Rinse your wetsuit immediately after use.

Yes, every single time.

Salt, chlorine, sand, and sunscreen eat neoprene alive. Let that stuff sit for a day and you’re already shortening your wetsuit’s life. A quick freshwater rinse takes thirty seconds and makes the difference between three seasons and one.

Hang it inside out in the shade. Never in direct sun, never in a dryer, and definitely never in a washing machine. Heat and agitation break down the foam. If it smells, use a wetsuit-specific cleaner (Milton is a cheap alternative for neoprene, just don’t overdo it). Regular soap leaves residue that dries out the rubber.

Zip it up before storing. Don’t fold it — drape over a thick hanger or roll loosely. Creases turn into cracks.

A little care now saves you buying a new suit next season.