To properly keep a wetsuit and ensure its longevity, the key is to store it correctly by hanging it on a thick, wide hanger in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and sharp objects. It's crucial to avoid folding it or storing it in a compact space for extended periods.
Essential Wetsuit Storage Practices
Proper storage is vital for maintaining the integrity, flexibility, and lifespan of your wetsuit. Neglecting storage can lead to material degradation, creases, and reduced thermal performance, ultimately shortening its functional life.
1. The Right Way to Hang Your Wetsuit
The most effective method for wetsuit storage is hanging. However, the type of hanger makes a significant difference:
- Use a Thick, Wide Hanger: As per best practices, hang your wetsuit on a thick, wide hanger to maintain its shape and prevent creases. This type of hanger distributes the weight evenly across the shoulders, preventing stress points and permanent indentations that narrower or wire hangers can cause.
- Practical Insight: Specialized wetsuit hangers are widely available, often featuring extra-wide shoulders and a robust design. If a specialized hanger isn't available, a sturdy plastic or wooden suit hanger designed for jackets or suits is a good alternative. Ensure the wetsuit is completely dry before hanging to prevent mildew.
- Avoid Folding: It's crucial to avoid folding it or storing it in a compact space for an extended time. Folding creates sharp creases in the neoprene, which can weaken the material along these lines over time, leading to cracks, reduced insulation, and permanent damage to the neoprene's structure.
2. Ideal Storage Environment
The environment where your wetsuit is stored plays a critical role in its preservation and performance.
- Cool, Dry Place: Always store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place. Humidity can foster mold and mildew growth, which not only smells unpleasant but can also degrade the neoprene and stitching. Excessive heat, on the other hand, can cause the neoprene to become brittle, lose its elasticity, and accelerate its breakdown.
- Away from Sunlight: Keep your wetsuit away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are highly damaging to neoprene. Prolonged exposure causes the material to degrade, fade in color, and lose its essential flexibility and strength prematurely.
- Protection from Sharp Objects: Ensure the storage area is free from any potential sharp objects that could puncture or damage the material. Even a small tear can compromise the wetsuit's thermal properties, require costly repairs, or render it unusable.
3. What to Avoid
To prevent common wetsuit damage and ensure its longevity, be mindful of these actions:
- Don't Fold It for Long-Term Storage: While folding might be necessary for transport, never store your wetsuit folded for extended periods. This applies to cramped bags or boxes.
- Avoid Compact Compression: Storing your wetsuit in a perpetually compressed state (e.g., crammed into a small bag or tightly rolled) for extended periods can lead to lasting deformation, material fatigue, and compromise the neoprene's cell structure.
- No Thin Wire Hangers: Thin wire hangers create sharp, localized pressure points on the shoulders of the wetsuit. This can lead to permanent indentations, stretch marks, and even tears in the neoprene over time.
Wetsuit Storage Do's and Don'ts Summary
Adhering to these simple guidelines will significantly extend the life and performance of your wetsuit, keeping it in prime condition for your aquatic adventures.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Hang on a thick, wide hanger | Fold or store compactly for long periods |
| Store in a cool, dry place | Expose to direct sunlight |
| Keep away from sharp objects | Use thin wire hangers |
| Ensure it's clean and completely dry | Store when wet or dirty |
| Consider a dedicated wetsuit hanger | Leave in a hot car trunk |
By following these simple yet crucial storage guidelines, you can significantly extend the life and performance of your wetsuit, ensuring it's always ready for your next adventure.
