How to Dry a Wet Suit

Wetsuits provide physical protection for divers in cold water.

Scuba diving and water sports often require the use of a wetsuit. When swimming or diving, using a wetsuit protects the user from cold water temperatures and reduces the risk of hypothermia. Neoprene, the main material used for temperature regulation in a wetsuit, traps warmth between the user and the wetsuit while diving in cold water. Getting the most use out of your wetsuit requires regular maintenance, including washing and drying after use.

Things You'll Need

• Wide hangar or wooden stick

Instructions

1. Hang your wetsuit on a wide hangar. Hanging the wetsuit on a thin wire hangar can leave indentations in the shoulders that could become permanent. You also can hang the wetsuit over a wooden stick so that each end is hanging down. (Reference 2)

2. Squeeze any excess water from the arms and legs to allow the wetsuit to dry faster. (Reference 1)

3. Hang the wetsuit in the shadows away from the sun if possible. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can accelerate the aging of your wetsuit and fade the colors more quickly. (Reference 2) If you do not have a shadowed area to hang your wetsuit, or if you need to dry the suit quickly, dry it in the sun and turn it around often so that the sun is not shining on the same side constantly. (Reference 1)

Tips & Warnings

• If you dry your wetsuit in the sun, remove it from exposure to sunlight as soon as it is dry. (Reference 1)

• Do not dry your wetsuit inside out. This can cause extra wrinkling. (Reference 2)

References

• Wetsuit Megastore: How to Dry a Wetsuit
• ProMotion Wetsuits: Wetsuit Care
• Surfing Handbook: Wetsuit Guide