It is important to properly store and transport your surfing wetsuit. Properly storing your wetsuit when not in use will increase its lifespan and save you money.
There are ways to transport your wetsuit in the car and walking to the beach that make your life easier, saving you time and effort.
I surf in colder water, and wear a wetsuit with gloves and booties. These are my tips on how to store and transport a surfing wetsuit.
How to store your wetsuit when not in use
While not in use, store your wetsuit in a dry area. Make sure it is completely dried out before storage. To ensure it is dry, let it dry completely on one side, then turn it inside out and do the same on the other side.
You can store your wetsuit hanging or in a tub or a bag. Just make sure it is completely dried out and not in a dusty place. I personally store my suit in a duffle bag in my garage.
Some people hang it in their closet. If you do this, hang it by the middle, not the shoulders. The reason for this is to reduce the tension on the seams as much as possible.
How to transport your wetsuit in the car
I transport my wetsuit in the car in the same duffle bag as I use in my garage. Some people use plastic totes. There is really not a wrong option.
Some sort of waterproof option is sometimes needed to keep the wetsuit from getting your car wet on the drive home from the beach. This can be as simple as a plastic trash bag.
How to carry your wetsuit to and from the beach
There are lots of different methods that surfers use to carry their wetsuits to and from the beach. I have used many myself over the years. It mostly depends on your individual situation.
For example, if you have a long walk from the car to the beach, you’ll want a different solution than if you can park 50 feet from the break.
The best solution for portability is a backpacking backpack or other large backpack and a trashbag. You can put your wetsuit in the bottom of the backpack and the rest of your stuff on top. The trash bag will keep the wetsuit separated from your other stuff.
For shorter trips, a simple duffle bag or tote may be sufficient. Just make sure you can carry your board and your wetsuit bag at the same time. If you are right at the beach, just put your wetsuit on at the car and head out!
General wetsuit care tips
It’s important to know how to take care of your surf gear. Your wetsuit needs special attention. Follow these tips to increase its lifespan.
Always store your wetsuit completely dry. This will prevent mold and bad smells from developing. Along this line, always rinse your wetsuit with fresh water before storage. This prevents crusty saltwater from making your wetsuit nasty.
Store your wetsuit in a dry and dust-free area. Also, try to keep your wetsuit out of the sun as much as possible. The sun’s rays will damage the neoprene fibers over time. Avoid the sun to extend the lifespan of your wetsuit.
Avoid getting anything but water on your wetsuit. Don’t use normal soap on your wetsuit to clean it. You shouldn’t really need to clean your wetsuit. I have never used any special soap on my wetsuits, but there are products you can buy if you do need to clean it if it smells bad.
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
