Your gear is an investment in safety, performance, and enjoyment, whether you dive, snorkel, hunt, or forage. Salt, sand, UV exposure and trapped moisture can all shorten the lifespan of your equipment, especially neoprene, metals and natural materials. Proper storage isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about hygiene, longevity and crucially, reliability.
Good storage habits start after the session, not weeks later. A quick rinse, dry and organisation routine means your kit stays ready, not rusty, mouldy, cracked or stiff. Over time, solid care habits will save you money, keep you safer, and ensure your gear performs exactly as intended for when conditions are great and chances can’t be missed.
Step 1 – Rinse Everything Properly
Saltwater leaves behind salt crystals that corrode metal, stiffen fabrics and degrade rubber. After every session:
- Rinse all gear in fresh, cool water
- Pay attention to hidden areas (pockets, seams, clips, bands, reels, buckles)
- Use mild disinfectants on wetsuits occasionally (not every time)
- Avoid high-pressure jets on delicate items (especially neoprene and masks)
Step 2 – Dry Correctly & Completely
Moisture is the enemy – it encourages mould, stink, neoprene rot and rust.
- Hang wetsuits on broad, soft hangers, inside out first, then rotate
- Drain spearguns vertically, trigger down
- Remove dive knife from sheath and dry both
- Dry fins upside-down so water escapes from foot pockets
- Never leave gear drying in direct strong sunlight
Step 3 – Store Smart, Not Just Neatly
Storing gear is about the right environment, not just the right location.
Ideal conditions:
- Cool, dark, well-ventilated, low-humidity areas
- Away from heat sources, engines, fuel, oils or chemicals
- No tight compression, folds or heavy items on top
Gear-specific advice:
- Wetsuits: hang or fold very loosely & store dry in a consistently cool, dark room.
- Spearguns: unload rubbers, loosen line, remove shaft if storing long-term
- Rubber bands: keep in sealed, cool, dark container to avoid UV aging
- Knives & tools: light oil on metal, sheath stored dry
- Masks & snorkels: store in ventilated box with lenses protected
- Dive torches: remove batteries if unused for months
Your equipment is more than just kit – it’s part of your safety system, comfort, confidence, and enjoyment. With just a few low effort habits, you can avoid unnecessary damage, expensive replacements, and last-minute failures. The goal is not to have gear that merely survives, but that which always performs.
Treat your gear with the same respect you bring to the water and in turn, it will look after you.