Hey guys just wondering if you have had the same experience as me with your wetsuits going gooey & sticky around the neck area after a year of use. I have found it is from soaking up the sunblock from around my neck. If this didnt happen then I think I would get at least a couple years more of use out of it. Thinking of washing the neck area of my new wetsuits in detergent after every use. What do you think?

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Seajuice said..
Hey guys just wondering if you have had the same experience as me with your wetsuits going gooey & sticky around the neck area after a year of use. I have found it is from soaking up the sunblock from around my neck. If this didnt happen then I think I would get at least a couple years more of use out of it. Thinking of washing the neck area of my new wetsuits in detergent after every use. What do you think?

I used to cover the neck area with vaseline to avoid chafing on new wetsuits. The vaseline applied when dry will stay as a protective film form many sessions.
(plus it made for interesting looks from the pharmacist when buying it)

Maybe this trick could protect the neoprene from the chimical agression of the sunblock, so that you may not have to clean it too often?

Apply your sunscreen before you leave home and rub in well, this will help reduce Surface sunscreen. Only rinse your wettie in a mild soap, like lux flakes ( your wife or mum uses it for wool) works beautifully. Avoid discinfectants, it often contains chlorine, not sure about colas idea on Vaseline as it is a petroleum based product.

I wear a long neck rashie under my wetties.... but they are becoming hard to find these days