Taking off a wetsuit can feel like a workout in itself. Whether you're surfing, diving, or swimming, getting out of that snug neoprene suit isn't always easy, especially when it's wet and clinging to your skin. Fortunately, there are some tips and techniques to help you peel off your wetsuit quickly and without the struggle.
1. Find the Right Spot
Before you start, find a suitable place to change. Ideally, you want a clean, flat surface where you wonโt be standing in the sand, dirt, or gravel. If youโre at the beach, consider using a wetsuit changing mat or a towel to avoid getting your wetsuit dirty. Products like a wetsuit changing mat are perfect for this, providing a waterproof and sand-free surface to stand on while you change.
2. Rinse Off (If Possible)
If you have access to fresh water, give your wetsuit a quick rinse to remove sand, salt, or debris. Rinsing with water helps to lubricate the suit, making it easier to slide off. Also I don't know about you but I can't stand the feeling of dry salt on my skin after a surf. A quick rinse feels so refreshing!
3. Start with the Upper Body
- Unzip Carefully:ย Start by unzipping the back or chest zipper, depending on your wetsuit style. If you have a back-zip suit, reach behind and pull the zipper down in one smooth motion.
- Peel Off the Shoulders:ย Pull the wetsuit down off your shoulders. Try to keep the inside-out motion going, as it helps the suit slide off more easily.
- Free Your Arms:ย One arm at a time, work the wetsuit off by pulling down from the shoulder to your wrist. If the suit is really tight around the wrists, you can use your fingers to stretch the opening a bit.
4. Step Out of the Lower Body
- Peel Down to the Waist:ย Once your arms are free, roll the suit down to your waist. Again, keep the wetsuit turned inside out as you go.
- Sit Down for Stability (if you need):ย Find a place to sit to remove the rest of the wetsuit. Sitting helps maintain balance while you pull the suit off.
- Remove One Leg at a Time:ย Pull the suit down each leg, turning it inside out until it's off your ankle. If the suit is stuck, you can gently pull the fabric at the heel or use a wetsuit accessory like a slip-on bag to help slide it off effortlessly.
5. Clean and Store Your Wetsuit Properly (Watch out for these two BIG mistakes)
Now that your wetsuit is off, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove any sand, salt, or dirt. Rinsing all of the salt water off of your wetsuit is really important to keep it in good condition. Salt encrusted wetsuits are more likely to deteriorate. Hang it up to dry on a wide hanger, away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the neoprene.
PRO TIP #1 : Hang your wetsuit from the waistline,ย NOT from the shoulders. If it's hanging from the shoulders then all of the weightย gets placed on the shoulders which quickly deteriorate's the neoprene in that area. The better way is to fold it over the waist and hang it from there to even out the weight.
PRO TIP # 2: Doย NOT dry it in direct sunlight! Sunlight deteriorates neoprene fast. Dry it in a shaded area out of direct sunlight.
Once dry, store it in a cool, dry place to keep it in good condition for your next session.
Bonus Tips
- Use a Wetsuit Changing Poncho:ย Changing out of a wetsuit can be workout, the last thing you want is your towel to fall down in public. A changing poncho will make that impossible and should give you a less stressful experience.
- Avoid Pulling Too Hard:ย Donโt yank or tug excessively, as it can damage the seams or neoprene. Instead, work the wetsuit off gently and patiently.
Final Thoughts
Taking off a wetsuit doesnโt have to be a workout. By using the right techniques and tools, you can make the process much smoother and keep your wetsuit in great condition. A changing mat, slip-on bag, or rinsing off before removal can make a big difference. So next time youโre done with a surf session or dive, give these tips a try to say goodbye to the wetsuit struggle.