The Right Way to Store Your Wetsuit

Dear Ben,

I moved from Boston to Pittsburgh two years ago to care for a family member, and I do not know when I will ever be able to dive again. What is the proper way to store my semi-dry wetsuit? Up to now I have had it hung on a plastic diving hanger.

--Robert Goodman, Pittsburgh, PA

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Many wetsuit manufacturers recommend storing one's wetsuit by laying it flat, because the material can develop a permanent crease if left folded for a extended period of time. The second-best choice is putting it on a hanger, but one that's thick enough to support the weight of the suit (dive shops sell wetsuit hangers; the thicker your suit, the heavier it should be).

Store it a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Moisture-free storage is essential -- if damp, wetsuits can grow fungus. Some divers sprinkle talc inside the wetsuits to prevent the fuzzies. Don't store it in the garage if you park a car there. The exhaust emissions can deteriorate the neoprene over time. Also don't store it near oil, aerosols or chemical solvents, as they can degrade the material.

- - Ben Davison