A neoprene wetsuit is a highly valuable tool that will keep you comfortable, warm and protected against the stinging tentacles of wandering jellyfish. But with the average cost of a ‘decent’ wetsuit ranging anywhere from $150-$500, it’s important for surfers to properly care for it. Doing so will allow your wetsuit to last longer while offering you an optimal level of comfort and protection. To learn more about how to maintain a wetsuit, keep reading.
Saltwater and Chlorine
Both saltwater and chlorine (yep, the chemical in freshwater pools) are two highly devastating elements for a wetsuit. It’s obviously impossible to avoid contact with both of these elements, but you should take the time to clean your wetsuit after using it. This will wash most — if not all — of the saltwater and chlorine off your wetsuit.
Cleaning
There are several different ways to clean a wetsuit, but the easiest way is to soak it in a bathtub filled with water. Simply spread your wetsuit out on the bottom of your bathtub and fill it with water. I recommend using lukewarm water to help break up any stubborn sand or debris that’s covering your wetsuit. Next, place a couple drops of mild dish soap into the tub for an added kick of cleaning power. Let the wetsuit soak for at least 20 minutes before removing it.
After cleaning your wetsuit, remove it from the bathtub and place it on a special wetsuit hanger to dry. Some people may use basic metal clothes hangers, but this could actually damage the neoprene material. It’s a little known fact that metal interacts with neoprene, essentially degrading the material over time. Avoid the use of traditional clothes hangers and stick with hangers made specifically for neoprene wetsuits. You can find them for at most dive and surf shops, and trust me, they’re well worth the investment.
Inspect
It’s a good idea to perform a thorough inspection of your wetsuit once it’s finished drying. When you’re getting tossed around like a rag doll in the surf, you may unknowingly tear your wetsuit on a rock or sharp piece of coral. Closely examine each and every square inch of your neoprene to ensure there are no tears. Wearing a damaged wetsuit out in the ocean could result in further damage, which is why you should inspect it beforehand. Small tears and tips can easily be patched up.