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The short answer: To put on a wetsuit without tearing it, you must avoid pulling on the neoprene with your fingernails, use a plastic bag over your feet and legs for lubrication, and roll the suit up gradually rather than yanking it. This step-by-step guide covers the technique, tools, and common mistakes so you can preserve your wetsuit’s integrity.
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, a soft, flexible rubber that is surprisingly delicate. The most common cause of tears is pulling on the fabric with your fingernails or yanking too hard when the suit is bunched up. Neoprene also weakens when exposed to friction, especially around the seams. To prevent tearing, you need to minimize stress on the material and ensure your body can slide in smoothly.
Another culprit is wearing jewelry or having rough skin on your feet and hands. A simple change in technique can dramatically extend the life of your wetsuit. Remember, a wetsuit should fit snugly but not so tight that you have to fight to get it on. If you find you are constantly wrestling with it, consider sizing up or trying a different brand.
Start by trimming your fingernails and removing any rings or bracelets. If you have long hair, tie it back. Next, unzip the wetsuit fully and turn the legs inside out? No, actually, leave them right side out. Instead, if your wetsuit has ankle zippers, open them. For a standard wetsuit, just unzip the main back zipper. Before you begin, wet the inside of the wetsuit with a little water or use a wetsuit lubricant. This reduces friction. But the most effective method is using a plastic bag.
Take a thin plastic grocery bag and place it over your foot, covering your heel and toes. Then, slide that foot into the leg of the wetsuit. The plastic bag acts as a slippery liner, allowing your foot to glide through the neoprene without catching. Once your foot is in, gently pull the wetsuit leg up to your ankle, then carefully slide the bag out from under the wetsuit. Repeat for the other leg, and then work the suit up to your hips. Do not pull on the suit with your fingers; instead, use your palms to push the material upward.
Once the wetsuit is around your waist, you need to get your arms in. For the arms, you can use a plastic bag again, but a better trick is to fold the sleeve back over your hand like a cuff, so your fingers are inside the sleeve, and then use your other hand to pull the sleeve over your arm. This avoids stretching the neoprene with your fingers. Again, use your palms to smooth the suit up your arms.
The hardest part is getting the wetsuit over your shoulders without tearing it. Here is the pro trick: instead of pulling the suit up from the waist, lean forward slightly and work the suit up your torso in small increments. If you need to, use the plastic bag on your hands to reduce friction. Some surfers also use a partner to help pull the suit up from the top, but if you are alone, you can grab the collar area with your palms and gently lift. Never grab the neoprene with your fingertips.
Once the suit is on, zip it up slowly. Make sure the zipper pull is free and that no skin or hair is caught. If you have a friend, ask them to pull the zipper up from the bottom while you hold the suit in place. Do not force the zipper if it gets stuck; check for any fabric bunched up.
Many people make the same errors when they are in a hurry. The biggest mistake is using your fingers to pull the wetsuit up from the sides. The second is not using any lubrication. A third mistake is leaving the wetsuit in a crumpled pile after a session, which can cause permanent creases and weaken the material. Always rinse your wetsuit in fresh water, dry it flat, and store it on a wide hanger. Avoid hanging it by the shoulders, as that can stretch the neoprene.
Another common mistake is wearing the wetsuit when it is still damp from a previous use. Moisture increases friction, making it harder to slide on. Dry the inside thoroughly before the next use. If you have a high-quality wetsuit, you might want to invest in a wetsuit changing mat or a robe that helps you get in and out without damaging the suit.
There are products designed specifically to help you put on a wetsuit. Wetsuit lubricant sprays and creams are available, but many surfers find that a simple plastic bag works just as well. Some wetsuits come with inside leg loop straps that help pull them up, but those are not common in all brands. If you have a wetsuit with a chest zip, the process is slightly different, but the same principles apply.
When you are looking for a new wetsuit, consider the thickness and flexibility of the neoprene. Thicker suits are warmer but stiffer, making them harder to put on. Brands like O’Neill, Rip Curl, and Xcel offer various designs. If you are in the market for a wetsuit, check out this wetsuit buying guide to find one that balances durability and ease of entry.
Removing a wetsuit is just as important. The same rules apply: do not pull on the neoprene with your fingers. Start by unzipping the suit. Then, use your thumbs to push the wetsuit off your shoulders, rolling it down in a controlled manner. You can use a plastic bag on your hands to help grip the suit and peel it off. For the legs, use the bag trick again to slide them off. Never yank the suit off, as that can stretch the knees and ankles.
A: Yes, you can use a mild soap or shampoo, but it may affect the neoprene over time. It is better to use a dedicated wetsuit lubricant or a plastic bag.
A: A wetsuit should fit snugly to trap a thin layer of water, but if it is causing you to struggle excessively, it might be too small. You should be able to put it on without assistance. If not, consider sizing up.
A: Small tears can be fixed with neoprene glue or repair kits. For larger tears, take it to a professional. Always rinse and dry your wetsuit before storing it to prevent further damage.
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