Packing it in for the winter

[costi]

Though it isn't quite time for me to pack it away for the winter up here in the Northeast, I was just thinking today that I should be ready when the time comes. My question is this: I own a Sherwood bc, A Blizzard reg, and also a sherwood octo and tank. My wetsuit is a 7mm farmer John style. I'm new to the sport as of April 29 of this year and have been diving quite a bit so my gear hasn't sat for long between rinses.
After I finish my final dive "hopefully around Thanksgiving", what treatment do I give my equipment? Do I simply rinse it as I usually do (inside and out) in my dunk tank and hose or is there some other treatment that iIneed to do to preserve the gear until next Spring? Of course the obvious answer is "keep diving and you won't have to put it away!"
I should have noted at the time of purchase that I didn't have owners manuals with my new gear, but I was a bit overwhelmed at the time not that it is an excuse.
Anyway....I would appreciate any input.........Bob

 

[markfm]

Popular might be swishing some listerine inside the BC (with water), and doing a soak of suit and boots in the tank with sink the stink (I actually use an enzyme cleaner called Kids 'N Pets from a local grocery store; works fine)
I assume you have a good hanger -- I use 1-1/4" PVC over an el-cheapo plastic hanger.

 

[Gary D.]

Though it isn't quite time for me to pack it away for the winter up here in the Northeast, I was just thinking today that I should be ready when the time comes. My question is this: I own a Sherwood bc, A Blizzard reg, and also a sherwood octo and tank. My wetsuit is a 7mm farmer John style. I'm new to the sport as of April 29 of this year and have been diving quite a bit so my gear hasn't sat for long between rinses.
After I finish my final dive "hopefully around Thanksgiving", what treatment do I give my equipment? Do I simply rinse it as I usually do (inside and out) in my dunk tank and hose or is there some other treatment that iIneed to do to preserve the gear until next Spring? Of course the obvious answer is "keep diving and you won't have to put it away!"
I should have noted at the time of purchase that I didn't have owners manuals with my new gear, but I was a bit overwhelmed at the time not that it is an excuse.
Anyway....I would appreciate any input.........Bob

Why are you packing it away? We used to dive under the ice in 1/4" Farmer Johns. Still good diving in winter.

Gary D.

 

[drglnc]

Move so no need to pack, but seriously make sure you use a silicone pump on all your hoses and i recomend storing your bc partially inflated to prevent sticking. adryer sheet inside booties should help with the oder aswell.

 

[SStrecker]

Scrub and shampoo all neoprene gear. Completely dry the BC and reg. (Air pressure helps.) Mend anything that needs it. Pack everything away carefully.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

Hi there Bob –

One tip: remove the batteries from torches and computers (if user replaceable) to avoid potential corrosion damage.

I’d soak everything in fresh water. Rinse inside of BC and flush out all exhaust valves when draining. Most importantly allow your gear to dry fully before storing. Remove dust cover from 1st stage while drying to remove any moisture that may have entered while rising.

Cheers,
Rohan.