How to Put on a Wetsuit Properly: A Beginner’s Guide

February 15, 2025

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8 June, 2020 - Tofino, British Columbia - People of Tofino protest for for the loss of local Chantal Moore, George Flloyd and BIOPIC. Bryanna Bradley

Have you ever struggled to put on a wetsuit? If you’re new to wetsuits, it can feel like a bit of a puzzle. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to make the process smooth and stress-free. We rent the warmest the most user friendly wetsuits with a variety of of thicknesses for different times of year. All the accessories are included in our rental pricing!

We include a full safety briefing with each rental and will be reminding you of these basic safety guidelines on the day of your rental.

Step 1: Start with the Bottom Half

Think of your wetsuit like a pair of pants. Begin by pulling the legs up one at a time:

•Make sure the knee pads are over your knees and your heels are all the way through.

•Pull the suit up to your hips so it fits comfortably before moving on to the top half.

•For kids: Keep socks on for easier suiting up . Parents, help from the side or back, not from the front. Kids will ALWAYS need help. Do not try and bound them into the suit, the seams are likely to tear. Help your child before putting yours on or you will get very hot and bothered 🙂 For hoods on the kids, 2 sets of hands is best for putting the hood on and taking it off (one set at the front and one at the back with timing coordinated 🙂

Step 2: Pull Up the Top Half

Once the bottom half is snug:

•Slide your arms into the sleeves carefully.

•Adjust for comfort—the suit should feel snug but not restrictive.

•Remember: The zipper goes in the back! (This is a common mistake for beginners.)

Step 3: Boots and Gloves Matter

•Boots go under the wetsuit legs for a secure fit.

•Gloves go over the wetsuit sleeves to keep water from flushing in.

•Hoods sit loosely around the top of the suit.

When it’s time to get out of your wetsuit:

•Peel it off like a banana—start from the top and roll it down inside out.

Wetsuit Care Tips

•Rinse your wetsuit after use with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and bacteria.

•Hang it in the shade to dry—never near a heater or in direct sunlight, as heat can damage the neoprene.

•Store it properly to keep it in top shape for your next adventure.

Ready to Hit the Water?

Now that you know how to put on and take care of your wetsuit, you’re set for an awesome day of surfing or paddling in Tofino! If you have any questions, feel free to ask us at Tofino Paddle Surf.

Link here for wetsuit and other rentals.

See you on the water! 🌊