Wetsuit Care: The Basics

Here’s a true story:

When I was 14, my friends and I used to throw our cold, damp wetsuits into the dryer before dawn patrol. We didn’t rinse them, left them in the sun all day, hung them on tree branches, and even inflated the legs with water just for laughs. Basically, we did everything you're not supposed to do.

After years of ruining wetsuits, I finally learned how to take proper care of them. Here are the basic rules to make sure your wetsuit lasts longer, stays soft, and keeps you warm:

1. Rinse with fresh water every time

Always rinse your wetsuit with cool, fresh water after each session.
Salt is tough on everything—neoprene, glue, seam tape—you name it. When saltwater dries, it leaves behind crystals that break down the material over time, leading to leaks and tears.

 Rinse it well = longer-lasting wetsuit.

2. Keep it out of the sun

Never hang your wetsuit in direct sunlight!
UV rays and ozone quickly damage neoprene, making it stiff, brittle, and easy to tear. A sun-baked wetsuit not only feels rough—it also loses flexibility and breaks down faster.

 Dry it in the shade, always.

3. Hang it the right way

Hang your wetsuit folded at the waist over a smooth bar (like PVC or metal).
Don’t hang it by the shoulders like a jacket—that puts too much weight on the shoulder panels and can stretch or tear them over time.

✔️ Less stress on the shoulders = fewer leaks.

Bonus Tip: Use mild cleaners

There are wetsuit-specific cleaners (like O’Neill’s or Pau Pilau), but a little baby shampoo or gentle dish soap also works. These help remove oils and freshen up the neoprene. Just go easy—less is more.

And what about peeing in your wetsuit?

Nope, it won’t destroy your suit.
Urine is mostly water and only slightly acidic. The real issue? It makes your wetsuit smell terrible. So just rinse it well afterward.

Quick recap:
 Rinse with fresh water
Dry in the shade
Hang it correctly
Clean with mild soap

Your wetsuit will last longer, smell better, and keep you warmer. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.