Online timer for 118 seconds
While 118 seconds run down, stand beside the tub or outdoor tap and let your wetsuit soak, without squeezing or working the fabric. After an ocean swim around Aotearoa New Zealand, this short pause gives fresh water time to move through the suit and loosen salt, sand, and small bits of seaweed.
With several wetsuit panels or pieces of gear to rinse, use the same countdown again for each one. Repeating equal soaking periods makes it easier to avoid rushing the hood or booties after spending longer on the main suit. Let one countdown finish, drain the cloudy water, refill the tub, and begin the next soak.
On a hot New Zealand afternoon, keep the waiting wetsuit out of direct sun while the countdown runs. Warm fabric and evaporating water can leave salt concentrated on the surface, especially after a swim on a bright, breezy coast. If the water becomes gritty before the end, replace it and continue; once rinsed, hang the suit in shade where air can circulate.
Common questions
Should I extend the countdown if the wetsuit is still sandy after an ocean swim?
Yes. Empty the gritty water, refill with clean cool water, and run the same interval again rather than leaving sand against the fabric.
Can I stop before the countdown ends on a very hot day?
If the water is already clear and the suit no longer feels salty, an earlier finish is reasonable. Move it straight to a shaded, airy place so it does not sit wet in strong New Zealand sun.
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