Pull tight. Use the applicator brush and apply the first coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both sides of the cut. Make sure not hold it on your wetsuit too long because it may cause damage. To avoid this, place a towel or board bag over the rough surface. For lasting repairs, place the wetsuit on a flat surface so the repair isnt under any tension and leave it to dry for 8-12 hours. Contrary to what you would think, the smaller the needle, the higher the number it measures in. It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make sure your gear lasts longer. 0000294702 00000 n
My suit was so old I had nothing to lose. This will be your work surface so make sure you are comfortable. link to Surfing Weight Limits: How Important is the Surfers Weight. You can create a flexible knee patch with Aquaseal FD to protect your suit from harmful abrasions. Flip it inside out and hang dry the other side. By allowing the wetsuit cement to fully cure, your repairs will hold together over the long term! It's fairly easy to accidentally rip the neoprene when getting into and out of the suit. If the stitches or seams are torn it may also be a good idea to take your suit to a professional for repairs. Use the clothes iron (set on low) and press down firmly on the patched area. As an added bonus if the wetsuit is dried inside out then you will always crawl into the drier side. Sign up for Gear Aid emails and receive 10% off. Surf wax on your neoprene wetsuit - Dont worry about it. Cuts or tears are a common type of wetsuit damage and could be caused by a lot of different things including: fin slices, wear and tear, stress tears while taking it on/off or damage while not in use. It can take a while to find them on a black wetsuit.). If you want to know more about our story, scroll down and click on ABOUT SURFERS FOOTPRINT at the bottom of the HomePage. 0000027751 00000 n
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We recommendAquaseal NeoNeoprene Cement. Wetsuits will also slowly deteriorate over time and seams will separate or holes will develop. Continue to hold the cut open while the glue dries (5 minutes). Chlorinated water or salt water will break down the neoprene. Even if your suit is in nice condition, you still will want to consider purchasing a wetsuit adhesive like seal cement. For lasting repairs, place the wetsuit on a flat surface so the seams arent under any tension and leave it to dry for 8-12 hours. Aerosol spray or car exhaust will cause the neoprene to degrade. Lay the wetsuit patch on the area of ripped seams and cover with the heat shielding paper provided by IRON MEND (a cotton cloth works as well). There has always been crossover between the two sports and there is a long Surfing Weight Limits: How Important is the Surfers Weight? At the last second, I jumped up and turned away (this was probably a mistake).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'surfersfootprint_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-leader-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'surfersfootprint_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',111,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-leader-1-0_1')};.leader-1-multi-111{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. 0000012514 00000 n
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Congrats on repairing your wetsuit! Trial and error is the best way to learn. It's great to reinforce the seems over the original stitchwork, just don't go to unnecessarily crazy on it. I was super excited, and I wanted to be the first person in our group to get to the beach, so I set off running across the parking lot. Let the suit sit flat with the edges of the tear touching. Cut your Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch to size over the torn or damaged area. Tie an overhand knot in the line leaving about half an inch of "tail" that you can trim off afterwards. About Neoprene Wetsuit Cement and Neoprene Repair Patch. Tip: Trydrying your wetsuit in a shower stall. I usually get this type of damage from rocks etc. As I was passing by, it lunged towards me. As mentioned previously, make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry. %PDF-1.4
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Because surfing is an active sport, wetsuits become worn over time and develop cuts, tears and holes.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'surfersfootprint_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',106,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; If your wetsuit becomes damaged it will not perform as designed and the cold water will seep into your suit and make you cold. Should a tear or fingernail cut occur, then repairing it yourself is a very simple job. A few days later, after I got over the disappointment, I was forced to buy some wetsuit cement and teach myself how to repair the damage. Liz Westwood from UK on December 06, 2019: This is a really useful article on care of wet suits. I let out a howl and the dog let go. 2022 GEAR AID Inc. All Rights Reserved. Store your wetsuit on a flat surface or use aspecial wetsuit hanger (think thick). Do NOT dry in the sun. Whether its your fishing waders or your diving gloves, discovering a hole in your gear can be a setback, especially if you were planning on using them soon on your next excursion. 0000546554 00000 n
Shop for wetsuit-friendly soap/wash (make sure it's eco-friendly, too!). Assess the damaged area. 0000002736 00000 n
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evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. 0000002161 00000 n
Quick story: The start of my wetsuit repair journey occurred many years ago.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'surfersfootprint_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',110,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; It all started when I bought a brand-new wetsuit. I would always end up squeezing out more cement than necessary and the cement would get all over my hands and other areas of the wetsuit, which wasnt good. Step 3:Keeping the tear open, allow the glue to dry for 5 minutes. Wetsuit cement is a flexible, liquid adhesive that is formulated to permanently bond neoprene and other coated materials. But the damage was done. If the tear is larger than 0.5-1" you may also want a small brush (such as an artists painting brush) or a spatula (which can simply be a thin piece of plastic or card). Do not go crazy, just trim any small hanging bits of material. Lay the wetsuit patch on the damaged area and cover with a the IRON MEND heat shielding paper (you can also use a cotton cloth). Let it dry for 30 minutes. 0000664379 00000 n
In this Step-by-Step instructional guide, I will be usingAQUASEAL Neoprene Cement. Be mindful of watches, rings or anything else that might catch the neoprene as you get in or out of your wetsuit. Use the applicator brush and apply the second coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both edges of the two seams. Note: Your fishing line should appear larger than the needle diameter/eye of the needle. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides, and mountain bike trail guides. I will be following the manufacturers directions on the back of the tube. My double-threaded needle and fishing line. Assess the damaged area. Lay your wetsuit flat and pinch open the tear. 0000346281 00000 n
(Similar to what you did at the start to secure the first knot.). 0000022170 00000 n
Surfers come in all shapes and sizes and no matter who you are or what your size, there is a surfboard and a wave for you. You can easily purchase it from us,here. When the waves are flat, surfers have always turned to skateboarding as a means of practicing their skills on land. We recommend using a paperclip for small repairs. Make sure the wetsuit is completely dry before starting the repair job. For further care information click here. Too much glue will overflow when you press the sides back together, too little and you won't get a complete seal. Finally, trim the tail of each knot on both ends down but leave a few milimeters. When putting on your wetsuit, avoid standing over hard or rough surfaces like sharp rocks as they can damage the neoprene. 0000728187 00000 n
Now that your neoprene wetsuit, drysuit, gloves and booties are fixed and good as new, theres nothing stopping you from taking on that next big race, wave, or dive. Wetsuits provide warmth and comfort for surfers in the ocean. trailer
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Keep the cut open and let the second coat of wetsuit cement dry for 10 minutes. Use the applicator brush to apply the first coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both edges of the two seams. While putting on or taking off you wetsuit be careful with rings, fingernails and watches as they can easily damage the neoprene. I recognized that its open mouth and exposed teeth were propelling towards me and I wanted to avoid any contact. Once it appears dry, check it by gently touching the glue surface. Many surfers have damaged their wetsuits doing the following activities; taking it off/on, improper storage, falling on the trail to the beach or animal encounters. Keep the cut open for this step and let the first coat of wetsuit cement dry for 5 minutes. Heres how to apply the clear, flexible, waterproof adhesive and repair your wetsuit, waders, and more: Tip: The knees of your wetsuit are one of the most vulnerable parts. Fill the hole with the Aquaseal FD adhesive, going a beyond the tear. 0000007747 00000 n
It is super important to make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry before attempting to make repairs. I will usually place my wetsuit on a flat surface like a table (or the ground) and fold it over an object and use some weights (dumbells) or rocks to hold it in place. 0000606195 00000 n
As I was nearing the trailhead, I noticed a large white dog out of the corner of my eye. Most people skip this step. Let it cool down for 30 minutes to create a strong bond before you move your wetsuit. She now surfs in colder water in the north of the state. If you have a Patagonia suit, just walk it into the store. The rips and tears are much easier to fix when they are small, and will grow if they go unnoticed. J3`1(`tX1%K%_-, Inspect your wetsuit for rips and tears after each use. Make sure the "tail" of the fishing line is on the outside so that it won't rub against your skin. Use your fingers to hold the edges of the repair together for 60-90 seconds. Please give our customer care team a call at 866-386-1590, Customer Care Hours. Avoid folding whenever possible to avoid creases and loss of insulating effectiveness. It all happened in slow motion. We will be using an Iron on Wetsuit Patch on the inside of the wetsuit to add strength and rebuild the interior backing which will provide additional strength. 0000005038 00000 n
Even though the hole may be small in size, its important to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. The gluelooksglossy when wet. Most often, your wetsuit will become torn, cut or ripped when you surfing as a result of contact with your surfboard, surfboard fins, rocks, barnacles, reef, logs or other surfers. Here's what to do: It's been raining in the north of the state and the water quality is lousy anyways, so I decided rather than going and purchasing a repair kit (which you can do), to use a technique I've used before. The dogs teeth tore three small holes in my brand-new wetsuit. Don't use your fingernails when you are putting on your suit and keep your nails short (this will case punctures in the neoprene or material). Hope you are doing well. Basically, anything that you would use for trout fishing on a reel will do. hand-sewing needle (small eye, sharp point); see below for selecting a size, 4-pound test fishing line (about 2 feet per hole, we will double it up); see below for an explanation of "test" or strength. 0000003964 00000 n
Arc the fishing line back towards your "tail" and pass between the two lines (through the center of the doubled "thread"). Dry both sides of your wetsuit (inside and out). The dark/black side of the neoprene (not the inside) should be exposed. 0000011728 00000 n
Simply squeeze a small drop of glue onto the tip of an unfolded paperclip and paint the glue inside the nick. You do not want to go and puncture holes in a suit that cost you big bucks and can be repaired for free (minus shipping). See our How to Put on a Wetsuit Guide for more info on safely putting on and taking off your wetsuit. Cut away (carefully) any loose/hanging material. We also find that it can be useful to use the paperclip to apply a thin seal along the seam of the repaired tear. Fix it instead with Aquaseal NEO, a neoprene cement that will give you a flexible, elastic repair within half an hour. Your wetsuit needs to be clean and fully dried. Dive the needle into the neoprene. Step 1:Fold the wetsuit over at the point of thetear so that it opens up to reveal the insides of the two surfaces that need to be glued back together. Apply the second coat in the same manner and allow to dry for 10 minutes. If repairing a small nick, the tip of the Aquaseal tube may be too wide to get aclean application of glue. Dont dry your suit in direct sunlight because the UV rays will break down the neoprene. The biggest difference with sewing with fishing line is that you want to make a good decision on the "test" or strength. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. 0000011264 00000 n
Wetsuits are one of the most important pieces of surfing equipment. 0000028939 00000 n
Apply the Aquaseal NEO onto both sides of the tear. Locate all rips in your wetsuit, gloves, booties, etc. Heres how to use this quick fix product so you can get back to paddling, surfing, or diving in no time: Tip: You can add a handy pocket to your wetsuit using Aquaseal NEO because it creates a strong, permanent bond between two pieces of neoprene material. Never use harsh chemicals on your suit to get rid of odor. I was so mad. After years of loving use, your suit may start to unravel or rip, which can blow a huge hole in your adventuring routine. It's cheap and works! 0000007141 00000 n
Once the second coat has dried, press the two pieces together and let them cure for 5-10 minutes. Many surfers will want to get back into the water right away but its important to follow the manufacturers recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to read through the post! 0000002014 00000 n
Hot water can ruin neoprene, causing it to lose some of its flexibility. Wetsuits can easily tear from things like fingernails and small rocks. It will become more matte when dry. Dry your wetsuit in a shaded area when possible. UV rays can damage the neoprene, shortening the overall lifespan of the wetsuit. >0ap$9@. Hang to dry on a special wetsuit hanger/padded clothes hanger. Sun and UV rays cause neoprene wetsuits to age quickly. Place your wetsuit on a flat surface and let it dry for 8-12 hours (or overnight) for long lasting results. If it is a nick or tear that does not go completely through the neoprene and liner you can carefully fill the nick area with glue. Are you kidding me! The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. A simple step by step guide to repair minor cuts in your wetsuit is as follows: In order to give you the confidence to tackle your own wetsuit repairs, I have created a How-to Guide to walk you through how to fix your wetsuit.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'surfersfootprint_com-box-4','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-box-4-0')}; Read on for more detailed step-by-step instructions with Photos! They come in sizes 112. Use the tube of wetsuit cement and apply a small amount to act as filler in the hole. The instructions on the Aquaseal mentionapplying a second coat of glue once the first has dried for 5 minutes. After washing and rinsing your wetsuit, turn it inside-out to help retain the flexibility on the outside of the wetsuit. At Surfers Footprint, I hope to share all the tips, tricks and mistakes I have found along the way. Heres how to perform this simple repair: Tip: In addition to fixing holes and rips, you can also use the Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch to give the worn-out areas of your suit some extra reinforcement or use it to cover up old repairs. We fish for stream trout in my family, and so I literally pulled whatever line we had off a random real. Let it dry for 30 minutes. Typically, the damage isnt all the way through. Do this twice. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your suit; it makes it slippery and the jelly is hard to remove. Use the pad of your fingers to put your suit on. The next most common are small tears at the seams of the suit. Line up the edges of the seams to make sure they will create a uniform bond. Step 4:Flatten out the suit so that the two surfaces come together. 0000001834 00000 n
My friends thought the whole encounter was hilarious and they still talk about it to this day. Do not pee in your suit. Surfing & Skateboarding: 10 Reasons Why You Will Get Better. *If you find you've completed all the steps and the tear is not completely sealed you can easily repeat the steps, to fill in the area that did not seal. A common question is "Are there any weight My name is Johny and I am the creator of Surfers Footprint. The Aquaseal cement comes in an easy to use tube that you can apply directly to the damaged area. I literally sewed up two holes and went and reinforced the seems. By allowing the wetsuit cement and iron on patch to fully cure, your repairs will hold together over the long term! When youve got a rip, tear, or an unraveling seam on your wetsuit in high-stress areas like the knees, elbows, underarm, and around the zipper, give it a strong and flexible repair using an iron-on neoprene patch. . 0000027681 00000 n
Tears bigger than a few inches may require professional repair services. I have used this method twice when I need to extend the life of my suit. You can also buy a puncture repair kit from any bike store (the glue used to fix a bike tire inner tube is basically the same). Don't pee in your wetsuit (you know this!). xbbd`b``3
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I have made this mistake before and it didnt turn out well. 0000605007 00000 n
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Small holes or abrasion damage can occur to the outer layer of your wetsuit. The first step to taking care of your wetsuit is knowing how to avoid things that can damage it. 0000011396 00000 n
However, the maximum bond is achieved over a period of 4 to 6 hours. Fingernail nicks are the most common issue andare most often seen on the legs and arms of a wetsuit. If you cut too close to the knot and then tension pulls on the stitching, you will lose your knot. You may need to borrow a clothes iron! Whether it was the final hurdle of your last grueling triathlon, the tumbling waves you handled in those early mornings at La Jolla, or the sunken ships you saw off the coast of Aruba on a recent diving trip, those who wear a wetsuit know that its more than just another piece of equipmentits what keeps you safe, warm, and protected when you explore new depths or take your sport to the next level. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. I was so choked. Surf wax will inevitably stick to your wetsuit; there is no simple way to remove it and more will just get stuck in its place. This strong, flexible patch can work on all types of neoprene gear including wetsuits, drysuits, and waders. 0000347469 00000 n
Cut away (carefully) any loose materials. Always wear the white cotton gloves that come with your wetsuit to prevent damage from fingernails while putting your suit on. This form only services the United States, its territories, and Canada. Assess the damaged area. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'surfersfootprint_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-banner-1-0')}; It is important to note that not all damage occurs in the ocean when you are surfing. Turn your wetsuit inside out and put the small piece of wood inside your wetsuit beneath the repair to provide a solid backing for the pressure of the iron. Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations. Hand wash with mild non-detergent soap as needed. Urine is a particularly hard smell to remove. The bond is instant. Damage while not in use could mean a lot of different things and you would be surprised by all the ways that wetsuits are cut or torn when not in use. As well, I will put my wetsuit on a flat surface like a table (or the ground) and use some weights (dumbells) or rocks to hold it in place. I will usually place a small piece of wood inside my wetsuit beneath the repair to provide a solid backing for the iron and so that any extra wetsuit cement doesnt stick to the inside of my wetsuit. Remove any excess adhesive by smoothing it with a toothpick or something disposable. This is a great tutorial. 0000545366 00000 n
From your Wetsuit Patch material (it usually comes in a large rectangle), cut a circular patch to cover the damaged area. Ripped, torn or separated seams are one of the most common types of wetsuit damage. Hand-sewing needles are sized by diameter. It was a beautiful day and I was excited as we drove to the beach together because I was going to try my new wetsuit for the first time. (See photo). Surfing is for everyone. Always rinse your suit out with fresh watersalt water will damage a suit overtime and cause it to stink. But I went surfing anyway.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'surfersfootprint_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; During that first session in my new wetsuit, cold ocean water seeped in through the three small holes. 0000015231 00000 n
Layne learned to surf in Santa Barbara and later moved to Southern California. Please read our Privacy Policy. These are usually the result of pulling too hard when putting the suit on or by catching or pinching theseam of the wetsuit with your nails. You need less wetsuit cement than you might think. Directly after use, rinse your wetsuit out with fresh water as soon as possible. Laynie H (author) from Bend, Oregon on December 06, 2019: Thanks for the read Liz! Regardless of how we damage our wetsuits, the first step in the repair process is to gather the necessary supplies. Keep the seams open and let the second coat of wetsuit cement dry for 10 minutes. This supply list is for all the small repair jobs that will be reviewed in this article. It is important to repair your wetsuit right away so that you can stay warm, get back in the water and prevent further deterioration of your wetsuit.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'surfersfootprint_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-surfersfootprint_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Learning how to patch your wetsuit is easy and will save you time and money in the long run. Unfortunately this means that they aremore susceptible to damage thanyouraverage surfing ordive wetsuit. Therefore, you should use extra caution to avoid putting any immediate pressure on to the repaired surfaceif you need to get intoyour wetsuit immediately. Small Brush (bristle or small artists brush). Seriously, they have great customer care. 2001-2022 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed |, Wetsuits - Thickness Guide & Temperature Chart. 0000006791 00000 n
The needle should appear skinnier than the fishing line that you use (see photos). You could say that you and your wetsuit have been through a lot together. Apply the second coat in the same manner and allow to dry for 10 minutes. We've found the easiest way to do this is to use a clothespin or small clamp so that you don't have to stand there holding your wetsuit for 5 minutes. 0000002850 00000 n
I needed about 4 feet since I had 2 holes. Once the adhesive has completely cured (this should take 12-24 hours), remove the tape and use gear as you normally would. I've used it just to fill in holes that I've accrued from rock punctures, etc. This may take 12-24 hours depending on the temperature. Store your wetsuit in a clean, room temperature environment. As well, consider doing this outside, away from direct sunlight or in a well ventilated area. I am happiest when I am outside enjoying nature and searching for waves. . Rotate the iron and repeat until secure, letting it cool a few minutes before you test it out. The suit can be used in the water straight away. There are many ways wetsuits get damaged. This may be my own personal preference, but I prefer to squeeze a small amount of wetsuit cement onto a piece of cardboard or thick paper and use a small brush to apply the cement to to the wetsuit. Ready to mend your wetsuit properly? If you are sewing along a seem, you will want to plunge all the way through the neoprene and wrap around the original stitching as if sewing in a "looped" pattern. Lending your suit - It is fine to lend your suit to another rider for a day or two, but most experts discourage lending for longer periods of time. When I first started, I would apply way more cement than necessary. You can go a litte larger if you want.. You will want a hand-sewing needle with a small eye and sharp point.