Should You Rinse Your Wetsuit After Surfing?

Wearing a wetsuit provides needed insulation when surfing in cold water. When a wetsuit fills with a small amount of water, your body heats the water, creating extra warmth. Most experienced surfers know that rinsing their wetsuits with fresh water is a must before hanging them up to dry. The harsh properties of salt water can cause damage to anything it touches, so rinsing your wetsuit as soon as possible after a surf session is imperative.

  1. About Salt Water

    • The primary component in salt water, sodium chloride, is an ionic compound with the formula NaCl. Salt water is extremely corrosive and degrades most materials it comes in contact with. These include fabrics, metals and rocks. Saltwater also has a drying and bleaching effect that can cause severe damage to a wetsuit.

    The Composition of a Wetsuit

    • Most wetsuits are made of neoprene, a flexible, elastic material that provides excellent insulation. When neoprene is exposed to salt water, the salt water begins to erode the neoprene. This causes the wetsuit to stiffen and shrink.

    A Proper Rinse

    • Once you peel off your wetsuit, it's time to remove as much salt-water residue as possible. Rinse your suit in fresh water, inside and out, as soon as you can. Even a quick rinse under the beach's outdoor shower will help. Later, you can give your wetsuit a more thorough soaking. This means immersing your wetsuit in fresh, cold water with some baby shampoo added for an hour or so. You don't have to soak it every time, but you do need to rinse it every time.

    Other Wetsuit Care Tips

    • Before you put your wetsuit away, be sure it is completely dry. If not, mold and bacteria will begin to grow. The wetsuit should dry naturally, outside if possible; never put it in a dryer. Once dry, hang your wetsuit on a plastic hanger or store it flat. If it is crumpled up or folded, the suit's elasticity can break down, affecting the fit and its ability to keep you warm.