Wetsuit Care: My Personal Tips to Make Your Wetsuit Last Longer
Intro
Modern wetsuits are incredible — light, flexible, and warm. But anyone who uses regularly knows the frustration: these suits just don’t last as long as they used to. From weakened seams to torn panels, many users replace their wetsuits far too soon. Over the years, I’ve developed a simple, practical protocol to extend the life of my wetsuits. Here’s everything I’ve learned.
1. Always Rinse with Fresh Water
Salt, sand, and sun are neoprene’s worst enemies. After every surf, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water. If salt stays trapped in the fabric, the neoprene never fully dries, staying damp and heavy — which accelerates wear and creates that unpleasant “perma-wet” feeling. A good rinse keeps the neoprene fresh, flexible, and ready for your next session.
2. Dry Properly — Don’t Hang by the Shoulders
When wet, a wetsuit is heavy. Hanging it by the shoulders stretches the neoprene and can damage the seams. Instead, fold it at the waist (around the navel/umbigo) over a wide horizontal bar or purpose-made hanger. Let one side dry completely before turning it inside out to dry the other. Always dry in the shade — never in direct sunlight.
3. Put On Your Wetsuit the Right Way
Most wetsuit damage doesn’t happen while surfing — it happens while putting it on. Pulling hard on the shoulders, yanking thin neoprene panels, or twisting seams stresses the suit.
Another common wear zone is the leg openings, where your feet pass through. These areas are prone to tearing due to friction, sand, and forced stretching.
This is where BingBag comes in. It makes putting on a wetsuit smoother and gentler, reducing pulling at both the shoulders and leg openings. Less stress, less friction, and a longer lifespan for your wetsuit.
4. Adjust the Fit Correctly
Once the wetsuit is on, align it properly. Match the knees with the knee pads, adjust the armpits, and make sure the lower back and pelvic areas sit naturally. Misalignment forces neoprene to stretch incorrectly, leading to premature wear.
5. Rotate Between Wetsuits if Possible
If you own more than one wetsuit, rotate between them. Wearing a wet suit weakens neoprene and accelerates damage. Always use a dry suit when you can — this simple step can add months to the life of your gear.
6. Stretch Before the Session, Not in the Suit
Stretching while wearing a wetsuit can overwork the neoprene. Deep knee bends (almost 180º) stress the knees, while wide leg movements stretch the pelvic area far beyond what happens in the water. These are the first zones to thin, weaken, or tear.
Warm up and stretch before putting on your wetsuit. This reduces stress on the material and keeps it flexible longer.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your wetsuit doesn’t have to be complicated: rinse with fresh water, dry properly, adjust carefully, avoid unnecessary stretching, and rotate suits when possible. Most importantly, put it on the right way — that’s when most damage occurs.
This is exactly why I created the BIngBag: it makes the hardest part — putting on your wetsuit — easier, faster, and gentler on the neoprene. Less pulling, less friction, and a longer life for your suit.
