You naturally want to avoid a wetsuit repair, but this is not always possible. Sometimes an accident just happens that can't be helped. Imagine you fall off your SUP board into the shallow water and you scrape along the bottom where there are sharp stones. It could just be that a small tear appears in your wetsuit.
In that case, it is wise to repair it or have it repaired as soon as possible. A repair is many times cheaper than purchasing a new wetsuit . We are therefore happy to tell you more about it and give you a number of tips to prevent damage as much as possible.
How does damage to your wetsuit occur?
There are various possibilities how damage to your wetsuit can occur. Usually there is not much you can do about this, as it is often a case of an accident. For example, you may accidentally run past something sharp with your wetsuit. It is then necessary to repair the damage as soon as possible before it gets bad.
In some cases, damage may be due to your own fault. For example, damage to your wetsuit can occur if you put it in the washing machine or clean it with hot water . In addition, poor storage can also cause damage to the suit. So always be careful and read yourself well about wetsuit maintenance.
Carry out repair of wetsuit yourself
It is strongly recommended that you check the suit for damage every time you use a wetsuit. Damages must be dealt with as soon as possible. A big advantage is that you can easily repair most damage yourself.
Think, for example, of small tears in your suit that you can close using special wetsuit glue . You can then use the wetsuit again after half an hour. Below we explain exactly how to repair damage to a wetsuit.
Repair minor damage
Has a small tear appeared in your wetsuit? Then it is important to repair it as soon as possible before the damage gets worse. Follow the steps below if you want to carry out the wetsuit repair yourself:
- Clean and dry the damaged part of your suit before applying the glue;
- Make sure the crack is open for easier gluing;
- Apply a thin layer of neoprene glue to the edges of the tear, ensuring complete coverage;
- After 3 minutes, check if the glue is dry to the touch by gently touching it;
- Then apply a second (thin) layer of neoprene glue;
- Wait again until the glue has dried reasonably;
- Now glue the edges of the tear again and press them tightly together;
- Now press the torn sides firmly together for another 2 minutes;
- Let the wetsuit dry for about 10 minutes and voilà, the tear is closed!
After the tear has been closed with the special glue for wetsuits, you can immediately go back into the water. Be careful, as the full strength of the adhesive is only reached after 24 hours .
Repair major damage
Should there really have been a hole in your wetsuit? Fortunately, you can also repair this yourself. The steps for this are similar to the repair for small cracks, but this time you also work with a neoprene patch (a piece of neoprene to close the hole)
- Make sure the damaged part and the patch on the back are clean and dry.
- Apply a thin layer of neoprene adhesive to the edges of the tear and to the back of the patch;
- After 3 minutes, check if the glue is dry to the touch by gently touching it;
- Then apply a second, thin layer of glue;
- Wait again until the glue has almost dried;
- Glue the edges for the last time, then press them together;
- Finally, press the wetsuit and the patch firmly together for two minutes;
- Wait 10 minutes and voilà, your wetsuit is repaired again!
Now that you have completed the wetsuit repair you can immediately use the suit again. Be careful, however, as the full strength of the adhesive is only reached after 24 hours.
What to do if the seams of my wetsuit are torn?
Do you want to carry out a wetsuit repair because the seams of your suit are torn? Then it is advisable to have this done by a professional. The seams of a wetsuit are not so easy to repair yourself.
You really need knowledge and experience for this. Therefore, always visit a professional clothing maker who can also repair wetsuits. Definitely don't try it yourself, as the damage can only get worse, and then you're even further away from home.
Prevent damage
Prevention is of course better than cure and that is why we think it is important to give you a number of tips to prevent damage to your wetsuit. First of all, always make sure that you put on and take off a wetsuit on a soft surface. So do not step on stones, pebbles or gravel, as the suit is sensitive to this .
When putting on and taking off your wetsuit, also watch out for nails, rings and watches . It would be best to take off your watch and rings, for example, and only put them back on after putting on the wetsuit.
Should the neoprene get stuck behind this? Then the chance of cracks is quite high. You also have to watch out with your nails . Therefore, use your fingertips as much as possible and possibly trim your nails before putting on the wetsuit.
One way to prevent the most and worst damage is to clean your wetsuit properly. Wetsuits are very sensitive to hot water, soap and sun. So always use cold or lukewarm water and always let the suit dry in the shade.
Moreover, the use of soap is also not recommended, since the neoprene does not improve. It is possible to clean your wetsuit every now and then with special wetsuit shampoo. This prevents bad odors from lingering in your suit, so that you could otherwise throw it away.
Buy a wetsuit at Watersports4fun
Don't have a wetsuit yet? Or is your wetsuit in such a bad condition that you can no longer repair it? Then you have come to the right place at Watersports4fun. For example, take a look at our range of wetsuits and find the model that suits you.
You can choose from various types in different colours, sizes and thicknesses. So there is a wetsuit for everyone that suits him or her.
Do you have questions about a wetsuit or are you unable to find a solution yourself? Please do not hesitate to contact our customer service.
We are happy to give you personal advice based on your wishes to ensure that you find a suitable wetsuit. For this you can reach us by phone, email or live chat on our website.