How Best To Dry A Wetsuit

 

No disrespect; everyone knows how to dry a wetsuit but not all of us know how best to dry a wetsuit. Dying a wetsuit is not the same as drying a wetsuit the best way.

Drying a wetsuit the best way helps to extend its lifespan, dries it quickly, does not stretch the material and doesn’t damage the seams. Now, you can see the difference between drying your wetsuit and drying it the correct way.

Don’t fret; it is not rocket science but you only need to consider certain things if you want to keep your wetsuit smelling nicely and always ready for adventures. Now, let’s share the top secret you don’t know about how best to dry a wetsuit!

How Best To Dry A Wetsuit

You have bought the best wetsuit for surfing or triathlon and complemented the suit with wetsuit booties, wetsuit gloves, a wetsuit hood and a wetsuit changing mat, but how best to dry a wetsuit and accessories is your only gateway to keep them durable.

Here is the step-by-step process to follow to dry your wetsuit:

Step 1: Rinse The Wetsuit

Rinsing your suit after each use with fresh water is the first and the most important step to extend the lifespan of the wetsuit. It also helps your suit to dry quickly because salt water can leave residue on the suit, making it retain moisture. Fresh water will remove salt, sand and other dirt.

Step 2: Hang Your Wetsuit

There are different kinds of wetsuit hangers you can use to hang your wetsuit the proper way. Some hangers even come with a fan but the best hangers are those with shoulder pads and vents. Hangers with vents are specially designed to make your wetsuit dry quickly because they will allow airflow.

Don’t ever use a typical clothes hanger to hang your wetsuit because it will damage the wetsuit by causing it to crease and stretch excessively. Use a wetsuit hanger and if you are not using the ones with shoulder pads and vents, use those that will allow you to only fold the wetsuit in half.

Also, know that hanging the wetsuit under direct sunlight or a heat source will damage it quickly. It makes sense to hang it under a shade in a well-ventilated area. You can also hang it in front of a fan to make it dry faster.

Step 3: Flip & Rotate The Wetsuit

If you want the suit to dry faster, don’t forget to flip and rotate it. Exposing every part of the suit to airflow will speed up the drying time.

Step 4: Speed Up The Drying Time

Not all of us can wait for that long duration it takes a wetsuit to dry, so here are the best ways to speed up the drying time:

1.       Use A Fan: A fan can speed up the drying time of your suit if you can’t wait. Hang it in a well-ventilated area away from heat and sunlight. Put on a fan in front of it and don’t forget to flip and rotate it for a faster and all-round drying.

2.       Dry With A Towel: Lay a towel on a smooth floor and then lay your wetsuit on it. Roll the towel up as if you are rolling a sausage roll. Stamp and jump on the towel to let it draw moisture from the suit. Repeat the process with a second towel if necessary. You can also use the towel to path-dry the wetsuit. However, don’t always try this method.

3.       Buy More Than A Wetsuit: Having more than one wetsuit will allow your wetsuit to dry completely before putting it on again. You can rotate two or more wetsuits if you are always in the water.

The Dangers of Improper Wetsuit Drying

Improper drying of a wetsuit can lead to several issues that negatively impact both its performance and lifespan:

1. Material Degradation: Exposure to heat and sunlight can make neoprene brittle and less elastic, reducing the wetsuit’s insulation capability and increasing susceptibility to tears.
2. Mold and Mildew: Storing a damp wetsuit in dark, poorly ventilated areas promotes mold and mildew growth, which can cause skin irritations and degrade neoprene.
3. Damaged Seams: The constant battle between wetsuit and saltwater can weaken the seams if they're not dried properly. Over time, this can lead to leaks and ultimately, a wet and ineffective wetsuit.
4. Persistent Odors: Moist environments foster bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells that are hard to eliminate.
5. Increased Wear and Tear: Improper hanging methods stretch the neoprene, particularly when wet, leading to permanent deformation and fit issues.
6. Salt and Chemical Damage: If not rinsed properly, residual salt and chlorine can corrode neoprene, weakening the material over time.
7. Reduced Insulation Efficiency: Neoprene that remains damp or is stored incorrectly can lose its ability to trap heat, diminishing its thermal protection.

How Long Does A Wetsuit Take To Dry

The time a wetsuit takes to dry depends on many factors including:

·         The thickness of the suit

·         The wetsuit material

·         The temperature

·         Ventilation

With the above-listed variables, your wetsuit should dry completely at roughly around 24 hours.

Conclusion On How Best To Dry A Wetsuit

If you are into water sports or you are just someone who goes on adventures a few times a year, you need to know how best to take care of a wetsuit to extend the lifespan of your wetsuit. Try the above steps and your wetsuit will always be ready for the next adventure.