Surf Talk Guru

We’ve all experienced the realilzation that your wetsuit just doesn’t keep you as warm as it once did. Neoprene degrades over time, especially when exposed to UV light and heat. Small cracks and stiffness will develop in those areas of your suit that are most exposed to the sun, like the back and shoulders. A few quick maintenance steps will help you get the most out of your wetsuit.

Rinse your wetsuit with fresh water every time you surf. Hang the suit up to dry on a hanger at full length instead of folding it over something or crumpling it up. Store your wetsuit in a cool, dry place when not in use. Every fifth or sixth time you surf, rinse it with wetsuit wash and conditioner to clean out impurities and odors. You can also use laundry detergent, but make sure to rinse it really well afterwards.

If the glue or stitching comes loose or wears out, remember to take advantage of the warranty offered by the suit’s manufacturer. Don’t try to repair it yourself. Xcel wetsuits come with a really good year-long warranty of repair and replacement and returns have a quick turn-around time.