Care and Repair of Your Suit

AMC Outdoors, October 2004

Despite being built to withstand a wide range of often gnarly conditions, wetsuits and drysuits can become remarkably fragile with wear. Even a small hole can let cold water in, compromising warmth. The biggest, but often overlooked, threat is the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV causes both neoprene and latex to lose flexibility, become brittle, and ultimately crack. While briefly hanging your gear in the sun to dry is okay, avoid leaving it out for long—keep it in a pack or stuff sack instead.

Pay close attention to the gaskets on your drysuit—they are often one of the first things to tear. Treat them every four to six weeks with a UV protectant like Seal Saver. If they do tear, a diving equipment shop can usually replace them. The other weak point is the zipper, which can become sticky and difficult to operate over time. Avoid storing your drysuit folded across the zipper, and keep grit from accumulating in the zipper teeth.

Patch any hole immediately—McNett’s AquaSeal works well for most small repairs. Finally, always rinse your suit with fresh water after paddling in the ocean. Otherwise, residual salt crystals will act like a million tiny razor blades and slice up the fabric of your suit.

—Matt Heid