How to Fix a Wetsuit Tear

So you just got out of the water after getting pitted and you start taking off your wetsuit.  You get a sinking feeling as your finger pokes right through the neoprene.  Not another tear!  With the water temperature dropping, you can't afford to ditch the suit and brave the winter waves.  You can't exactly afford a brand new wetsuit either.  Don't fret!  Here's a quick read on how to repair your wetsuit tear and get you back in the water.

What You Need

You will need a strip of neoprene a little bit longer than the tear between 1mm and 3mm thick.  Check your local surf shop for some neoprene.  If they're out, wetsuit neoprene tape will also work.  You will also need to get a can of black neoprene cement.  Follow the directions on the can and be safe!

Prep

Grab a piece of cardboard or newspaper to help with any mess.  Cut the neoprene into a one inch thick wide strip, which is what you'll be using as your neoprene tape.

Glue

Spread the tear apart and make sure the edges are not touching each other.  Spray one layer of the cement over all of the edges of the rip, and wait five minutes.  After the first coat is dry, you can apply a second coat of neoprene cement.  Wait about eight or ten minutes for the second coat to dry, and then try to match up the torn wetsuit edges as evenly as you can.  Don't worry if it is a little off, but it is better to leave it on than to take it apart and try again.  Push the neoprene edges together firmly for a few seconds.

Apply

Remember, your wetsuit should be inside out this entire time.  Spray one coat of cement on the piece of neoprene you had set aside earlier, and one coat on the inside of the wetsuit along the length of your tear.  The cement should cover a little more than the width of the tear to make sure the bond is strong when you attach the tape.  Wait five minutes, then add another coat of cement.  After eight more minutes, put the neoprene strip over the rip on the inside of the wetsuit.  Push down firmly and hold for a few seconds.

Dry

It would be best to let the wetsuit dry overnight and give your fresh repair a chance to strengthen up.  Make sure you occasionally check on the repair while your out in the water.  If you notice a leak, dry out your wetsuit and repeat the repair steps.  Now you're all set to handle any wetsuit tear that comes your way!