsing out sandy or dirty areas.
Chlorine from pools can damage wetsuit material and cause fading. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after pool use.
How to Dry a Wetsuit
It’s important to dry your wetsuit thoroughly before storage. Storing a damp wetsuit can lead to mildew buildup and premature breakdown of materials.
Lay your wetsuit flat or hang it up to dry. Turn it inside out first. This allows both sides to dry fully.
You can dry your wetsuit outside in the sun or use a fan indoors. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or fires. High heat can damage wetsuit materials.
For quick drying, you can use a towel to blot excess moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting your wetsuit – this can damage the neoprene.
Proper Wetsuit Storage
Once your wetsuit is completely dry, it’s ready for storage. Follow these tips for wetsuit storage:
– Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The garage, a closet, or under the bed all work well. Direct sun exposure and heat can accelerate breakdown of wetsuit materials.
– Fold the wetsuit loosely – don’t roll tightly or fold creases into it. Hang it on a wide hanger if possible.
– Keep away from sharp objects, chemicals, or other items that could puncture or contaminate the wetsuit.
– Put the wetsuit in a breathable storage bag or bin. Avoid airtight plastic containers or bags.
– Consider using wetsuit shampoo/conditioner before storage to clean and protect the material.
– Hang your wetsuit storage bag up or place somewhere safe from pests. Mice or insects can damage your wetsuit.
How to Prevent Wetsuit Odor
Wetsuits can develop unpleasant odors from body oils, neoprene off-gassing, mildew, and other factors. Here are some tips to prevent wetsuit stink:
– Rinse thoroughly after each use. Residual salt, sweat, and oils cause odor.
– Dry completely before storage. Damp wetsuits breed mildew and bacteria.
– Use wetsuit shampoo/cleaner regularly. This helps inhibit odors and remove any buildup.
– Allow your wetsuit to dry fully between uses. At least 2-3 days of drying time is best.
– Consider using an anti-microbial spray made for dive gear. Spray lightly inside your wetsuit before storage.
– Store properly in a clean, dry place. Don’t tightly seal in plastic bags.
– Replace your wetsuit every couple years. Old, worn suits are more prone to odors.
How to Clean a Wetsuit
For periodic deep cleaning, use a wetsuit shampoo/cleaner and follow the product directions. Key tips include:
– Rinse the wetsuit first to remove loose dirt and salt deposits.
– Fill a tub or basin with cool water and add wetsuit cleaner. Soak the wetsuit for 15-20 minutes.
– Agitate and scrub gently with a soft brush to lift odors and buildup. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
– Drain the tub and rinse the wetsuit thoroughly with clean water.
– Hang up the wetsuit to dry completely before storing.
You can also use a gentle, non-detergent soap and toothbrush to spot clean smelly areas as needed. Avoid bleach, detergents, spot cleaners, or harsh chemicals that may damage the neoprene.
How to Repair Small Holes and Tears
It’s inevitable – after many uses, your wetsuit will eventually develop some small holes, tears, or worn spots. These can be easily repaired at home.
For small holes and tears under 1 inch, use a special wetsuit glue or patch kit. Carefully clean the area, apply glue, and smooth on the patch per kit directions.
For worn spots or seam leaks, apply a sealing agent like Aquaseal wetsuit sealant. Clean the area thoroughly and allow to dry fully before applying the sealant.
For bigger holes or more complex repairs, take your wetsuit to a surf shop. They can assess the damage and sew repairs if needed.
Catching damage early and making minor repairs extends the life of your wetsuit. It’s cheaper than buying a new one prematurely!
How to Prevent Wetsuit Damage
You can prevent many repairs by taking care of your wetsuit and avoiding damage. Follow these tips:
– Rinse away sand, dirt or other abrasives after each use. These can wear at the material.
– Hang up wetsuits to dry instead of leaving in a pile. Piles cause creasing and damage.
– Fold loosely and avoid tight rolls for storage. These create creases that weaken seams.
– Keep away from sharp objects like fishing gear, skis, or rough surfaces. These can puncture or snag the wetsuit.
– Rise thoroughly after pool use to remove drying chlorine residue. Chlorine damages the neoprene over time.
– Check seals occasionally for cracks or leaks and reapply sealant before they worsen.
– Limit sun exposure when possible. UV rays from the sun can fade and degrade wetsuit materials.
How Long Should a Wetsuit Last?
With proper care, a good quality wetsuit should last 2-5 years depending on usage frequency and conditions. Here are some signs your wetsuit may need replacing:
– Neoprene has visible cracks, tears, holes or rotted spots that can’t be repaired.
– Lining inside is very worn or tattered.
– Zipper is broken and can’t stay closed.
– Wrist, ankle and neck seals are cracked or torn.
– Suit has thinned out substantially from stretching.
– Fading is severe and materials look quite weathered.
– The wetsuit isn’t as flexible and stretchy as it once was.
– You’re spending almost as much time making repairs as using it!
As a wetsuit ages, the neoprene loses its stretch and insulating values. An old wetsuit lacks comfort and can hinder performance.
What Thickness of Wetsuit Do I Need?
Wetsuit thickness needed depends on the water temperature where you’ll be using it. Here are general guidelines on wetsuit thickness by water temp:
– 70-80°F – 2mm suit or rashguard
– 65-70°F – 2mm shorty or springsuit
– 60-65°F – 3/2mm full suit
– 55-60°F – 4/3mm full suit
– 50-55°F – 5/4/3mm full suit or 7mm semidry
– Below 50°F – 6/5/4mm semidry or 7/6mm drysuit
Also consider:
– Your tolerance for cold. If you get chilly easily, size up.
– Windchill while out of water. A thicker suit retains heat better.
– If using for high exertion like surfing, go thinner than diving/snorkeling.
– For the head, go 2-3mm thicker than the body suit thickness.
Having the right thickness wetsuit makes cold water safer and more comfortable. Check the weather and water temp before buying.
What Material is Best for Cold Water Wetsuits?
For cold water use, look for these materials:
– Neoprene – The standard wetsuit material. Different thicknesses are combined to achieve warmth and flexibility. Higher quality neoprene lasts longer.
– Shearling lining – A fuzzy insulating lining usually over critical warmth areas. Retains heat well when wet.
– Merino lining – Made from Merino wool, this lining insulates even when damp. Combats odor too.
– Fluidfoam neoprene – A high-end neoprene variant. Extremely flexible, durable, and insulating. Expensive but worth it for cold water.
– Yamamoto neoprene – Considered the Cadillac of wetsuit neoprenes. Retains elasticity and insulating value longer than standard neoprene.
– O’Neill Psycho F.I.T. – A proprietary neoprene designed for maximum warmth in frigid waters. Used in many coldwater suits.
The right combination of material, lining, and thoughtful design makes for a toasty cold water wetsuit. Try suits on and test in water before buying when possible.
What Features Help Keep Me Warmer in a Wetsuit?
Beyond thickness and material, some helpful wetsuit features for warmth include:
– Glue dots/blindstitching – Sealing techniques that reduce flushing between panels for better insulation.
– Chest and back zippers – Easier to get on and off, and seal out water better.
– Head and wrist seals – Prevent flush for increased warmth.
– Ankle zips – Seal out water at the ankles.
– Wind-resistant neoprene – Contains insulating air bubbles better.
– Strategic seam placement – Minimal seams in high movement areas.
– Shearling, merino, or fleece linings in key areas – Retain heat when wet.
– Different thicknesses in different areas – Like extra insulation in the core.
Trying on wetsuits is the best way to evaluate warmth. Move around and simulate paddling motions to test flexibility and range of motion.
Do I Need a Special Wetsuit for SUP?
Stand-up paddleboarding has unique demands compared to surfing when it comes to wetsuits. Some features that make a wetsuit good for SUP include:
– Stretchy shoulders and good overhead arm motion – Important for comfortable paddling.
– High back/kidney coverage – Keeps your core warm while upright paddling.
– Tough knees – Reinforced for kneeling on the board. Some have knee pads.
– Ankle to wrist coverage – Falling in means more cold water exposure.
– Looser fit – For layering paddling jackets/vests over the top.
– Reflective detailing – Enhances visibility to other watercraft.
– Paddle leash loop – Keeps your board close in case you fall off.
– Storage pocket – Handy for keys or other small items.
Try out different style SUP suits to find one with the right balance of warmth, coverage and freedom of motion for your needs.
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your wetsuit with regular rinsing, thorough drying, cleaning and proper storage will help it last for years. Make minor repairs promptly to avoid bigger damage. Replace your wetsuit when it becomes too damaged, worn or inflexible to function well. Choose the right thickness, material and design features for your particular water temperatures and activities. With some basic maintenance your wetsuit can deliver comfort, protection and performance season after season.
