I have a Zone 3 Vision wetsuit I bought early 2016. It was at the lower end of Zone 3's range, but not their entry level. I have only raced it 5 times-- 4 HIM swims and a sprint. I usually do 2 or 3 pool swims in it before a race, so it has a total of 20 uses and 26 miles.

The neoprene between my legs is worn through to the inner fabric lining (see the first picture). And, the neoprene around my arm pits is splitting (2nd picture). There are more splits, all across a seam. Is this normal? Is there something I should be doing to better preserve my wetsuit? How much life can I expect out of a wetsuit?

I have to do pool swims in it because I do not have easy access to open water. After every pool swim, I rinse it inside and out and lay it out to dry. After a race, I thoroughly rinse and soak it, and then I hang it inside out and then right-side out to fully dry. Then I put it away until the next race.

I want to buy a better wetsuit after this season, so I may wear this one only one or two more times. However, before I invest, I want to know if I am doing something (or not doing something) that is ruining my wetsuit prematurely. I may be hosed on the thigh wear, because I have always had thigh chafing to battle when I run, but the neoprene splitting seems unusual.