Surf Wetsuit In A Funk? Let The Adoration Start!
OK. You may have weeded your way through 1000 surf wetsuits to find the one. You’ve taken the following step to prove your love, and your heart palpitates at the thought of the subsequent date. You know it’s considerably more than puppy love… much more than a phase… and you have the neoprene to prove it.
Surfing might be like that. It starts as a crush and then you uncover yourself falling head more than heels… with salt water being forced up your nose. Ah-h-h! The thrill plus the agony!
Spending your whole paycheck on a surf wetsuit is kinda like placing a promise ring on a girl’s finger. It shows a new level of commitment. And, just like you darn well better don’t forget to bring her flowers when in a while (or at least wash her car for her), you’ve to bear in mind to give some TLC to your wetsuit, too.
Like an incessantly grumpy girlfriend, neglected neoprene can begin to stink after awhile. Sweat and body oils take their toll if you do not routinely freshen your gear with wetsuit shampoo, rinsing it thoroughly – by hand – with fresh cold water. Tend not to use the washing machine on your precious surf gear.
Urinating inside your wetsuit ought to be avoided. “Nobody will know” is bit of self-deception that will be revealed whenever you start off walking around with a cloud of cat-box rankness following you.
The same goes for leaving your sandy wetsuit wadded up in the trunk of one’s auto over the weekend. “A few days won’t matter” is another line we feed ourselves, but as soon as again the odor gremlins will turn you in. “Sour dog” isn’t a sexy smell.
Surf wetsuits need to be washed and hung up to dry in the shade. Never be tempted to put your wetsuit near a beach bonfire, on a radiator at home or in the clothes dryer.
Consider getting a commercial wetsuit dryer, which will speed up drying time and reduce the potential for funkiness. There are even models that plug into your car adaptor to get your suit dry before you get back to your condo. Your roommate will thank you.
Repair small nicks and tears with neoprene adhesive, following product instructions carefully and adhering to wetsuit warranty guidelines. Doctor zippers with appropriate lubricants and treat your gear with UV ray sprays if recommended. Then store your wetsuit in a dry setting with good air circulation.
With a little care and tenderness, you should be able to enjoy many happy years together. Let the really enjoy begin.
