An Ocean Lovers must haves: Try these Eco Friendly wetsuits

 

Aside from the environmental benefits, being at the beach listening to sounds of laughter, seeing People playing volleyball, listening to sound of the waves crashing onto the shoreline, laying out in the sun to soak in that Vitamin D, earthing your feet in the sand that balances your Chakras, and being in the ocean having many positive effects on our physical and mental health. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve our mood and increase a sense of overall well-being. 

As I've mentioned in other post, with having a connection to the sea, it's our responsibility to protect it because we spend a lot of time out there. It's for our overall health and well-being. This is why it's important to care about sustainable practices and doing our part in cleaning up our oceans. 

One way to do this is by wearing products that are eco-friendly and support companies that prioritize sustainability. From swim wear, board shorts, BPA free water bottles, surf wax, surfboards and wetsuits. 

With the growing concerns for the environment, according to a Neilson study that said 81% of People feel strongly about the impact of our waste. So as surfers, swimmers, divers and bodyboarders, eco-friendly dry and wetsuits. These materials have a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional wetsuits are must have options to consider.

Eco-friendly Wetsuit Companies to consider

There are a few companies who have options made from recycled materials and produced with environmentally conscious methods. By making conscious choices with our purchases, we can make a positive impact on the environment. 

Patagonia R1 Yulex wetsuit is made from a natural rubber and plant based materials, reducing the amount of petrochemical neoprene used. 

Bionic wetsuit is made from recycled fishnets, fabric scraps and other post - consumer waste materials. 

Xcel Infiniti wetsuit is made from limestone-based neoprene that produces fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional neoprene. 

Gul Response wetsuit is made from using non-petroleum materials and limestone based neoprene which is the wetsuit, I'm wearing above. 

Using eco-friendly wetsuits can help reduce waste and pollution associate and disposal. Preserving the environment also ensures that future generations can enjoy our planet's oceans and its diverse marine life. 

How long should your wetsuit last? 

The lifespan of a wetsuit is always something, I've been trying to figure out because over the past 10 years I've had many, some have lasted longer than others so I've done a great deal of research to find the best answers and there are several different factors. 

1. Quality. Higher quality wetsuits are generally made from better materials and will last longer than cheaper options unfortunately. So when picking out a winter wetsuit, I'd definitely try to invest in the more pricier  options.
2. Frequency of use. The more often you use your wetsuit, the quicker it will wear out. 
3. Wetsuit Care. Rinsing the salt water off of your wetsuit, maintenance any torn spots, keeping it out of the sun and properly storing it will extend the life span of your wetsuit. 

Typically, a well made, high quality wetsuit should last between 3-5 years with regular use. However, with the proper care, it's not uncommon for a wetsuit to last even longer. 

I have one that lasted 8 years and another that someone gave me a vintage wetsuit made in the 70's that's still in excellent condition. On the other hand, lower quality wetsuits may only last 1-2 seasons. Proper care of your wetsuit can help extend its lifespan and ensure that it performs at its best.

 Here are some tips for taking care of your wetsuit. 

1. Rinse. Rinsing your wetsuit thoroughly in fresh water after each use to remove salt, sand and other debris will help it to last longer. 
2. Dry. Hang your wetsuit to dry in a well - ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources and sharp objects. 
3. Store. Store your wetsuit flat or rolled up, avoiding folds that can cause creasing and weaken the material. 
4. Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the material to fade and weaken over time. 
5. Repair tears promptly. Repairing any tears or punctures in your wetsuit promptly to precent water from seeping in and damaging the insulation. 

By following these tips, you can help your wetsuit last long as possible and perform at its best. 

Together we can do our part in contributing to a more sustainable Planet. Please share and do comment to share your tips or any questions. 

Check out these tips on being a Cultured Surfer