What to Do with Wetsuit After Surfing
Why Post-Surf Wetsuit Care Matters
5 Essential Steps for Post-Surf Wetsuit Care
Rinse with fresh water immediately after surfing. Use a hose or shower to wash away salt, sand, and chlorine. Pay special attention to seams, zippers, and the inside lining. Cold or lukewarm water works best, as hot water can damage neoprene. Do this within an hour of your session for best results.
Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. Hold your wetsuit vertically and let water drain naturally. You can gently press sections against your body to remove moisture, but never wring it out like a towel. This prevents stretching and tearing the delicate neoprene material.
Hang your wetsuit to air dry completely before storing. Use a thick hanger or wetsuit hanger designed for proper support. Hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid radiators, heaters, or hot surfaces that can crack the neoprene and degrade the material.
Turn the suit inside out periodically while drying. This helps the interior dry faster and prevents mildew and odor buildup. After 12 hours, flip it right-side out to finish drying. Complete drying typically takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity and temperature conditions.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep your wetsuit in a closet, storage bag, or dresser drawer. Avoid folding it tightly, as creases can weaken the material. A dedicated wetsuit hanger or bag helps maintain shape and protects it from dust and UV damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Wetsuit
Common Questions
How often should I rinse my wetsuit after surfing?
Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after every single session. This is the most important step in post-surf wetsuit care. Salt water, sand, and minerals in the ocean gradually break down neoprene, so rinsing immediately after surfing prevents this damage. Even if you're tired after a long session, a quick rinse takes just a few minutes and makes a huge difference in your suit's longevity.
Can I use hot water to rinse my wetsuit?
No, avoid hot water when rinsing your wetsuit after surfing. Stick to cold or lukewarm water instead. Hot water can damage the neoprene, cause it to shrink, and weaken the glued seams. It may feel good on your skin after a cold water session, but it's harsh on the material. Save the hot water for yourself and use cool water for your suit.
What's the best way to dry a wetsuit after surfing?
Hang your wetsuit on a thick hanger in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never place it in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or heaters. Turn it inside out for the first 12 to 24 hours to speed up drying and prevent mildew. Complete drying typically takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity. Store it only when completely dry to prevent mold and odor.
How should I store my wetsuit between surfing sessions?
Store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a closet or dresser drawer. Avoid folding it tightly, as creases can weaken the material over time. A dedicated wetsuit hanger or storage bag works great for maintaining shape and protecting it from dust. Never store it in a hot car or damp garage, where temperature changes and moisture cause degradation.
What should I do if my wetsuit smells bad after surfing?
If odor develops, soak your wetsuit in a mixture of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water and dry completely. You can also try a specialized wetsuit cleaner designed for neoprene. Prevention is easier than cure, so always rinse immediately after surfing and ensure your suit dries completely before storing. Proper ventilation during drying prevents most odor issues.
Can I speed up the drying process for my wetsuit?
Yes, but carefully. Hang your suit in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation, and turn it inside out to expose more surface area to air. A fan or open window helps. However, never use a dryer, heater, or direct sunlight to speed things up, as these damage the neoprene. Patience is worth it. Most suits dry completely within 24 to 48 hours with proper ventilation.
Make Wetsuit Care Easier
Proper drying and storage are easier when you have the right tools. A quality wetsuit hanger keeps your suit in perfect shape between sessions and saves space in your closet. Check out our selection of accessories designed to make post-surf care simple and effective.
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