The Internet is full of blogs these days on tips to doing this and best ways to do that. Well, today we are going to tell you how NOT to do something critical, and that is how NOT to store your dive gear. There are many good ways to store your gear, but there are a handful of very bad ways to store your gear that could easily ruin it or even put yourself and others in danger.
Do NOT Store Your Gear In Direct Sunlight!
You should never, ever, ever store your gear, or just leave it out to dry, in direct sunlight. Yes, the sun will dry your gear quickly, and yes, your gear is built to be resistant to wear and tear, however, direct sunlight is the enemy. Exposing your gear to Ultra Violet rays can quickly start to fade colors, ruin anything made of neoprene and break down the strength of the nylon on your BC. To put it simply, store all of your gear out of the sun by hanging it to dry in a shaded area or inside your home.
Do NOT Fold Your Wet Suit
Yes, you're going to have to fold your wetsuit somewhat to be able to fit it into your dive bag, however, do not fold your wetsuit for long-term storage. Use a dedicated wetsuit hanger that has much thicker hanging arms, and hang it in a closet for storage. Folding it will just lead to permanent creases in the neoprene.
Do NOT Pack Your Gear If It Is Still Damp
Always, always, always wait to store your gear until it is completely dry. If you pack it away while still moist not only will it reek the next time you take it out, but all kinds of nasty things, like mold and bacteria, will grow on it.
Do NOT Leave In O-rings or Batteries
When storing specialty gear such as underwater flashlights, video, and photography equipment, never leave the batteries or o-rings and place. If O-rings are left in the housings, they can easily get warped by heat and dry out. The best way to store your o-rings is to remove them from the housing and place them in a sealed plastic baggie. Also, remove all batteries from all equipment. Batteries, especially alkaline ones, can corrode during long-term storage.
As summer continues to heat up and the diving season moves into full swing, it will be important to ensure your gear stays in optimal working order. By NOT doing all of the things on this list, your equipment will stay in its best condition. Stay tuned to our blog next week where we will tell you of all the ways NOT to store your scuba cylinders.
