wetsuit stitching repair

I packed the car and went surfing with two good friends. Use your fingers to hold the edges of the repair together for 60-90 seconds. A common question is "Are there any weight My name is Johny and I am the creator of Surfers Footprint. The needle should appear skinnier than the fishing line that you use (see photos). This form only services the United States, its territories, and Canada. Well, the process worked great for me. Hand-sewing needles are sized by diameter. 0000027681 00000 n After washing and rinsing your wetsuit, turn it inside-out to help retain the flexibility on the outside of the wetsuit. Use the clothes iron (set on low) and press down firmly on the patched area. Aerosol spray or car exhaust will cause the neoprene to degrade. 0000001496 00000 n I will usually place a small piece of wood inside my wetsuit so that any extra wetsuit cement doesnt stick to the inside of my wetsuit. 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. In order to repair a tear or nick you will needneoprene cement glue. When you cast your first stitch, make sure an inch of line hasn't been pulled through at your initial stick (you will be threading the needle back through this "tail" to create a knot). 0000546554 00000 n Most people skip this step. Fingernail nicks are the most common issue andare most often seen on the legs and arms of a wetsuit. 0000003964 00000 n By allowing the wetsuit cement and iron on patch to fully cure, your repairs will hold together over the long term! Even if your suit is in nice condition, you still will want to consider purchasing a wetsuit adhesive like seal cement. 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. Dont be discouraged if you repair fails, just clean & dry your wetsuit and fix it again. Make sure the "tail" of the fishing line is on the outside so that it won't rub against your skin. Step 5:Pressthe two surfaces firmly together. UV rays can damage the neoprene, shortening the overall lifespan of the wetsuit. This will cause the material around the shoulders to fatigue faster than the rest of the suit. 0000011812 00000 n Keep the seams open and let the second coat of wetsuit cement dry for 10 minutes. 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. Surfing is for everyone. Purchase a suit with a great warranty (Patagonia, etc.). I've used it just to fill in holes that I've accrued from rock punctures, etc. For further care information click here. Your wetsuit needs to be clean and fully dried. You could say that you and your wetsuit have been through a lot together. I have made this mistake before and it didnt turn out well. When putting on your wetsuit, avoid standing over hard or rough surfaces like sharp rocks as they can damage the neoprene. 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}. Many surfers will want to get back into the water right away but its important to follow the manufacturers recommendations. During the making of the wetsuit, seams are joined several different ways: sewing/stitching, gluing, taping or a combination. 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. 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. 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. Regardless of how we damage our wetsuits, the first step in the repair process is to gather the necessary supplies. Remove whatever was holding the wetsuit seams apart, line up the two seams and press them together. How to Waterproof Leather and Suede Boots, How to Patch an Air Mattress and Sleeping Pad, How to Remove Mold, Mildew and Tent Odors, Add Reflective Tape to Running & Biking Gear, How to Patch Pants: Tips from the SectionHiker, How to Camouflage a Rifle with Camo Form Fabric Wrap, How to Repair Cracks and Leaks in Rubber Boots, How to Wash and Restore GORE-TEX Products. Use the applicator brush and apply the first coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both sides of the cut. I let out a howl and the dog let go. Do not pee in your suit. Dive the needle into the neoprene. 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. 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. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your suit; it makes it slippery and the jelly is hard to remove. As I was passing by, it lunged towards me. 0000405758 00000 n You can go a litte larger if you want.. You will want a hand-sewing needle with a small eye and sharp point. 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. 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. 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. This site is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Fill the hole with the Aquaseal FD adhesive, going a beyond the tear. Turn your wetsuit inside out if you had it drying. Cut a circle or oval patch because square patches are prone to peeling up at the corners. Laynie H (author) from Bend, Oregon on December 06, 2019: Thanks for the read Liz! * For small cuts/rips, you may not need to proceed any further in this step-by-step instruction guide. Line up the edges of the seams to make sure they will create a uniform bond. When I first started, I would apply way more cement than necessary. Seriously, they have great customer care. Small Brush (bristle or small artists brush). The suit can be used in the water straight away. Place the heat shielding paper over the patch and press down on the iron and hold. 0000006203 00000 n Do NOT dry in the sun. 0000731307 00000 n NEVER hang on a wire hanger as the metal will cause the neoprene to stiffen, crack, and degrade along the shoulders. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. That is, fixing my suit with fishing line. The gluelooksglossy when wet. The biggest difference with sewing with fishing line is that you want to make a good decision on the "test" or strength. Never use harsh chemicals on your suit to get rid of odor. Wash your wetsuit in a tub with soapy water for 2-3 minutes, rinse it with fresh water and hang it on a wide plastic hanger in the shade. Special wetsuit shampoos and conditioners are available, such as PISS OFF, Sink the Stink, and. Chlorinated water or salt water will break down the neoprene. They come in sizes 112. As mentioned previously, make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry. Finally, trim the tail of each knot on both ends down but leave a few milimeters. This is evo. I always thought bigger/thicker fishing line was better, but I realized that smaller/thinner fishing line is best since fishing line is pretty indestructible unless cut. Surfing & Skateboarding: 10 Reasons Why You Will Get Better. Clean and dry your suit before you begin. Don't hang your wetsuit to dry by the shoulders. We've found that for smaller nicks this second coat isn't always needed. 0000545366 00000 n Don't pee in your wetsuit (you know this!). She now surfs in colder water in the north of the state. I was so choked. Still have questions? This will also lengthen the life of your zipper. 0000002736 00000 n Please give our customer care team a call at 866-386-1590, Customer Care Hours. 0000001834 00000 n Ready to mend your wetsuit properly? The instructions on the Aquaseal mentionapplying a second coat of glue once the first has dried for 5 minutes. This will "lock" the first stitch into place. 0000015231 00000 n 0000016062 00000 n If you want to know more about our story, scroll down and click on ABOUT SURFERS FOOTPRINT at the bottom of the HomePage. Prolonging the life of your wetsuits zipper - Use beeswax or a zipper lubricant to keep them from snagging and tearing your suit. 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. It is super important to make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry before attempting to make repairs. J3`1(`tX1%K%_-, 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. If you cut too close to the knot and then tension pulls on the stitching, you will lose your knot. The first step to taking care of your wetsuit is knowing how to avoid things that can damage it. link to Surfing & Skateboarding: 10 Reasons Why You Will Get Better. * H3 s= endstream endobj 309 0 obj <>/Size 251/Type/XRef>>stream Hot water can ruin neoprene, causing it to lose some of its flexibility. Fix it instead with Aquaseal NEO, a neoprene cement that will give you a flexible, elastic repair within half an hour. 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. Apply the second coat in the same manner and allow to dry for 10 minutes. %PDF-1.4 % . 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! Hope you are doing well. 0000002014 00000 n Fold or bend your wetsuit over an object so the seams in the damaged area remain open. trailer <<8FEE1F16D8014066803DC9AB8A8B28A0>]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 310 0 obj <>stream The next most common are small tears at the seams of the suit. Basically, anything that you would use for trout fishing on a reel will do. Too much glue will overflow when you press the sides back together, too little and you won't get a complete seal. Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations. 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. Directly after use, rinse your wetsuit out with fresh water as soon as possible. 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. From your Wetsuit Patch material (it usually comes in a large rectangle), cut a circular patch to cover the damaged area. 0000009023 00000 n I am the person behind Surfers Footprint. I am going to repeat myself often on this important step. Do not rejoin the surfaces while the glue is still wet or tacky. I literally sewed up two holes and went and reinforced the seems. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to experience all the custom features of our site. While putting on or taking off you wetsuit be careful with rings, fingernails and watches as they can easily damage the neoprene. Read on to find out how you can get back out in the water as soon as possible. Congrats on repairing your wetsuit! 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). As I was turning in the air, I felt the dogs teeth sink into my right butt cheek. As an added bonus if the wetsuit is dried inside out then you will always crawl into the drier side. 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. Urine is a particularly hard smell to remove. Make sure the patch is sealed. Continue to hold the cut open while the glue dries (5 minutes). Store your wetsuit in a clean, room temperature environment. 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). 0000022420 00000 n If the eye of the needle is too large, you will be putting that extra stretch into the fabric when you pass the needle through to create a hole. 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. Wetsuits provide warmth and comfort for surfers in the ocean. 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). After years of loving use, your suit may start to unravel or rip, which can blow a huge hole in your adventuring routine. 2022 GEAR AID Inc. All Rights Reserved. Once the second coat has dried, press the two pieces together and let them cure for 5-10 minutes. 0000012241 00000 n We recommendAquaseal NeoNeoprene Cement. The rips and tears are much easier to fix when they are small, and will grow if they go unnoticed. 0000006315 00000 n Even though the hole may be small in size, its important to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. This is why it is important to rinse your wetsuit with fresh water after use in chlorine or salt water. Lay your wetsuit flat and pinch open the tear. Dont dry your suit in direct sunlight because the UV rays will break down the neoprene. 0000006791 00000 n The dogs teeth tore three small holes in my brand-new wetsuit. Always rinse your suit out with fresh watersalt water will damage a suit overtime and cause it to stink. For small fingernail nicks or other tiny repairs, a paperclip can be helpful to spread the glue and avoid a mess. Wetsuits are one of the most important pieces of surfing equipment. (See photo). 0000244271 00000 n 0000347469 00000 n Do this twice. Still, no matter if your wetsuit is a thin, triathlon suit or an ultra-thick, cold water surf and diver suit, its easier than you think to repair it yourself. Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations. Use your fingers to hold the edges of the repair together for 60-90 seconds. We recommend using a paperclip for small repairs. 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). Cut your Tenacious Tape Iron-On Neoprene Patch to size over the torn or damaged area. As well, consider doing this outside, away from direct sunlight or in a well ventilated area. 2001-2022 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed |, Wetsuits - Thickness Guide & Temperature Chart. 0000294702 00000 n 0000018450 00000 n Be sure to rinse your suit both inside and out. Sealing small cuts/tears with wetsuit cement will provide a lasting repair. Cut the patch slightly larger than the damaged area so that the patch material can overlap the hole and bond to the surrounding wetsuit material. When we arrived at the beach, I jumped out of the car and quickly changed into my new wetsuit. 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 can create a flexible knee patch with Aquaseal FD to protect your suit from harmful abrasions. Make sure the patch is sealed. 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. My double-threaded needle and fishing line. 0000346281 00000 n 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. 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. it all depends on how old your suit is and where the hole is. Make sure not hold it on your wetsuit too long because it may cause damage. 0000028939 00000 n 0000008589 00000 n When dry, it will feel only slightly tacky and will not stick to your finger. The second coat will likely create a stronger bond. The dark/black side of the neoprene (not the inside) should be exposed. Wetsuits will also slowly deteriorate over time and seams will separate or holes will develop. The bond is instant. *If you are using a different Neoprene Cement brand, be sure to follow the directions on the back and adjust the drying times accordingly. I will be following the manufacturers directions on the back of the tube. There has always been crossover between the two sports and there is a long Surfing Weight Limits: How Important is the Surfers Weight? Use the tube of wetsuit cement and apply a small amount to act as filler in the hole. Once the adhesive has completely cured (this should take 12-24 hours), remove the tape and use gear as you normally would. 0000606195 00000 n Assess the damaged area. You will want to cut a patch slightly larger than the damaged area. You may need to borrow a clothes iron! 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. When I first started, I would squeeze wetsuit cement straight from the tube onto the damaged area but it was messy and hard to control the amount that came out. I've used this method on two suits when they were at the end of their days.

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