Wetsuit care and maintenance is vital in making your wetsuit last for years. Here's some tips that should help you be aware of potential problems that could arise.
How to put on, take off and maintain your wetsuit.
Wetsuit Troubleshooting
ISSUES
REASONS
PREVENTIONS
Small tears on the inside of the wetsuit
Pulling or digging fingertips into the neoprene on the inside of the wetsuit
Not using enough wetsuit wash when lubricating and donning open cell wetsuits
Only pulling on nylon lined part of the wetsuit
Use more wetsuit wash to lubricate wetsuit
Push cuffs over hands and ankles, do not pull
Broken stitching
Over stretching the wetsuit
Brushing up against something sharp (ex. reef)
Pulling on stitching when donning or taking off wetsuit
Use more wetsuit wash to lubricate wetsuit before donning
Start at the beaver tail before pulling off your wetsuit (watch the video)
Reinforced stitching cracking/peeling
It is made to be an added protection to the stitching but is a sacrificial layer.
Drying in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time
Wetsuit staying wet for prolonged period of time
Not drying suit on hangar, or leaving suit creased up
Hang dry wetsuit out of direct sunlight starting inside out until dry then turning right side out to dry
Maintain with wetsuit glue by removing bad areas then applying fresh wetsuit glue to stitching and allow to cure for 72 hours.
