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However, the maximum bond is achieved over a period of 4 to 6 hours. 0000545366 00000 n
Fold or bend your wetsuit over an object so the edges of the damaged area remain open. It all happened in slow motion. Luckily, you can fix them overnight with our urethane-based repair adhesive, Aquaseal FD, which acts like a waterproof and ultra-tough glue. Make sure the patch is sealed. 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. Cut a circle or oval patch because square patches are prone to peeling up at the corners. 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. Be sure to rinse your suit both inside and out. Remove whatever was holding the two sides of the cut apart, line up the two edges and press them together. 0000014205 00000 n
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Step 5:Pressthe two surfaces firmly together. Fill the hole with the Aquaseal FD adhesive, going a beyond the tear. As I was nearing the trailhead, I noticed a large white dog out of the corner of my eye. 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. 0000011396 00000 n
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If the stitches or seams are torn it may also be a good idea to take your suit to a professional for repairs. If you cut too close to the knot and then tension pulls on the stitching, you will lose your knot. 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. I literally sewed up two holes and went and reinforced the seems. NEVER USE A WASHING MACHINE, DRYER, OR DRY CLEANER! Are you kidding me! trailer
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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. This form only services the United States, its territories, and Canada. Let it cool down for 30 minutes to create a strong bond before you move your wetsuit. Make sure the wetsuit is completely dry before starting the repair job. 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. Many surfers will want to get back into the water right away but its important to follow the manufacturers recommendations. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs. Step 2:Apply a thin, even layer of Aquaseal glue to both surfaces. *The Aquaseal creates a solid bond that will not pull apart even when the neoprene is stretched out, such as when you're putting on your wetsuit. Make sure not hold it on your wetsuit too long because it may cause damage. This will cause the material around the shoulders to fatigue faster than the rest of the suit. Step 3a:The instructions on the Aquaseal mentionapplying a second coat of glue once the first has dried for 5 minutes. But the damage was done. Contrary to what you would think, the smaller the needle, the higher the number it measures in. Read on to find out how you can get back out in the water as soon as possible. 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. The biggest difference with sewing with fishing line is that you want to make a good decision on the "test" or strength. You may need to borrow a clothes iron! Don't hang your wetsuit to dry by the shoulders. Should a tear or fingernail cut occur, then repairing it yourself is a very simple job. After years of loving use, your suit may start to unravel or rip, which can blow a huge hole in your adventuring routine. (Similar to what you did at the start to secure the first knot.). 0000605007 00000 n
Allow the new layer of glue to dry completely. 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. 0000022170 00000 n
If you're like me, you probably try to get your wetsuit to live for as long as it can if you're a surfer, diver, triathlete, etc. Laynie H (author) from Bend, Oregon on December 06, 2019: Thanks for the read Liz! 0000007747 00000 n
It seemed strange and weirdly interested in me. Keep the cut open and let the second coat of wetsuit cement dry for 10 minutes. blueseventy wetsuits are crafted from the highest quality of neoprene available. 0000006791 00000 n
It's fairly easy to accidentally rip the neoprene when getting into and out of the suit. xbbd`b``3
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Repair Adhesive/Sealant/Neoprene Cement: there are brands of adhesive and sealant made specifically for wetsuit repairs, such as Neoprene Queen and Aquaseal. >0ap$9@. We've found that for smaller nicks this second coat isn't always needed. xb`````g`cj*f`@ V(GG0` `6M_MVny4444&4l ,AA@8Lk ;~& |"@ O'16H0033CF 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. The instructions on the Aquaseal mentionapplying a second coat of glue once the first has dried for 5 minutes. Dry your wetsuit in a shaded area when possible. Make sure your wetsuit is clean and completely dry. About Neoprene Wetsuit Cement and Neoprene Repair Patch. They come in sizes 112. Follow these steps to repair your wetsuit. Trial and error is the best way to learn. We also find that it can be useful to use the paperclip to apply a thin seal along the seam of the repaired tear. Sign up for Gear Aid emails and receive 10% off. 2022 GEAR AID Inc. All Rights Reserved. While putting on or taking off you wetsuit be careful with rings, fingernails and watches as they can easily damage the neoprene. Instead, hang it by the waist. l love surfing and have been obsessed since I caught my first wave. 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). Small tears (around 1-2 inches long) can be easily repaired at home. Wetsuits provide warmth and comfort for surfers in the ocean. The suit can be used in the water straight away. Fold or bend your wetsuit over an object so the seams in the damaged area remain open. 0000406946 00000 n
Keep the seams open for this step and let the first coat of wetsuit cement dry for 5 minutes. Directly after use, rinse your wetsuit out with fresh water as soon as possible. Use your fingers to hold the edges of the repair together for 60-90 seconds. When dry, it will feel only slightly tacky and will not stick to your finger. You can go a litte larger if you want.. You will want a hand-sewing needle with a small eye and sharp point. 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). * For small cuts/rips, you may not need to proceed any further in this step-by-step instruction guide. 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). 0000293514 00000 n
Seriously, they have great customer care. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to experience all the custom features of our site. The needle should appear skinnier than the fishing line that you use (see photos). As I was turning in the air, I felt the dogs teeth sink into my right butt cheek. I usually get this type of damage from rocks etc. 0000010336 00000 n
Use the applicator stick and apply the second coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both sides of the cut. Please use your own judgement on your repair if you need one or two coats of glue. As we make every effort to ensure that our products use the highest quality materials and craftsmanship available, you too shoulduse the utmost care with your wetsuit to avoid accidental damage. Use the applicator brush and apply the first coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both sides of the cut. I've used this method on two suits when they were at the end of their days. Thread your fishing line (go with 2 feet per hole; too much length will get tangled) into the eye of the needle and double it back so that the ends meet. You can create a flexible knee patch with Aquaseal FD to protect your suit from harmful abrasions. I am happiest when I am outside enjoying nature and searching for waves. Simply squeeze a small drop of glue onto the tip of an unfolded paperclip and paint the glue inside the nick. The thicker the hanger the better. The Aquaseal cement comes in an easy to use tube that you can apply directly to the damaged area. This will be your work surface so make sure you are comfortable. My friends thought the whole encounter was hilarious and they still talk about it to this day. That is, fixing my suit with fishing line. Line up the edges of the seams to make sure they will create a uniform bond. We fish for stream trout in my family, and so I literally pulled whatever line we had off a random real. 0000007141 00000 n
Do this twice. Flip it inside out and hang dry the other side. Cut away (carefully) any loose materials. Apply a second coat of the adhesive and let dry for 10 minutes. (See photo). By allowing the wetsuit cement to fully cure, your repairs will hold together over the long term! 0000001496 00000 n
Estimated Repair Time: 5 Minutes for prep and 8-12 hours to fully cure. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Locate all rips in your wetsuit, gloves, booties, etc. Use the pad of your fingers to put your suit on. . Do not go crazy, just trim any small hanging bits of material. Let the suit sit flat with the edges of the tear touching. Special wetsuit shampoos and conditioners are available, such as PISS OFF, Sink the Stink, and. Unfortunately this means that they aremore susceptible to damage thanyouraverage surfing ordive wetsuit. 0000474378 00000 n
Don't pee in your wetsuit (you know this!). This will also lengthen the life of your zipper. 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 the wetsuit. 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. Sealing small cuts/tears with wetsuit cement will provide a lasting repair. 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 an added bonus if the wetsuit is dried inside out then you will always crawl into the drier side. HTVK6@+)Q fd_I*4VYD3,4~{so=>RYLqy*?J*i,?|G\UcHjnwIQ6I|4. In addition, I will be using IRON MEND (Iron-on) Neoprene Repair Patch (now called Tenacious Tape), check out my Recommended Gear page by clicking here for more information about the product. In this Step-by-Step instructional guide, I will be usingAQUASEAL Neoprene Cement. My suit was so old I had nothing to lose. The second coat will likely create a stronger bond. link to Surfing & Skateboarding: 10 Reasons Why You Will Get Better. 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). Assess the damaged area. Surfing is for everyone. Even if your suit is in nice condition, you still will want to consider purchasing a wetsuit adhesive like seal cement. Once the adhesive has completely cured (this should take 12-24 hours), remove the tape and use gear as you normally would. 0000011812 00000 n
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. 0000027681 00000 n
Lay your wetsuit flat and pinch open the tear. Use a baby wipe or damp paper towel to remove any excess glue from the around the repair site while it's still wet. Apply the second coat in the same manner and allow to dry for 10 minutes. Apply the adhesive to the surfaces (lips) of the tear (less is more here). We recommendAquaseal NeoNeoprene Cement. 0000002161 00000 n
*If you are using a different Neoprene Cement brand, be sure to follow the directions on the back and adjust the drying times accordingly. Tie an overhand knot in the line leaving about half an inch of "tail" that you can trim off afterwards. Cut away (carefully) any loose/hanging material. The Aquaseal creates a solid bond that will not pull apart even when the neoprene is stretched out, such as when you're putting on your wetsuit. The gluelooksglossy when wet. link to Surfing Weight Limits: How Important is the Surfers Weight. For small fingernail nicks or other tiny repairs, a paperclip can be helpful to spread the glue and avoid a mess. 0000022420 00000 n
It is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make sure your gear lasts longer. 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. %PDF-1.4
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Step 4:Flatten out the suit so that the two surfaces come together. 0000021725 00000 n
Assess the damaged area. Regardless of how we damage our wetsuits, the first step in the repair process is to gather the necessary supplies. 0000006315 00000 n
Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations. * H3 s=
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Once the second coat has dried, press the two pieces together and let them cure for 5-10 minutes. 0000015231 00000 n
To avoid this, place a towel or board bag over the rough surface. It will become more matte when dry. The bond is instant. If you want to know more about this product, check out my Recommended Gear page by clicking here . 0000005038 00000 n
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This will "lock" the first stitch into place. Wetsuits will also slowly deteriorate over time and seams will separate or holes will develop. If you want to know more about our story, scroll down and click on ABOUT SURFERS FOOTPRINT at the bottom of the HomePage. 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! I was so mad. 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. Here is how you should use fishing line to repair your wetsuit. 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. 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. Locate the hole and start at one end. . 0000546554 00000 n
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Avoid folding whenever possible to avoid creases and loss of insulating effectiveness. Remove whatever was holding the wetsuit seams apart, line up the two seams and press them together. The dark/black side of the neoprene (not the inside) should be exposed. 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. When we arrived at the beach, I jumped out of the car and quickly changed into my new wetsuit. 0000028939 00000 n
Hand wash with mild non-detergent soap as needed. Still have questions? Use the applicator brush to apply the first coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both edges of the two seams. My double-threaded needle and fishing line. Tears from stress along the seems may very well be covered. 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. 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. 0000012925 00000 n
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Never hang your wetsuit to dry in the heat or direct sun. 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. 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. 0000027751 00000 n
I've used it just to fill in holes that I've accrued from rock punctures, etc. 0000008589 00000 n
Layne learned to surf in Santa Barbara and later moved to Southern California. I recognized that its open mouth and exposed teeth were propelling towards me and I wanted to avoid any contact. The first step to taking care of your wetsuit is knowing how to avoid things that can damage it. Place your wetsuit on a flat surface and let it dry for 8-12 hours (or overnight) for long lasting results. J3`1(`tX1%K%_-, Basically, anything that you would use for trout fishing on a reel will do. For further care information click here. All you need is a few minutes and some simple tools like patches, cements, and adhesives. Best of all, learning how to patch up and fix your wetsuit will also translate to repairing other water sporting gear including neoprene drysuits, booties, gloves, jackets, seat covers, and PFDs. As I was passing by, it lunged towards me. 0000665567 00000 n
Do not pee in your suit. Urine is a particularly hard smell to remove. 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. The rips and tears are much easier to fix when they are small, and will grow if they go unnoticed. 0000731307 00000 n
If repairing a small nick, the tip of the Aquaseal tube may be too wide to get aclean application of glue. Your wetsuit needs to be clean and fully dried. It even works on spandex and Lycra fabric. Store your wetsuit on a flat surface or use aspecial wetsuit hanger (think thick). 0000176340 00000 n
Tip: Trydrying your wetsuit in a shower stall. From your Wetsuit Patch material (it usually comes in a large rectangle), cut a circular patch to cover the damaged area. 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. it all depends on how old your suit is and where the hole is. When putting on your wetsuit, avoid standing over hard or rough surfaces like sharp rocks as they can damage the neoprene. Do NOT dry in the sun. I have used this method twice when I need to extend the life of my suit. Dont dry your suit in direct sunlight because the UV rays will break down the neoprene. Aerosol spray or car exhaust will cause the neoprene to degrade. Always rinse your suit out with fresh watersalt water will damage a suit overtime and cause it to stink. 0000731045 00000 n
Use the applicator brush and apply the second coat of wetsuit cement thinly and evenly on both edges of the two seams. And you're done! Use your fingers to hold the edges of the repair together for 60-90 seconds. 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. Let it hang and drip dry. Shop for wetsuit-friendly soap/wash (make sure it's eco-friendly, too!). Clean and dry your suit before you begin.