General Discussion Triathlon Talk » OWS before work - wetsuit care? Rss Feed  
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2013-04-18 3:14 PM


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Subject: OWS before work - wetsuit care?
I hope to start OWS a couple times a week before work.  The lake is on my way to the office and going back home is not an option.  I just bought my first wetsuit and want it to last a while.  For those of you who swim before work, how do you care for your suit post-swim?  The swim will be in a freshwater lake.  It's not terribly hot outside but I'm guessing I should not leave it in the car.  I will be showering at work after the swim.  Should I take it inside and rinse it at work?  Hang it to dry in the locker room?  


2013-04-18 3:16 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?

jkintn - 2013-04-18 1:14 PM I hope to start OWS a couple times a week before work.  The lake is on my way to the office and going back home is not an option.  I just bought my first wetsuit and want it to last a while.  For those of you who swim before work, how do you care for your suit post-swim?  The swim will be in a freshwater lake.  It's not terribly hot outside but I'm guessing I should not leave it in the car.  I will be showering at work after the swim.  Should I take it inside and rinse it at work?  Hang it to dry in the locker room?  

If it were me, this....

2013-04-18 3:16 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Expert
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Kansas City, Missouri
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?
Definitely don't leave it in the car.  Yes to all your questions. 
2013-04-18 3:51 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Veteran
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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?

What happens if you leave it in the car/heat - assuming covered and out of the sun?  Does it break down more quickly?

 

Matt

2013-04-18 4:01 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Expert
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Kansas City, Missouri
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?

I've only heard of suits 'melting' from being left in the car in heat.  Never seen it in person, but I don't know why someone would lie about such a thing :D

2013-04-18 4:01 PM
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Master
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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?
It will melt, mold, stink.  


2013-04-18 4:15 PM
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2013-04-18 6:36 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?
I swim all summer in the lake often during my lunch.  I am fortunate that they have showers at the lake so I can rinse the suit off but after that I just throw it in the back of the SUV.  Windows have a heavy tint and it does not get Arizona hot around here.  The only damage I ever got was fingernail cuts.  If the suit is in the car before the swim and its warm out the rubber will be softer and more prone to cuts.
2013-04-18 7:39 PM
in reply to: #4706138

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Subject: RE: OWS before work - wetsuit care?
jkintn - 2013-04-18 4:14 PMI hope to start OWS a couple times a week before work.  The lake is on my way to the office and going back home is not an option.  I just bought my first wetsuit and want it to last a while.  For those of you who swim before work, how do you care for your suit post-swim?  The swim will be in a freshwater lake.  It's not terribly hot outside but I'm guessing I should not leave it in the car.  I will be showering at work after the swim.  Should I take it inside and rinse it at work?  Hang it to dry in the locker room?  
Here is my take as a lifetime surfer having bought and cared for dozens of suits and other neoprene boots and gloves. Fresh water lake you don't have to rinse it off. Is it optimal to do so...probably, but in my opinion your washing off a suit with freshwater that was just in freshwater. If the lake is particularly dirty maybe some benefit but debatable. Salt water is a must to rinse. Neoprene is a pretty durable product that can take a beating...other than from fingernails or scissors. Storing it in your car wet for more than a few hours will make the suit and your car smell but I doubt will do any long term damage. I have had plenty of smelly suits that worked fine. I remember one particular winter suit that was accidentally never dried correctly before I put it away for a while. Many months later pulled it out, it smelled terrible and was damp but still worked great. Now you just have to decide if you want to be that guy at work drying off wetsuits in the company locker room. Good luck !
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