How to take care of your wetsuit:

If you surf regularly, knowing how to take care of your wetsuit is just as important as choosing the right model. A good surf wetsuit protects you from the cold, improves comfort in the water, and allows you to extend every session.

However, we often focus on performance in the water and forget something just as important: wetsuit care and maintenance after every session.

Small mistakes in your care routine can cause your suit to lose elasticity, develop unpleasant odors, or lead to premature seam damage.

If you want your wetsuit to last for more seasons, these are the 3 most common wetsuit care mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Leaving your wetsuit to dry in the sun

One of the most common mistakes after surfing is leaving your wetsuit to dry in direct sunlight to speed up the process.

Although it may seem practical, direct exposure to sunlight can damage the material.

UV rays gradually affect the neoprene, causing it to lose flexibility and reducing its ability to adapt to your body. This is especially important in areas such as northern Spain, Tarifa, Peniche, or Ericeira, where wetsuits are used very frequently.

In addition, excessive heat can weaken:

• the seams
• the glue
• the elasticity of the neoprene

All of this reduces the lifespan of your wetsuit.

How to dry your wetsuit properly

After every session, always rinse it with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and any other residue.

Then, leave your wetsuit to dry in the shade in a well-ventilated place.

It may take a little longer, but it will preserve its performance much better.

2. Storing your wetsuit while still damp

Another very common mistake is storing your wetsuit while it is still wet or slightly damp.

Many times, after surfing, we leave it inside a backpack, a closed bag, or folded in the car until the next session.

This encourages the appearance of:

• bad odors
• bacteria
• mold
• fabric deterioration

Over time, trapped moisture affects both comfort and durability.

How to store your wetsuit

The key is making sure it is completely dry before storing it.

A highly recommended trick is to:

1. dry it inside out first
2. then turn it the right way round
3. let the exterior dry completely

This habit significantly improves wetsuit maintenance.

3. Hanging your wetsuit incorrectly

The way you hang your suit directly affects its durability.

Many people use thin hangers or hang it directly from the shoulders while it is still wet.

The weight of the water creates tension on:

• the shoulders
• the neck area
• the upper seams

Over time, this can deform the wetsuit.

This is especially important for technical wetsuits or premium models, where fit and flexibility are key.

How to hang your wetsuit properly

Ideally, use:

• wide hangers
• special wetsuit hangers

Another excellent option is to hang it folded over the waist, avoiding tension on the upper section.

This will help it keep its original shape for much longer.

How to make your wetsuit last longer

Proper wetsuit care does not require much effort, but it does require consistency.

Rinsing it with fresh water, drying it properly, and storing it correctly can make it last several more seasons.

A well-maintained wetsuit:

• lasts longer
• keeps its elasticity
• preserves thermal insulation
• offers better comfort

In the end, the goal is simple: making sure your gear is always ready for the next session.