The summer holidays are almost upon us. As the mercury continues to rise into the 40’s, most of us will make our way to the beach in search of adventure. Whether you’re catching a wave or diving for your next meal, its likely that you’ll be doing it in a wetsuit. This article contains everything you need to know about the care and maintenance of this important piece of kit.

Using your wetsuit

When putting on your wetsuit, first turn the material inside out, then slide your feet into the appropriate holes one at a time. Some people may struggle to get their ankles through due to friction. If that’s you, place your thumbs inside the holes, hook the material with the inner part of your thumb (near the webbing), and pull firmly to the sides. This should create enough space for your feet to slide through. If you’re still having issues, try wearing a pair of socks or tie plastic bags around your feet to help the wetsuit material slide more easily.

Once your feet are in, roll the material up your legs to your groin area, smoothing out any wrinkles and adjusting the position as you go. If done correctly, the wetsuit should now be facing the right way and will sit firmly against your crotch. Once the lower half is sitting comfortably, start working on the upper torso. Insert your arms into each hole one at a time, using the same roll-on technique. If using a single-piece wetsuit, ask a friend for assistance if you can’t reach the cord to zip yourself up.

Tips

• Use the fleshy part of your fingers to pinch and reposition the material. Don’t use fingertips or fingernails, as this will tear holes in the neoprene.
• Use short, gentle pulls when adjusting the wetsuit, and wherever possible, grip and pull from the inside material. This will prevent damage.
• There are several DIY solutions to reduce friction between your skin and the neoprene. The most popular are hair conditioner, cornflour, or baby powder. Apply your chosen product to key friction points, such as your neck, ankles, armpits, to make putting on your wetsuit much easier.
• Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline). It will destroy neoprene.

Taking it off

Single-piece design

Unzip the wetsuit, then reach back and pull the material downward to free your shoulders. Next, remove one arm by rolling the material over your elbow and down your forearm. Repeat the process for the other arm.

Once your upper half is free, continue rolling the wetsuit down toward your feet, using your thumbs to help pop the material over your heels. Try to avoid stepping on the wetsuit as you remove it, as this will ruin the seams.

Two-piece design

Unclip the two halves of the wetsuit and roll the upper portion toward your head. Once it reaches chest height, roll the material over one shoulder, then stand up straight, reach behind your head, and grab the rolled-up side with your opposite arm. Gently lift this material upward as you straighten your arm. If done properly, it should slide off with relative ease*.

*Compared to most people’s strategy of throwing their body around wildly, while suffering from the crushing feeling of claustrophobia.

Tips

• A dry, sandy wetsuit is far harder to remove than one that’s still damp. This is because the inner nylon / neoprene layer becomes tacky (sticky) when heated by the sun.
• Warmer water allows both the material and your skin to stretch, making removal easier than in cold water. However, avoid hot water, as it can damage the neoprene and seams.
• When rolling the wetsuit down your legs, use the outer edges of your thumbs and the sides of your palms to spread the load and push downward. This helps prevent tears.
• Allow the wetsuit to roll inside out as you remove it. Fighting to keep it right-side-out only makes the job harder.
• If you feel claustrophobic in a wetsuit, consider a thinner suit or one with a smoothskin lining (e.g. smooth cell or thermo-layer). These are far easier to remove than thicker or nylon-lined suits.

Cleaning and storage

Salt, sand, and sun will destroy neoprene faster than actual use. That’s why it’s important to rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh, clean water after each dive. To prolong the life of the material, use cold or lukewarm water and wash gently by hand. Avoid washing machines and dryers, as they will destroy the seams and break down the neoprene. Harsh chemicals such as bleach should also be avoided.

If your wetsuit develops an odour (a sign of bacterial growth) or is used in dirty water, like a farm dam, allow it to soak in a bucket of water with neoprene shampoo for 5–10 minutes before agitating the material with your hands. Avoid using a scrubbing brush, as the bristles may puncture the lining.

To prolong the life of your zipper, place the wetsuit in a bucket of water and cycle the zip backwards and forwards to remove any salt or sand build-up. This helps prevent corrosion.

After cleaning, remove excess water by gently squeezing the material. Do not wring it out (twisting in opposite directions), as this will destroy the neoprene. When drying, allow the inside to dry first before flipping it and drying the outside. This should always be done in a shaded area wherever possible.

Whether drying your wetsuit or storing it, always use a wide, padded, or specialised wetsuit hanger that supports the shoulders. Wire hangers or clothesline pegs will stretch the material or pinch it, creating weak points. If storing your wetsuit long-term, consider laying it flat or loosely rolling it like a sleeping bag. This is far better than folding or compressing it, which creates permanent creases and weak points.

Tip

After use, avoid leaving your wetsuit inside your vehicle or a hot bag, as heat will cause the material to break down and lose both buoyancy and flexibility.