EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WETSUITS: FIT, FUNCTION AND CARE

Whether you’re just starting out in the whitewash or chasing clean lines every weekend, one thing’s for sure, a solid wetsuit is your best mate in the water. It keeps you warm, lets you move, and if you look after it, it'll have your back session after every session.

In this guide, we’ve lined up everything you need to know about wetsuits, from choosing your first one to squeezing into it without pulling a muscle. We’ve also got easy-to-follow vids from our wetsuit guru and Woolacombe store manager Matt so let’s dive in!

HOW TO PUT ON A WETSUIT (WITHOUT THE STRUGGLE)

You’d think putting on a wetsuit is pretty straightforward, how hard can it be, right? But trust us, our Saltrock family in our stores have seen it all. From full-on wrestling matches in the changing room to feet poking out in places they shouldn’t, getting into a wetsuit can be more of a mission than expected.

To save you the struggle, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step video to help you nail it with ease. No stress, no stretched seams, just smooth entry, every time. This step by guide is demonstarted by main honcho Lurch, one of our original Saltrock crew! 

TIPS FROM OUR CREW

• Start with a dry suit! it’s much easier.
• Use plastic bags or socks on your feet to slide in smoothly.
• Pull up one leg at a time, all the way to the hips.
• Slide in one arm at a time, using small, gentle tugs.
• Smooth out wrinkles as you go.
• Use fingertips, not nails to avoid tearing.
• Zip up last and do a mobility check - snug but not restrictive.

Pro tip: Don’t suit up too early, you’ll be cooking in it before you hit the water.

HOW SHOULD A WETSUIT FIT?

One of the most common things we hear instore is: “This feels way too tight”  Your wetsuit should feel snug, almost like a second skin. Matt explains below:

Fit Tip: It should feel tight when dry, but once you’re in the water, it loosens up just enough. If you can move freely, bend your knees, and rotate your arms, you are good to catch that wave.

THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A WETSUIT AFTER SURFING

When you're surfing the waves, your wetsuit is your second skin. But after a few salty sessions, it can start to smell less than fresh and if you don’t clean it properly, it won’t last. Watch our simple guide to keeping your wetsuit clean, fresh, and ready for your next outing!

MATT’S TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR WETSUIT CLEAN

• Rinse with fresh cold water, every single time.
• Dry it in the shade – inside out first. 
• Hang it from the waist, not the shoulders, or you’ll stretch it out..

CHOOSING A WETSUIT: WHATS BEST FOR SURFING, SWIMMING OR THE SHORE?

When it comes to choosing the right wetsuit, it really depends on what you’ll be doing. If you’re splashing around with the kids, staying in the shallows, or bodyboarding on warmer days, a shortie (spring wetsuit) is a great option, it’s easy to wear and gives you the flexibility you need.

But if you’re heading into deeper water for surfing or longer sessions, a 3/2 full wetsuit offers more warmth, better coverage, and a snugger fit. All our suits come with UPF protection, so whatever you choose, you’re covered in the sun too.

We hope this guide has made wetsuits feel a little less intimidating and a lot more doable. From fit tips to care advice, it’s all here to help you spend less time faffing and more time in the water. Still unsure? come visit us in a store near you!