care of wetsuit boots

[saffasurfer7]

I know for getting the most out of your boots you shouldn't walk along the gravel etc and should only try and wear them in and out of the water. Does anyone actually do this? Cos I know a lot of people just put them on and take them off at the car.
They're supposed to be easier to get on and off when they're wet too so maybe it is worth carrying them and dipping them in the ocean before putting them on.

If anyone would like to share with me their routines when it comes to boots it would be appreciated. :roll:

Thanks :)

[sinistapenguin]

I have a very strict/ structured care routine when it comes to my wetsuit boots.

I don't tend to get them wet before putting them on as it's not really that awkward, plus then you don't have to get your feet all cold before getting in the sea.

My routine is this:

I trudge wearily up the beach through sand, gravel, tar, broken glass etc.
I walk across the tarmac of the car park
I rip and tear them off in any way that lets me get out of them quickly, empty the water out and sling them in a carrier bag. I then usually leave them until the next time I go surfing or if it's going to be more than a couple of months I will sling the carrier bag in the garage and forget about them. One day I will open the garage door and be greeted with the foulest stench imaginable, so I will open the bag (whilst holding my breath) chuck them in a bucket of water, slosh them about a bit, then sling them back in the garage, where I will spend hours trying to find them both next time I need them.

I find this works very efficiently and I have had my boots for 10 years!!

In short, I wouldn't worry too much about the gravel thing and just rinse them out when you get home. Job Done!!

[saffasurfer7]

lol...cheers sinista. i'll be sure to take your advice. that makes me feel a whole lot better. the less care, the easier it is, that's always the best way :D

[sinistapenguin]

Having said all that above - I would suggest that you always rinse your suit out and try and look after it. So it's not hard to chuck your boots in with it when you do!

There's nothing worse than putting on a smelly wetsuit. In many ways caring for your wetsuit is more important than your board. The board may help your surfing performance, but your wetsuit will let you get in the water more often and keep you warm/ alive in cold water!!

Cheers

Sinista

[kieran]

no matter how many times you wash them out mine still stink, you can get air freshner for them. I tend to keep my stuff in my bedroom seems strange i cant get a girlie at the moment!!!

[saffasurfer7]

cheers sinista, yeah. i would def be rinsing them out. i do try and take care of things that cost me a decent amount of £s. I won't be neglecting them too much. Just think i'll not worry too much bout walking from car to beach in my boots. think they can handle that. it's only another 30 odd quid or so for a new pair so not too damaging. :)

Yeah, i wish i could fit my stuff in my bedroom. my suit is hanging just outside my room and my board has to live in the lounge...much to my flatmates disgust... :shock: They're used to it now though. :D