welcome to the forum, RyanNg.
I do soak them for a few hours and discard the water and re-soak them again for a few hours in fresh water. That is because many have said in this forum that they may contain some salt.
It is a precaution. I found that in India they use fresh river water to make coir/chips. But I don't take a chance. I have been tempted to lick the chips to see if it is salty but could not bring myself to trying that... yet!
