Wetsuits and Neoprene Accessories: Care and Warranty Tips

Common Issues and Examples:

• Seam Failures: Seams are one of the first points of failure, especially in high-stretch areas like underarms, knees, and shoulders. Overstretching, poor stitching, or glue failures can lead to seam splits or leaks.
• Tears and Holes: Fingernail cuts, sharp objects (like rocks or reef), or accidental snags during donning can puncture or tear neoprene.
• Zipper Malfunctions: Salt buildup or improper zipping can cause zippers to stick, corrode, or break entirely.
• Loss of Elasticity: Over time, neoprene can lose its stretch, becoming stiff and less comfortable, often due to poor maintenance or UV exposure.
• Odors and Mold: Improper drying and storage can lead to bacteria or mold growth, resulting in unpleasant odors.

Care Recommendations:

• Rinse After Every Use: Always wash wetsuits with fresh water after each session to remove salt, sand, and contaminants. Pay special attention to the seams and zippers.
• Dry Correctly: Hang wetsuits on wide, padded hangers to dry inside out in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Never use direct sunlight or high heat sources like radiators or dryers.
• Use Wetsuit Shampoo: Occasionally wash with a wetsuit-specific cleaner to remove odors and maintain neoprene flexibility.
• Don Gently: Avoid pulling the wetsuit forcefully over your body. Use your fingertips rather than nails to avoid tearing.
• Zipper Maintenance: Rinse and lubricate zippers regularly with zipper-specific lubricants to prevent corrosion or sticking.

Warranty Considerations:

• Seam splits and glue failures due to poor manufacturing may be covered under warranty, but damage caused by overstretching, sharp objects, or improper care is not.
• Zipper defects related to manufacturing (e.g., poor stitching or faulty materials) may qualify for repair or replacement, while damage from neglect (e.g., salt buildup) is excluded.

Common Issues and Examples:

• Seam Leaks: High-stretch areas like the fingers and palms are prone to seam splits, especially under heavy use.
• Material Wear: Constant gripping of paddles or equipment can cause the palm or fingertip areas to wear thin.
• Loss of Flexibility: Over time, neoprene gloves can stiffen, reducing dexterity and comfort.

Care Recommendations:

• Rinse Thoroughly: Wash gloves inside and out with fresh water after use, especially around the seams and fingers.
• Dry Properly: Dry gloves completely before storing, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Inspect Regularly: Check for seam leaks and repair small splits with neoprene glue to prevent them from worsening.

Warranty Considerations:

• Normal wear and tear on palms or seams is not covered under warranty. Defects in stitching or glue from manufacturing issues may qualify for a claim.

Common Issues and Examples:

• Sole Separation: Heavy use, especially when walking on rough surfaces, can cause the sole to detach from the neoprene upper.
• Material Tears: Sharp objects like rocks or coral can puncture or tear the neoprene.
• Odor and Mold: Wet boots stored without proper drying can develop mold or a strong odor.
• Zipper or Velcro Failures: Zippers can jam or corrode, and Velcro straps lose effectiveness when clogged with sand.

Care Recommendations:

• Rinse After Use: Clean boots thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris. Pay attention to zippers and Velcro areas.
• Dry Completely: Dry boots inside out in a ventilated area, avoiding heat sources or direct sunlight.
• Avoid Walking on Rough Surfaces: Use protective footwear or avoid rough terrain to prevent sole damage.
• Inspect Zippers and Velcro: Keep zippers lubricated and Velcro free of sand to maintain functionality.

Warranty Considerations:

• Sole separation or zipper failures caused by manufacturing defects may be covered under warranty. Damage from rough terrain, wear and tear, or improper drying is excluded.

Common Issues and Examples:

• Stretching at the Neck Seal: Repeated donning and doffing can stretch or weaken the neck seal over time, reducing insulation.
• Seam Splitting: Seams in high-stress areas, such as around the face opening, are prone to splitting if overstretched.
• Material Degradation: Exposure to sunlight or improper drying can cause neoprene to become brittle and crack.

Care Recommendations:

• Wash After Each Session: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and oils.
• Dry Properly: Hang hoods to dry in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid folding or compressing the neoprene while it’s wet.
• Stretch Carefully: Use both hands evenly to avoid over-stretching the face or neck seals.

Warranty Considerations:

• Seam splitting or neck seal issues caused by manufacturing defects may qualify for warranty claims. Stretching or improper care is excluded.

1. Regular Inspection: Check all neoprene gear (wetsuits, gloves, boots, hoods) for wear, tears, or seam leaks after every session.
2. Storage Best Practices: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding wetsuits or compressing accessories for long periods to prevent creases.
3. Use Repair Kits: Repair small tears, punctures, or seam splits immediately using neoprene-specific glue or tape.
4. Rotate Gear: If you surf frequently, rotate between multiple wetsuits and accessories to reduce wear and extend the lifespan of each item.