Drysuits, Jackets and Trousers

Your dry-wear has been constructed with waterproof fabric, waterproof zips, sealed seams and latex dry seals in order to exclude water entry to the garment. However, you must be aware that various factors can cause water ingress at any time and you should be appropriately dressed and prepared for this eventuality. Always wear a good quality thermal base-layer and socks under your suit, and other watersports-specific thermal layers if appropriate.
Rinse and Dry
– Always rinse your waterproof garments in clean, fresh water after every use. Your perspiration contains bacteria, so does dirty water, these will multiply and eat your equipment if allowed to thrive. We do not recommend any detergents because they can damage the waterproof membrane. Water is all you need.
– Air dry your waterproof garments away from sunlight and direct heat sources (do not leave on a radiator or in an airing cupboard). Extreme temperatures will damage the clever waterproof and breathable membrane and can cause delamination. Machine washing, sun drying, cars in hot weather are all big no-no’s.
– DO NOT leave your waterproof garments damp or wet for long periods of time. This can cause mildew and mould and ultimately will delaminate the fabric and cause it to fail.
– We do not recommend any re-proofing products on your garments, purely because we have not product tested or endorse any specific brands. If you choose to use a re-proofer, make sure you follow the manufacturers guidelines and test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Storing
– Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, oil-based substances and chemicals.
– DO NOT leave your waterproof garments screwed up in a dry bag. Loosely fold or hang your waterproof garments and avoid unnecessary compression.
Avoid
– Avoid contaminating your waterproof garments with oil-based substances, sunscreen and insect repellent. Oils, chemicals and fuels will damage the technical fabric.
– Make sure your waterproof garments are cleared of abrasive dirt, sand or dried salt before each use (if salt water dries it leaves super abrasive crystals). Abrasives will destroy your product/damage the waterproof membrane from the inside next time you use it, rendering it no longer dry.
– UV is very bad, using a product in the sun is one thing, leaving it in the sun is quite another. Keep in the shade when not in use, and never expose the lining material or latex seals to excessive direct sunlight.

Drysuit

After putting on the suit, ensure that the zips are fully closed and sealed. Vent trapped air out from the neck and be ready to do so again if conditions change. Swimming in a drysuit can be extremely dangerous. Make sure you understand about air venting, and always wear a buoyancy aid, before going near the water. It is the nature of the paddlesports for which the drysuit is designed that your suit may incur significant wear and tear. Whether the fabric wears through from the outside or the inside this can be repaired with glue and a patch of any nylon waterproof fabric. The suit has been tested at the factory to ensure that it is supplied leak free. If the suit begins to leak at one of the seams due to flexion induced tape lift, or on the fabric itself due to puncture or wear, you can easily repair this using the glue. Use only a thin layer of glue – a thick blob will cause a stress concentration and subsequent extreme wear of the surrounding area.
When transporting the suit make sure that you keep the zips straight. Roll the drysuit up from feet to chest and gently wrap the shoulders (with the zip) around the bulk of the suit to avoid creasing or putting the zip under unnecessary stress.

Latex Seals

Cut down the latex neck seal with a sharp knife or scissors to provide a comfortable fit. Please note that a latex seal does not have to be super tight in order to remain dry. Put on the garment carefully using a free hand to help open the latex seals and work them over your head/hands. Do not drag the seals over your skin while holding the fabric as this places undue strain on the construction and will cause leakage. It is advisable to condition your latex with Seal Saver (available here) to encourage durability and longevity of the seals. In common with all other manufacturers we are not able to offer a guarantee on our latex seals, but in the unlikely event that you break one, we can replace it for a nominal charge – full details here

Plastic Zips – TIZIP MasterSeal

The TIZIP MasterSeal is easy to operate, and pressure tested to 500 mbar. Heavy or sharp bending or twisting may cause leakage or permanent damage. Please try to avoid. It is highly resistant to damage caused by dirt or sand. However if dirt or sand are present, the zipper should be cleaned with fresh water. Dirt particles can affect the sealing function if they get caught between the chain profiles. The cleanliness of the chain area should be thoroughly checked prior to every use. It is also provided with a tube of lubricant, please use regularly to maintain the zip. TIZIP Masterseal zippers need to be lubricated on the docking end from time to time. Carefully apply the lubricant over the docking end surfaces on front and back and inside where they connect to the zipper chain. Repeat before long term storage, leaving the slider closed when dry. Warning: excessive lubricant may stain fabrics.

Brass Zips – BDM

The brass BDM zips on the original Assassin drysuit, like any super technical item need to be properly looked after. Zippers should be rinsed in clean fresh water after every use. The zipper should, periodically, also be cleaned and lubricated with Zip Oil or Zip Wax to ensure easy operation of the slider. The precise timing of this cleaning depends on the rate of usage of the zipper. However, note that whenever the slider resistance feels higher than usual, clean and lubricate the elements. Leave zip open for long term storage.
Very Important
DO NOT CREASE OR FOLD THE ZIPS AT ANY TIME – FORCING THE ZIPS TO BEND CAN BREAK THEM AND ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. ZIPS BROKEN BY FOLDING OR USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE ARE NOT COVERED BY OUR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY.

Throwlines / Polypropylene Rope

Polypropylene line has a relatively low melting point. Care should be observed if used in conjunction with friction devices. To avoid abrasion damage to the line, always rinse and clean after use and avoid standing on the line at any time. Any grit that is pressed in to the line will cause abrasion damage to the centre of the line when it is put under load. Always rinse the throwline after use with fresh water and dry. This will stop corrosion to the press-studs and also salt crystals building up and causing abrasion. Drying is important to avoid mildew. Do not dry in direct sunlight. Inspect the line by running it through your hands to feel any inconsistencies and visually check for signs of damage. Always dry and store the product out of direct sunlight because ultra violet light will damage the line. Store the line coiled and out of the bag, then whoever uses it next will know it has been packed correctly. Avoid contact with petroleum products; the line can be damaged from the inside.

Neoprene/Wetsuit Items (Tops, Strides, Gloves & Socks)

Although wetsuit items are tough and durable, they require care and regular cleaning to avoid build up of bacteria, grit, oils and salt crystals which can reduce comfort and their useful life.You should wash your wetsuit items by hand after every use in clean, fresh water.One of the easiest ways to do this is to hang them outside and thoroughly spray them with a hose until the water runs clear. Alternatively they can be submerged in clean water and gently squeezed to remove the excess water before hanging to dry. They should be drip dried away from direct sunlight or heat sources. There are specifically designed detergent products available to wash wetsuits, but you can use a heavily diluted mild washing detergent. Mix the detergent thoroughly in the water and submerge the item. Wash gently, squeeze out the dirty water, and allow it to soak a little while longer. If the neoprene is especially dirty or grimy, you may want to soak it overnight. Then rinse repeatedly until no more bubbles or suds from your cleaner appear. We do not recommend putting your wetsuit items in a washing machine. DO NOT put in a tumble dryer. DO NOT use fabric conditioner/softener. DO NOT dry in direct sunlight. DO NOT put away damp.

’Neoprene’ / wetsuit material made from polychloroprene and elastane.