Wetsuit Care Instructions
Your Shark Stop wetsuit is a precision-engineered piece of protective equipment. Proper care not only extends the life of your suit but ensures the UHMWPE bite-resistant fabric maintains its protective properties over time. Follow these guidelines to keep your wetsuit performing at its best.
Rinsing After Every Use
Rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh, cold water after every session in the ocean. Salt, sand, sunscreen, and chlorine all degrade neoprene and stitching over time. Turn the suit inside out and rinse both sides, paying particular attention to the seams, zips, and collar area where salt crystals accumulate.
Never use hot water — heat breaks down neoprene and can cause the fabric to lose its flexibility and shape. Cold or lukewarm water is all you need.
Drying Your Wetsuit
Always dry your wetsuit inside out first, then turn it right side out to finish drying. This protects the outer fabric from UV damage, which is one of the leading causes of premature wetsuit deterioration.
Hang your wetsuit over a wide, rounded hanger or a wetsuit-specific hanger — never fold it over a thin rail or wire hanger, which creates permanent creases in the neoprene. Hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Never put your wetsuit in a dryer or leave it in a hot car. Excessive heat permanently damages neoprene and can compromise the integrity of the UHMWPE protective fabric.
Washing Your Wetsuit
For a deeper clean, use a dedicated wetsuit shampoo or a small amount of baby shampoo diluted in cold water. Gently hand wash the suit, paying attention to areas that contact skin most — collar, wrists, and ankles — where body oils and bacteria accumulate.
Never machine wash your Shark Stop wetsuit. The agitation and spin cycle will stress the seams and damage the UHMWPE fabric layers that provide your bite-resistant protection.
Never use standard detergent, bleach, fabric softener, or any solvent-based cleaner on your wetsuit. These chemicals degrade neoprene, damage stitching, and can compromise the structural integrity of the protective fabric.
Zip Care
Your wetsuit zip is one of the most vulnerable components. After every rinse, apply a small amount of zip lubricant or beeswax to the zip teeth. This prevents corrosion, keeps the zip operating smoothly, and significantly extends its lifespan.
Always close the zip fully before storing your wetsuit. An open zip under tension can distort the zip housing over time.
Never force a stiff zip — if your zip is difficult to operate, apply lubricant and work it gently. Forcing a zip is the most common cause of zip failure.
Storage
Store your wetsuit flat or hanging — never folded or compressed. Folding neoprene in the same place repeatedly creates permanent creases that weaken the material and affect fit.
Keep your wetsuit in a cool, dark, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone-producing equipment like electric motors. UV light and ozone both accelerate neoprene degradation.
If storing for an extended period, make sure the suit is completely dry before putting it away to prevent mould and mildew.
Transporting Your Wetsuit
When travelling to and from the beach, carry your wetsuit in a mesh bag rather than a sealed bag or backpack. Mesh allows air circulation and prevents the damp, warm conditions that encourage bacterial growth and odour.
Never leave your wetsuit balled up in a bag for extended periods — even a few hours in a hot car in a sealed bag can cause permanent damage.
What to Avoid
To protect both the neoprene and the UHMWPE bite-resistant fabric, never expose your wetsuit to:
- Hot water or direct heat sources
- Direct sunlight for extended periods
- Machine washing or tumble drying
- Bleach, detergent, or fabric softener
- Sharp objects or rough surfaces that could snag the neoprene fabric
Inspecting Your Wetsuit
Before each session, take a moment to inspect your wetsuit for signs of wear. Check the seams for any separation or thinning, examine the zip for corrosion or stiff operation, and look for any areas where the outer fabric appears worn or damaged.
If you notice any damage to the seams or fabric, contact the Shark Stop team before your next water session. Our team can advise on whether a repair is appropriate or whether the suit's protective properties may be affected.
Repairs
Minor neoprene tears can be repaired using neoprene cement or a dedicated wetsuit repair kit, available from most surf and dive retailers. Apply the cement to both surfaces, allow to become tacky, then press firmly together and allow to cure for at least 12 hours before use.
For any damage to the UHMWPE bite-resistant fabric layers or the structural seams, contact the Shark Stop team directly. We do not recommend attempting DIY repairs to the protective fabric components — our team can assess whether the suit's protective integrity has been affected.