Repairing a Wetsuit: Services + DIY Guide to Fixing Holes, Tears, and Seams

If you need to repair your wetsuit, here are some options:

• Local Dive Shops and Surf Shops: These types of stores often provide wetsuit repair services or can direct you to reliable repair shops.
• Outdoor Gear Stores: Stores specializing in outdoor equipment might offer wetsuit repair services or have recommendations.
• Online Wetsuit Repair Services: Swell Stuff, JMJ Wetsuits, Terrapin Wetsuits, and ScubaToys.
• Local Tailors or Sewing Shops: Some local tailors or sewing shops may offer wetsuit repair services or be willing to work on neoprene material.
• Ask in Online Communities: Check online forums, social media groups, or communities related to diving, surfing, or water sports. Members might have recommendations based on their personal experiences.

When your beloved wetsuit suffers a rip, tear, or seam split, it can seem like doomsday for water sports enthusiasts. Yet you might be surprised to learn just how straightforward and affordable it is to fix these issues at home.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of repairing your wetsuit and restoring its full functionality using easily available materials. Ready? Dive in to discover how easy DIY wetsuit repairs can be!

Key Takeaways

• Repairing holes, tears, and seams in your wetsuit is straightforward and affordable.
• Use a patch kit like Tenacious Tape to fix small holes by placing the tape over the hole and sealing it with wetsuit glue.
• Sew up tears using dental floss or nylon thread, making sure to pull tightly for a secure repair.
• Use neoprene cement or specialized wetsuit repair glue to fix damaged seams, applying a small amount of glue and pressing the seam together firmly.

Common Issues with Wetsuits

Wetsuits often experience common issues such as holes, tears, and damaged seams.

Holes

Holes in your wetsuit can let in cold water. This makes you feel cold and can ruin your fun in the water. The good news is, fixing holes is not hard! You need a patch kit, like Tenacious Tape.

Stick this tape over the hole to stop it from getting bigger. Also use glue made for wetsuits to seal around the edges of the patch. After that, leave your wetsuit to dry. It needs about 24 hours before it’s ready for use again.

The cost is small too – just $5-$10 for most fixes! Taking care of holes right away helps keep your suit working well and saves you money on a new one.

Tears

Tears in a wetsuit can happen when you’re out enjoying the waves. It’s important to fix them right away so they don’t get bigger. Luckily, repairing tears is easier than you might think.

Using a patch kit, like Tenacious Tape, can provide reinforcement to the neoprene and seal the tear. Simply clean the area around the tear, apply the patch over it, and press firmly to ensure a good seal.

With just a few simple steps, you can have your wetsuit back in action and ready for your next adventure!

Seams

Seams are an important part of your wetsuit that can sometimes get damaged. If you notice any rips or holes along the seams, don’t worry – they can be fixed! To repair a seam on your wetsuit, you’ll need to use neoprene cement or a specialized wetsuit repair glue.

Apply a small amount of glue along the damaged area and press the two sides of the seam together firmly. Let it dry completely before using your wetsuit again. Remember to inspect your seams regularly and fix any issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

With a little bit of DIY know-how, you can keep your wetsuit in great shape and enjoy your water sports activities without any worries!

Essential Supplies for Wetsuit Repair

To repair your wetsuit, you will need essential supplies such as dental floss, GearAid Tenacious Tape Neoprene Patch, neoprene cement, and GearAid Aquaseal FD.

Dental floss

Dental floss may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about repairing a wetsuit, but it can actually be quite useful. If you have a small tear or hole in your wetsuit, dental floss can help to sew it back together.

Simply thread the floss through a needle and stitch up the tear using a basic running stitch. Dental floss is strong and durable, making it a good choice for repairing minor damage on your wetsuit.

Plus, it’s easy to find at any store and costs much less than specialized repair kits. So next time you notice a small rip in your wetsuit, grab some dental floss and get sewing!

GearAid Tenacious Tape Neoprene Patch

The GearAid Tenacious Tape Neoprene Patch is a must-have for repairing your wetsuit. This strong and flexible patch provides excellent reinforcement to the neoprene material, ensuring long-lasting repairs.

Simply cut out the desired shape and size of the patch, peel off the backing, and apply it directly onto the tear or hole in your wetsuit. Press firmly to ensure a secure bond. The Tenacious Tape Neoprene Patch is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water seeping through your repaired area.

It’s an affordable and effective solution for fixing minor damages in your wetsuit quickly and easily.

Neoprene cement

Neoprene cement is a type of adhesive that is specifically designed for repairing neoprene garments, like wetsuits. It is a strong and flexible glue that can bond torn or damaged areas of your wetsuit back together.

Neoprene cement works by creating a durable seal that helps to prevent further damage and keep the water out. It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging when using neoprene cement, as each brand may have slightly different application methods.

This type of adhesive is an essential supply for wetsuit repair and can help you extend the lifespan of your favorite gear.

GearAid Aquaseal FD

GearAid Aquaseal FD is a reliable and effective product for repairing your wetsuit. It is specially designed to create long-lasting seals on neoprene, making it perfect for fixing holes, tears, and seams in your wetsuit.

Aquaseal FD dries quickly and provides a strong bond that can withstand the rigors of water sports activities. With its easy-to-use formula, you can apply it directly to damaged areas without any fuss.

Whether you have small punctures or larger tears in your wetsuit, GearAid Aquaseal FD is the go-to solution for restoring the functionality of your gear. So grab a tube of this handy adhesive and get back out on the waves with confidence!

Step-by-Step Guide to Wetsuit Repair

To fix a tear in your wetsuit, start by cleaning and drying the area around the tear. Then, use dental floss or nylon thread to sew up the tear using small stitches. Make sure to pull the thread tightly to ensure a secure repair.

Once the tear is sewn up, apply neoprene cement along the edges of the tear for added reinforcement. Allow it to dry completely before wearing your wetsuit again.

How to fix a tear in your wetsuit

Fixing a tear in your wetsuit is easier than you might think. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean and dry the damaged area of the wetsuit.
2. Cut a neoprene patch slightly larger than the tear.
3. Apply neoprene cement to both sides of the tear and let it dry for a few minutes.
4. Press the patch onto the tear firmly, making sure it covers all edges.
5. Allow the cement to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Test the repaired area by gently stretching it to ensure it holds.

How to sew a wetsuit tear

Fixing a tear in your wetsuit is easy and can be done at home. Here’s how to sew a wetsuit tear:

1. Clean the area around the tear using fresh water and mild soap.
2. Dry the area thoroughly before starting the repair.
3. Use dental floss or strong nylon thread to sew up the tear.
4. Start by knotting one end of the thread securely.
5. Push the needle through one edge of the tear, close to the edge.
6. Move across to the other side, creating small stitches along the tear’s length.
7. Make sure each stitch goes through both sides of the tear, pulling them together.
8. Continue stitching until you reach the end of the tear, then knot off the thread tightly.
9. Trim any excess thread for a neat finish.

How to waterproof a leaky wetsuit seam

Is your wetsuit leaking from the seams? Don’t worry, you can fix it easily! Here’s how:

1. Start by cleaning the area around the leaky seam with fresh water and a mild detergent. Make sure it’s completely dry before moving on.
2. Apply a thin layer of neoprene cement to the damaged seam. Use a brush or your finger to spread it evenly.
3. Press the seam together firmly and hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the cement to bond.
4. Let the repaired seam dry completely, following the instructions on the neoprene cement packaging.
5. Once dry, check for any remaining leaks by submerging your wetsuit in water or wearing it in the shower. If there are still leaks, repeat steps 2-4 until they are sealed.

Best Practices for Wetsuit Care and Maintenance

To keep your wetsuit in good condition, there are some best practices for care and maintenance that you should follow. After each use, rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove any salt or chlorine.

Make sure to wash it by hand using a gentle detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the neoprene material. Once cleaned, hang your wetsuit upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry completely before storing it.

It’s important to avoid direct sunlight and heat sources when drying or storing your wetsuit, as this can cause the material to deteriorate. Additionally, be mindful of how you put on and take off your wetsuit to prevent unnecessary stretching or tearing.

By following these best practices, you can extend the life of your wetsuit and ensure optimal performance every time you hit the waves!

Conclusion

Repairing your wetsuit doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right tools and a little DIY spirit, you can easily fix holes, tears, and seams yourself. By following our step-by-step guide and practicing good wetsuit care and maintenance habits, you’ll be able to extend the life of your beloved wetsuit and keep it performing at its best.

So don’t let a little damage stop you from enjoying your favorite water sports activities – grab your repair kit and get back in the water!

FAQs

1. Can I repair a hole in my wetsuit myself?

Yes, you can repair a hole in your wetsuit yourself using a neoprene adhesive and patches specifically designed for wetsuit repairs.

2. How do I fix a tear in my wetsuit?

To fix a tear in your wetsuit, clean the area, apply neoprene adhesive to both sides of the tear, press them together firmly, and allow it to dry completely before use.

3. What should I do if the seams on my wetsuit start coming apart?

If the seams on your wetsuit start coming apart, you can use waterproof seam tape or neoprene cement to reseal them and prevent further damage.

4. Can I still use my repaired wetsuit after fixing holes, tears, or seams?

Yes, you can still use your repaired wetsuit after fixing holes, tears, or seams as long as the repairs are done properly and securely.