Understanding Wetsuit Care: How to Dry and Maintain Your Gear with a Wetsuit Dryer
How to Dry a Wetsuit Properly: Best Methods & Dryer Guide
There’s nothing worse than waking up for a session and pulling on a cold, damp, smelly wetsuit. It ruins the start of your day before you’ve even hit the water.
Learning how to dry a wetsuit properly makes a huge difference to comfort, hygiene and durability. Whether you surf, kite, wing foil or dive, proper drying protects your investment and keeps every session enjoyable.
Using a high-quality wetsuit dryer is one of the fastest and safest ways to keep your suit warm, dry and ready to go.
Why Proper Wetsuit Drying Matters
1. Comfort & Warmth
A damp wetsuit feels cold and restrictive. Trapped moisture reduces insulation and can cause chafing or rash around the neck, arms and knees.
Fully dried neoprene feels warmer, lighter and more flexible — improving overall performance in the water.
2. Odour Prevention
Moisture trapped inside neoprene creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew. That familiar “wetsuit smell” comes from microbial growth.
Proper rinsing and drying prevents odour build-up and keeps your suit fresh between sessions.
3. Longer Wetsuit Lifespan
Saltwater and damp conditions weaken seams and degrade neoprene over time. Leaving a wetsuit wet accelerates cracking and stiffness.
Correct drying preserves elasticity, flexibility and durability — saving you money long term.
How to Dry a Wetsuit Using a Wetsuit Dryer
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Rinse | Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt and sand. |
| 2. Drain Excess Water | Gently squeeze — never wring — to remove excess moisture. |
| 3. Hang on Dryer | Place the wetsuit securely on the wetsuit dryer hanger. |
| 4. Select Settings | Choose moderate heat and appropriate timer settings. |
| 5. Let It Run | Allow airflow to circulate evenly through arms and legs. |
| 6. Check & Store | Once dry, store in a cool, shaded place. |
How Long Does a Wetsuit Take to Dry?
Drying time depends on:
- Neoprene thickness (3mm vs 5mm+)
- Humidity levels
- Airflow
- Sealed seams or lining type
Air drying: 12–48 hours depending on conditions.
Using a wetsuit dryer: typically 2–5 hours.
Thicker winter wetsuits naturally take longer, especially in cold UK conditions.
Best Way to Dry a Wetsuit (UK Conditions)
For UK riders dealing with cold weather and limited indoor airflow, a controlled drying system is often the most reliable solution.
The Surflogic Wetsuit Pro Dryer provides consistent internal airflow, safe heat levels and faster drying without damaging neoprene.
It’s ideal for:
- Winter wetsuits (5mm+)
- Frequent riders
- Multi-day surf trips
- Keeping gear hygienic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dry a wetsuit in direct sunlight?
No. Direct UV exposure damages neoprene and reduces flexibility over time.
Is it safe to use heat on neoprene?
Moderate controlled heat from a wetsuit dryer is safe. Avoid radiators or high heat sources.
Should I turn my wetsuit inside out when drying?
Yes. Dry the inside first, then turn it back once the interior is dry.
Final Thoughts
Proper wetsuit drying isn’t just about comfort — it protects your neoprene, prevents odour and extends lifespan.
If you ride regularly in UK conditions, investing in a reliable wetsuit dryer makes every session easier and more enjoyable.
Keep your suit warm, dry and ready — so the only shock you feel is the first duck dive.