Is Neoprene Waterproof? Everything Kayakers Need to Know

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: August 8, 2025

Last weekend on Lake Travis, I watched a buddy struggle with his ancient wetsuit that had started letting water seep through the seams. As he shivered on shore, wringing out what should have been a "waterproof" suit, it got me thinking – how many paddlers really understand what makes neoprene waterproof, and when it isn't?

After 20 years of paddling in everything from glacier-fed rivers to warm coastal waters, I've learned that neoprene's relationship with water is more complicated than most kayakers realize. Sure, the marketing says it's waterproof, but there's a lot more to the story.

What Exactly Is Neoprene?

Before we dive into the waterproof question, let's talk about what neoprene is made of. Neoprene, technically called polychloroprene, is a synthetic rubber that DuPont invented back in 1930. Unlike natural rubber that comes from trees, neoprene is created through a chemical process that bonds chloroprene molecules together.

The magic happens when manufacturers foam this synthetic rubber with nitrogen gas, creating millions of tiny bubbles trapped inside the material. These gas bubbles are what give neoprene its insulating properties – and they're also key to understanding its water resistance.

I remember cutting open an old wetsuit once (for science, of course) and being amazed at the honeycomb structure inside. It looked like a black sponge, which explains a lot about how neoprene actually works with water.

So, Is Neoprene Actually Waterproof?

Here's where it gets interesting – and a bit confusing for many paddlers. The short answer is: it depends on the type of neoprene.

Solid neoprene rubber is essentially waterproof. It creates an impermeable barrier that water can't pass through. But here's the kicker – most kayaking gear isn't made from solid neoprene.

Closed-cell neoprene foam (what your wetsuit is made of) is water-resistant, not completely waterproof. Those tiny nitrogen bubbles I mentioned? They're sealed off from each other, which prevents water from flowing through the material. However, under pressure or over time, small amounts of water can still penetrate.

Open-cell neoprene is even less waterproof – it's designed to let some water in, which is why it's rarely used in kayaking applications.

How Wetsuits Keep You Warm (Hint: It's Not by Being Waterproof)?

This might blow your mind, but wetsuits aren't designed to keep you completely dry. I learned this the hard way during my first winter paddle on the Deschutes River. I expected my new 5mm wetsuit to work like a drysuit – boy, was I wrong.

Wetsuits work by letting a thin layer of water seep in between your skin and the neoprene. Your body heat warms this water, creating an insulating layer. The neoprene's job is to trap that warm water and prevent cold water from constantly flushing through.

For this system to work, your wetsuit needs to fit like a second skin. Too loose, and cold water keeps cycling through. Too tight, and you'll restrict blood flow (trust me, numb fingers in 40-degree water is no joke).

Does Neoprene Absorb Water?

This is where things get technical, but stick with me – it's important for understanding how long your gear will last.

High-quality closed-cell neoprene has an absorption rate of less than 5%. That sounds great until you realize what happens over time. Every time you compress neoprene (sitting in your kayak, for example), you're potentially damaging those tiny sealed cells. Once they break open, water starts seeping in.

I've got a 10-year-old pair of neoprene kayaking gloves that now feel like wet sponges even before I hit the water. The material has broken down enough that it's absorbing water like crazy. They still work, but they're heavier and less insulating than when new.

The Truth About Neoprene and Heat

One question I get all the time is "is neoprene heat resistant?" This matters for kayakers who leave gear in hot cars or paddle in intense sun.

Neoprene can handle temperatures up to about 200-250°F (93-121°C) before it starts to degrade. But here's what actually happens in real-world conditions:

In a hot car (140°F), neoprene won't melt, but it can become permanently compressed
Direct sunlight causes UV degradation over time
Neoprene gets stiffer, not softer, when heated – unlike natural rubber that turns gooey

I once left my wetsuit on hot asphalt in Phoenix while loading gear. When I picked it up, the back had a permanent indent from the pavement texture. The material didn't melt, but it definitely changed shape.

Are Neoprene Boots Waterproof?

Kayaking booties are a special case. Most neoprene boots are waterproof in the sense that they won't let water pour through like canvas shoes. However, they're designed to work like mini wetsuits for your feet.

The best kayaking booties I've used have:

Sealed or blind-stitched seams to minimize water entry
Thick soles that don't compress easily
Snug ankle closures to reduce water exchange

Even with all these features, your feet will get wet. The goal is to keep them warm, not dry. If you need truly dry feet, you'll want to look into drysuit options with built-in socks or use waterproof socks inside your booties.

Is Neoprene Toxic? The Uncomfortable Truth

Now for the elephant in the room – is neoprene toxic or is neoprene dangerous? This is where my research took me down a rabbit hole I wasn't expecting.

Manufacturing Concerns

The production of neoprene involves chloroprene, which the EPA considers a likely carcinogen. There's only one chloroprene plant left in the US, located in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," where cancer rates are 50 times the national average. That's sobering stuff.

Is Wearing Neoprene Safe?

Here's the good news: is neoprene non toxic when you're wearing it? For most people, yes. The chloroprene is bound up in the polymer structure, so you're not exposed to concerning levels during normal use.

However, some paddlers do experience reactions:

Skin rashes or dermatitis (usually from chemical accelerants used in manufacturing)
Allergic reactions to thiourea compounds
Irritation from the "new wetsuit smell"

I've had mild skin irritation from brand-new wetsuits that went away after a few washes. If you're sensitive, try washing new neoprene gear with mild soap and letting it air out before first use.

The Durability Question: Is Neoprene Durable?

After two decades of hard use, I can tell you that neoprene is durable – with some caveats. My main wetsuit sees 100+ days on the water annually and typically lasts 3-5 years before the thermal protection degrades noticeably.

Factors that affect neoprene durability:

UV exposure: Store gear out of direct sunlight
Compression: Don't leave heavy items on your wetsuit
Chemicals: Rinse after saltwater or chlorinated pool use
Stretching: Repeated overstretching breaks down elasticity

The most durable neoprene gear I own are my 4mm gloves – going on 7 years now. The least durable? Thin knee pads that constantly flex and compress.

Choosing the Right Neoprene Thickness

Not all neoprene is created equal. Here's my thickness guide based on water temperature:

70°F+ (21°C+): 2mm shorty or just neoprene accessories 60-70°F (15-21°C): 3mm full suit 50-60°F (10-15°C): 4-5mm full suit with boots and gloves Below 50°F (10°C): Consider a drysuit or 6mm+ wetsuit

Remember, these are for kayaking where you're mostly out of the water. If you're doing whitewater kayaking where swimming is likely, go thicker.

Common Neoprene Myths Debunked

Let me clear up some misconceptions I hear at every paddle meetup:

Myth 1: "Petroleum-free" neoprene is eco-friendly Reality: Limestone-based neoprene still requires mining and high-heat processing. It's not significantly better environmentally.

Myth 2: Thicker always means warmer Reality: Fit matters more than thickness. A well-fitting 3mm suit beats a baggy 5mm every time.

Myth 3: Neoprene wetsuits are completely waterproof Reality: As we've covered, they're water-resistant, not waterproof. They're designed to work with water, not exclude it.

Myth 4: You can repair neoprene with regular glue Reality: You need special neoprene cement or contact adhesive. Regular glue won't create a waterproof bond.

Caring for Your Neoprene Gear

Want your neoprene to last? Here's my maintenance routine that's kept gear functional for years:

After Every Use:

Rinse with fresh water (especially after saltwater)
Hang dry in shade (never in direct sun)
Use wide hangers to prevent stretching

Monthly:

Wash with wetsuit shampoo or mild soap
Check for small tears and repair immediately
Apply zipper lubricant

Storage:

Store flat or on wide hangers
Keep in cool, dry place
Never fold – it creates permanent creases

I learned the folding lesson when I stored my first wetsuit crammed in a gear bag. Those fold lines became weak points that eventually tore.

Making the Neoprene Decision

So should you trust neoprene for your kayaking adventures? For most paddlers, absolutely. Despite its imperfections, neoprene remains the best balance of insulation, flexibility, and affordability for water sports.

Just understand its limitations:

It's water-resistant, not waterproof
Quality varies significantly between brands
Environmental and health concerns exist in manufacturing
Proper care dramatically extends lifespan

Looking at Alternatives

If you're concerned about neoprene's environmental impact or want something different, consider:

Natural rubber wetsuits: Made from tree-derived latex
Geoprene: Limestone-based (though not much better environmentally)
Yulex: Plant-based alternative gaining popularity

I've tried a Yulex wetsuit and found it comparable to traditional neoprene, though slightly less stretchy. The price premium is real – expect to pay 20-30% more.

My Neoprene Gear Recommendations

Based on thousands of hours on the water, here's what I keep in my gear bag:

Year-round essentials:

3mm neoprene gloves (even in summer for sun protection)
2mm neoprene socks (prevent blisters in booties)
Neoprene spray skirt (better than nylon in rough water)

Cold water additions:

5mm farmer john wetsuit
5mm boots with reinforced soles
Neoprene hood (game-changer below 50°F)

FAQ Section

Can neoprene be fully waterproof?

Solid neoprene sheets are waterproof, but the foam neoprene used in most kayaking gear is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. It's designed to limit water flow, not prevent it entirely.

How long does neoprene stay waterproof?

High-quality neoprene maintains its water resistance for 3-5 years with regular use. After that, cell breakdown and compression reduce its effectiveness, though it may still provide some insulation.

Does neoprene smell toxic?

New neoprene has a distinct chemical smell from manufacturing residues. While unpleasant, it's not typically dangerous at the levels present in finished products. The smell fades with washing and airing out.

Is neoprene safe for sensitive skin?

Most people can wear neoprene safely, but some experience reactions to chemical accelerants used in production. If you have sensitive skin, wash new gear thoroughly and consider barrier clothing underneath.

Can I make neoprene more waterproof?

You can improve water resistance by sealing seams with neoprene cement or liquid seal products. However, you can't make foam neoprene completely waterproof without fundamentally changing the material.

What temperature ruins neoprene?

Neoprene starts degrading around 250°F (121°C) and has a burn point near 500°F (260°C). More commonly, UV exposure and repeated compression cause deterioration before heat becomes an issue.

Is 3mm neoprene waterproof?

Like all foam neoprene, 3mm is water-resistant, not waterproof. It significantly slows water penetration but doesn't stop it completely. The thicker material does provide better insulation than thinner options.

Why does my wetsuit let water in?

Water entry is normal and necessary for wetsuit function. Excessive water flow usually means poor fit, worn seams, damaged neoprene, or broken zippers. A properly fitting wetsuit should let minimal water in and prevent constant flushing.

The Bottom Line

After years of relying on neoprene in conditions from Alaska's glacial waters to Texas summer heat, I can say it's not perfect – but it works. Understanding that neoprene is water-resistant rather than waterproof helps set proper expectations.

Yes, there are environmental and health concerns worth considering. But for most recreational paddlers, neoprene remains the most practical option for thermal protection on the water. Just choose quality gear, maintain it properly, and replace it when performance degrades.

Next time you zip up that wetsuit, you'll know exactly what's keeping you warm – and why a little water seeping in is all part of the plan. Now get out there and paddle! The water's waiting, and your neoprene gear is ready to do its job, imperfections and all.