How to Take Care of Your Dive Gear During the Christmas Break
December has a funny rhythm for divers.
Some of us are squeezing in one last trip before the year ends. Others are rinsing, drying, and packing gear away for a while, until the ocean calls again.
Either way, this quiet stretch is actually one of the best times to take care of your dive equipment. A little attention now can save you from surprises later, stiff straps, salty zips, or that familiar “why does this smell weird?” moment.
Here’s a simple, no-stress guide to caring for your essential dive gear over the Christmas break.
1. Mask: small, but easy to neglect
After your last dive:
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
Make sure sand is cleared from the skirt and strap buckle
Let it dry fully before storing
Store lens-up or in a case to avoid pressure on the glass
Extra tip:
Avoid leaving masks near windows or in hot cars, UV and heat slowly weaken silicone.
Moonbow note:
A mask strap cover doesn’t just add comfort underwater. It also helps protect the strap from UV, salt, and friction when your gear is stored or traveling → Explore mask strap covers
2. Regulator — Gentle care goes a long way
Secure the dust cap before rinsing
Rinse gently, no blasting water into hoses
Let it dry completely
Coil hoses loosely (tight coils shorten hose life)
If you won’t be diving for a while, store your regulator in a breathable bag rather than sealing it in plastic.
3. BCD — Inside matters too
Rinse both outside and inside the bladder
Add fresh water into the inflator, gently swish, and drain
Partially inflate before storage
Store hanging or laid flat — never crumpled
Christmas break is also a good time to check:
Dump valves
Inflator function
Forgotten items in pockets (yes, even that shell >O<)
4. Wetsuits & Rashguards — Dry means really dry
Rinse thoroughly
Dry fully before storing (inside and out)
Avoid wire hangers — they stretch shoulders
Store flat or folded loosely
Never store damp neoprene “just for a few days.” That smell remembers.
Moonbow note:
Many divers like keeping a buff handy during surface intervals, windy boat rides, or chilly post-dive moments. Easy to wash, quick to dry, and small to pack away between trips.
→ Explore Moonbow Buff Collection
5. Small Essentials — The easy-to-forget list
Dive computer: rinse buttons gently, dry well
Torch: remove batteries if storing long-term
Snorkel, clips, straps: rinse and dry before packing
Keep everything in one place so your next trip starts calmly
If You’re Still Diving This Christmas…
Lucky you!!! :)
Holiday dives often mean:
More sun exposure
Less space for changing
Slower drying times
Packing items that work in and out of the water makes things easier:
Something that keeps you warm post-dive, dries fast and something that doesn’t add bulk to your bag
Moonbow note:
Our ponchos are designed for exactly this = changing, warmth, sun protection, and no need to pack an extra towel.
→ Explore Moonbow Poncho
A Small Ritual Before the New Year
Taking care of your gear is a quiet ritual.
It’s a way of closing one chapter before opening the next.
Whether your equipment is resting for a while, or heading straight back into the sea, a little care now helps everything travel better with you in the year ahead.
Until the next splash. 🤍