Maintaining your exposure suit requires proper drying methods. After each dive, rinse the neoprene with fresh water and flip inside out.
Hang the suit on a thick plastic hanger at the waist, placing it in a ventilated spot away from UV rays that harm the material. Pat down excess water with a beach towel, ensuring proper drainage around zippers and seals.
Indoor storage works best, though a covered deck serves as an alternative. A small fan helps speed up the process. Quick dry time prevents seam deterioration and keeps your gear ready for the next plunge.
Key Takeaways
- After surfacing, rinse your exposure suit thoroughly with fresh water and blot excess moisture with a towel.
- Drape the neoprene gear on a sturdy, wide-shouldered wetsuit hanger from the waist. Place in a ventilated spot away from direct sun exposure.
- Flip the suit inside out midway through drying to let trapped moisture escape from the thermal lining.
- Position a fan nearby for indoor drying to enhance air movement without heat exposure that could compromise suit integrity.
- Inspect stitch lines and suit folds while drying to prevent water accumulation and maintain suit longevity.
Essential Pre-Drying Steps
Pre-drying prep determines your wetsuit’s lifespan. After each dive session, rinse thoroughly with fresh water, especially nooks where salt and microorganisms collect – BCDs, fin pockets, and exposure suit folds. Flip the suit inside out during the rinse cycle and maintain moderate water pressure to protect the neoprene integrity. Consider using specialized wetsuit hangers to provide optimal support during the drying process.
Press out excess water by applying steady palm pressure across sections – avoid twisting or wringing the material. Pick a ventilated spot away from UV rays and heat elements. Blot with a towel before rigging up on a hanger, and position a fan nearby for enhanced air circulation. Keep the drying zone free from particulates to maintain gear hygiene.
Proper Hanging Techniques
Proper wetsuit care starts with smart hanging techniques. Mount your wetsuit on a wide-gauge hanger at the waist rather than the shoulders to prevent deformation of the neoprene.
Turn your gear inside out first – this helps moisture escape from the inner lining. Place the exposure suit in a shaded, airy spot away from direct sunlight that can damage the material. For tight spaces, lay your kit flat on a mesh rack, flipping it occasionally. A proper breathable storage bag provides additional protection when the wetsuit is completely dry. Check that all seams are exposed to prevent water pooling, and skip the dryer or heater as artificial heat compromises the thermal protection.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Drying
Indoor and outdoor drying locations affect your wetsuit’s lifespan. Open-air drying works faster due to natural ventilation but exposes your gear to UV rays and debris.
Indoor drying offers better environmental control, making it the preferred option for dive gear maintenance. Wetsuits crafted from neoprene material require special care to maintain their insulating properties. Pick a ventilated space away from heating elements, and use a fan to enhance air movement. Position a moisture-absorbing surface below to collect water drops. Before stowing your exposure suit, rinse it with fresh water, adjust its position for balanced drying, and keep it away from heat sources that could compromise the neoprene integrity.
Best Drying Conditions
Proper drying extends your exposure suit’s life through controlled conditions. Good airflow and avoiding direct sun keeps neoprene from deteriorating. Set up your suit in a ventilated space at room temperature, using a fan for better circulation. Advanced systems like the Wetsuit Pro Dryer can complete drying in 30 to 75 minutes.
Low humidity helps prevent mold on your dive skin while speeding up drying time. Mount the suit on a wide hanger designed for aquatic gear, ensuring even distribution. Specialized equipment like diving gear dryers or ventilated racks can optimize the process. Keep the drying station clean to protect your gear from debris.
Long-Term Care While Drying
Proper drying methods protect your exposure suit’s durability and performance. Following these steps ensures your gear remains ready for your next underwater venture.
- Alternate between multiple exposure suits if available, giving each suit time to properly dehydrate between dive sessions
- Check for micro-tears or seam separation during dry time, promptly fix with neoprene adhesive
- Mount the suit on a wide-shouldered wetsuit hanger, suspending from the waist to maintain the suit’s form
- Keep in a ventilated spot away from UV rays and heat sources that could degrade the neoprene compound
Always turn the wetsuit inside out for drying to ensure optimal maintenance of the neoprene material.
The streamlined text focuses on practical care while using diving terminology like “exposure suit” and technical terms like “neoprene.” Each point addresses a distinct aspect of care without repetition, and the language remains direct and unembellished.
