Before Use

Care should be taken when donning the wetsuit to avoid damaging the neoprene skin with fingernails. Always use the pads of your fingers to put on a suit. Do not pinch small folds and pull, make sure to grab large folds of the suit when pulling. Small cuts or tears can be repaired with wetsuit glue.

During Use

The exterior surface of your wetsuit is manufactured with a hydrophobic outer skin designed to reduce surface friction (drag.) It is designed to withstand the normal wear and tear during a normal swim session. Care should be taken to avoid contact with sharp rocks or any other sharp objects. Small cuts or tears do not affect wetsuit performance.

After Use

Fully unzip the wetsuit before removing one section at a time. Avoid contact with sharp fingernails. Salt and chlorine water can damage the neoprene drying it out and affecting its flexibility. To ensure continued flexibility it is important to soak your wetsuit in lukewarm, fresh water for at least 5 minutes after each use, then thoroughly rinse it with fresh water. To dry, place the wetsuit inside out on a wide hanger in a ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Maintenance is important, therefore it is recommended to wash your wetsuits with a specialized antibacterial soap every few sessions.

Storage

Wetsuit material can develop permanent creases if left folded for an extended period of time. Therefore it is best to store your wetsuit laying flat. Alternatively, hang it on a specially designed wetsuit hanger, thick coat hanger, or as wide and thick a hanger as you can find. Consider the weight of a wet or damp wetsuit and avoid deformation around the shoulders. Some like to roll their wetsuits, but do not fold it under any circumstances.

Zippers and loops

Zippers are designed to be pulled open and closed in a straight line. Avoid pulling at excessive angles. Ask for assistance to zip and unzip as needed.

New deboer wetsuits come with an innovative loop near the bottom of the zipper to help athletes put on their wetsuit correctly. What’s with the loop? This loop was designed to help ease the cumbersomeness of zipping up your wetsuit on your own, but also to protect it from the wear and tear of over-tugging. Simply, slide your thumb into the loop and pull down while zipping up your wetsuit by pulling up on the zipper cord with the other arm. This simple addition provides counter pressure to position your zipper correctly as it closes.

Chemicals & Solvent

Avoid contact with oil, gasoline, aerosols or any solvents as they degrade rubber and plastic materials. Do not use any type of alcohol, or lubricant.