Wetsuits: use the iron to remove wax, but not this way | Photo: Seventhwave Wetsuits

After many surfing sessions, the wax will accelerate the wetsuit tear. Learn how to get rid of it quickly.

What do you need to remove unwanted surf wax from your favorite wetsuit?

Get a clothing iron - no steam - and an old tea towel or clean rag.

Now, set the iron to a low temperature, for example, by selecting the nylon setting.

Then, test a small area inside your wetsuit to ensure it won't burn.

Removing Wax from Neoprene 101

Here's how to get that sticky wax off your neoprene:

  1. Lay the tea towel over the area where wax is glued to the neoprene;
  2. Iron over it and make sure to keep the iron moving to reduce chances of burning;
  3. You'll notice that the wax will stick to the towel. Repeat the process in all needed areas (bum, knees, hips, and elbows) until there's no wax in your second skin;

Attention: wetsuits with rubber seals or liquid taping will melt under the heat.

Also, don't iron over zips or PVC kneepads because heat can warp and damage them.

Finally, remember that some chest panels have a fluffy lining that will melt under heat.

Watch the following video and learn how to make your wetsuit last longer.

Top Stories

The small fishing town of Bathsheba in Barbados is home to one of the most surprising right-hand reef breaks on the planet. Here's what makes Soup Bowl such an incredible wave.

Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller announced they are expecting a baby. It's a boy.

Surfing is all about working the unbroken wave face and maximizing riding time. But how can you optimize and balance these two goals that cancel each other out?

"I'm at the lake. The wind is forecast to pick up through the day with some moderate gusts, but we have a small weather window to paddle. I think it's fine!" pings a WhatsApp message one late April morning.