Why Your Wetsuit Needs Cleaning After Every Wakeboarding Session

After a bracing morning on the lake or a sunset wakesurf behind the boat, your wetsuit has done its job. But it has also collected a fair bit of grime. Saltwater, lake water, sweat, sunscreen, and natural body oils all cling to the neoprene. Leave them there, and the material begins to stiffen, smell, and even crack. A clean wetsuit is not just about hygiene — it is about flexibility, warmth, and longevity. Giving your suit a little attention after each session keeps it comfortable for seasons to come, whether you are carving wake after wake or learning your first surface 360.

The Freshwater Rinse: Your First Priority

As soon as you finish your session, rinse your wetsuit with fresh, lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can damage the neoprene and the glued seams. Cold water is fine if that is all you have, but lukewarm helps dissolve salts and oils more effectively. Turn the suit inside out and rinse the interior thoroughly — this is where sweat and bacteria build up. Then rinse the exterior. Do not wring or twist the suit, as that can stretch the material. Instead, gently squeeze water out with flat hands.

• Use a shower, a hose, or a large bucket of clean water.
• Rinse inside and out, paying attention to the armpits, crotch, and ankles.
• Hang the suit over a wide, smooth hanger or a thick plastic pipe.
• Avoid wire hangers that can crease the shoulders.
• Let it drip dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.

If you have been wakeboarding in fresh water only, a quick rinse is often enough. But if you have been in saltwater or a busy lake with algae and sunscreen residue, you will want to deep clean more often.

Deep Cleaning with Mild Soap

Every few sessions — or at least once a month if you ride regularly — give your wetsuit a proper wash. Use a mild, pH-neutral soap. Baby shampoo or a dedicated wetsuit cleaner works well, but you can also use a tiny amount of gentle liquid hand soap. Avoid detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, or anything with harsh chemicals. These strip away the natural oils in the neoprene and break down the seams.

• Fill a clean bathtub or large basin with cool or lukewarm water.
• Add a capful of mild soap and swish it around.
• Submerge the wetsuit and gently knead it for a few minutes.
• Do not scrub with a brush.
• Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes if it is particularly smelly or stiff.
• Drain the soapy water and refill with clean water.
• Rinse the suit thoroughly until no suds remain.

Pay extra attention to the collar, cuffs, and any areas that sit against your skin. If you have had a wee in your wetsuit — it happens to the best of us — a deep clean with mild soap is essential to keep odours at bay. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Drying Your Wetsuit Without Damaging It

Drying is where many riders accidentally ruin their suits. Direct sunlight is the enemy: UV rays dry out the neoprene, causing it to crack and lose flexibility. A hot radiator or a tumble dryer is even worse. Always dry your wetsuit in the shade, ideally outdoors on a breezy day or indoors in a well-ventilated room. Hang it on a wide hanger, either folded over a thick bar or with the shoulders supported. Avoid hanging by the hood or a single point, which can stretch the neck.

• Hang the suit inside out first, then turn it right side out halfway through drying to ensure both sides dry fully.
• Do not use pegs on the neoprene itself. Use the hanger loops or drape over a smooth, wide rail.
• If you are in a hurry, a fan on a low setting can speed things up. Never use a hairdryer on a hot setting.
• Make sure the suit is completely dry before storing. Even slightly damp neoprene grows mould and smells musty.

Storing Your Wetsuit for the Next Session

Once your wetsuit is bone dry, store it properly. The best method is to hang it on a wide, padded hanger in a cool, dark, dry place — a wardrobe or a garage shelf away from direct sun. If you must fold it, fold loosely and avoid sharp creases, which can create weak spots. Do not store it under heavy items or compressed in a tight bag for long periods. A breathable cotton or mesh bag is fine for transport, but for long-term storage, hanging is better. Keep it away from petrol, solvents, and oily rags, as neoprene absorbs fumes.

Bonus Tips for Wakesurfing and Wakeboarding Enthusiasts

If you ride behind a boat, you might be tempted to leave your wetsuit in a wet heap on the deck. Resist that. A quick rinse at the dock using a portable shower or a bottle of fresh water makes a huge difference. For wakesurfing, where you often sit in the water waiting for the wave, your suit picks up more lake debris and sunscreen. Rinse the suit inside out before you even take it off if you can. Also, rotate between two wetsuits if you ride daily — that gives each one time to dry completely and reduces wear. Finally, check the seams and zips regularly. A little care now means more warm, flexible sessions later, whether you are chasing your first wake-to-wake jump or perfecting your wakesurf carve.