Now that we’re right in the middle of the coldest months of the year, you’re probably facing a bit of a diving dilemma. If you’re a fair-weather diver, it might finally be time to pack away your gear until the warmth of spring returns. But if you’re planning to just embrace the chill and dive all through winter, the conditions you contend with will be harsher - and not just underwater, but also when caring for your equipment. Winter diving means colder, wetter weather that can be tough on your gear and makes proper maintenance and storage even more critical.
Whatever your plans, knowing how to store scuba gear and keep it in peak condition will guarantee that you’re ready for your next adventure. Whether you are stashing it away for a few months or prepping for your cold-water excursions, here’s how to keep your dive equipment in top shape during the winter.
Immediate Post-Dive Care
Long before you stow your gear, the first step in how to look after your dive equipment is always to tend to it straight away. Good maintenance begins the moment you surface from a dive and you should be rinsing your gear thoroughly with fresh water after each outing. This process removes salt, sand, and other debris that can degrade your kit over time and often finds itself stuck nastily in components vulnerable to corrosion like your zips and seals.
If you know that it is going to be your last dive for a couple of months, it’s also wise to give key items like your wetsuit and/or drysuit a bit of a deeper clean with a specialist product like the Gear Aid Shampoo. By removing saltwater, chlorine and other nasties, this process gives you the peace of mind that your gear will be ready to go when you dig it out again when the sun starts to shine. A deeper clean now can be an especially vital step for those who have had a busy dive season and might’ve neglected some much-needed maintenance.
Proper Kit Storage Over Winter
Once cleaned, your scuba gear will be almost ready for storage. However, before it’s neatly packed away you must make sure that it is completely dry. The likelihood of dampness is much greater in the winter months and these conditions can promote mould, mildew and corrosion and wreak havoc on your expensive dive gear. Always make sure that your equipment is completely dry, then move on to the following steps concerning how to store your scuba gear over winter.
Where To Store Your Scuba Gear
Start by selecting a cool, dry location for your equipment storage. Avoid damp spaces like garages and sheds, where moisture can accumulate quickly and lead to damage. You should also choose a spot where you can keep your gear stored off the ground and out of direct sunlight as this kind of contact can degrade materials over time.
Even if you think you have the perfect spot, it’s worth taking additional precautions to combat humidity. Consider using moisture-absorbing products like the Sealife Moisture Muncher Capsules - drying agents which are especially good at protecting electronics like your dive computer and waterproof camera from corrosion in storage.
How To Store Your Scuba Gear
There are also certain techniques you can utilise to ensure that the way in which you store your gear is optimal. For example, for your wetsuit or drysuit, hanging is far superior to folding. Use a sturdy, purpose-built hanger like the Beaver Equipment Hanger, which is designed to support the weight of naturally heavy scuba gear without causing weak spots over time. Hanging your suit properly will also help to maintain its shape and prolong its life.
Other items which will need to be stored in particular ways include your regulator and BCD. For the former, store hoses loosely coiled to avoid kinks and unnecessary stress and make sure both the first and second stages are dry before stowing away in a suitable bag or location. Your BCD also deserves careful handling and should be hung partially inflated to help maintain its shape.
Winter Maintenance Tasks
With less or no diving on the cards, winter is the perfect time to give your dive gear some long-overdue TLC. As we have touched upon, winter conditions can also make your kit more susceptible to damage so performing maintenance throughout the season will also give you the peace of mind that you will not be returning to any nasty surprises come the spring.
You’ll be well aware of which items you’ve neglected, but it can help to break your maintenance efforts down into a number of small tasks to tackle throughout the winter period. Inspecting all rubber and silicone parts, such as seals and O-rings, should certainly be high on the priority list as cold weather can make these components brittle. Use a protectant like Gear Aid Silicone Protectant or Seal Saver to keep them supple and unlock an extra layer of defence against the elements.
It’s also worth making time to simply examine and test your dive gear for signs of damage. Tears, leaks and worn-out components should all be repaired or replaced promptly. Winter is also a great time to get your regulator serviced if you’ve been putting it off throughout the summer!
Taking the time to learn how to store scuba gear properly - and committing to regular cleaning and maintenance - will pay dividends when the winter is over. We hope that the tips outlined in this guide have been a helpful starting point, but if you need any further advice or information about the products you can use to protect your dive gear this winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.