HOW TO REPAIR YOUR WETSUIT

Every wetsuit goes through stress: stretching, compression, salt, UV, repeated entry and exit, and occasional contact with sharp surfaces. Over time, these forces can create small tears or cause seams to weaken. Addressing these issues early prevents further damage, maintains thermal performance, and keeps the neoprene flexible where it needs to be. Repairing your wetsuit is a normal part of ownership, and with the right materials it can be done quickly and effectively at home.

THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS: WHAT’S INSIDE THE SRFACE WETSUIT REPAIR KIT

To help surfers maintain performance and extend the life of their gear, the SRFACE Wetsuit Repair Kit includes everything needed for efficient, durable small repair work at home or on the go.:

• 30 ml SRFACE neoprene glue, specially formulated for flexible, watertight neoprene bonding

• 9x neoprene repair patches in three diameters (2.5 cm, 3.8 cm, 5 cm)

• Neotape seam reinforcement tape for strengthening seam repairs from the inside

• Application brush for applying clean, thin layers of glue

Together, these components allow for professional-quality repairs on wetsuits, gloves, boots, hoods, and any neoprene product that needs attention.

HOW TO REPAIR TEARS AND HOLES

Repairing tears or holes with the SRFACE Wetsuit Repair Kit follows a precise sequence designed to create a durable, flexible bond that won’t fail under stretch. No matter if you’re fixing a small nick or reinforcing a larger tear, the process begins the same way and uses the same glue application method, the only difference is the added reinforcement required for bigger repairs.

1. CLEAN THE AREA

The first and most important step is preparation: make sure the damaged spot is clean, fully dry, and free from sand, salt, oils, or sunscreen residue. Any contamination will compromise the bond quality.

2. FIRST THIN LAYER OF GLUE

Using the application brush included in the kit, apply a thin layer of neoprene glue to both sides of the tear. Thin, even application promotes a strong adhesive interface and improves flexibility once cured.

3. WAIT ~3 MINUTES

Let the glue dry for about 3 minutes; it should shift from wet to tacky. This tacky stage is essential for good adhesion.

4. APPLY SECOND THIN LAYER

Add another thin coat of glue to both edges of the tear. Wait once more (~3 minutes) until this second layer becomes tacky. This double-layer process improves durability and water resistance.

5. PRESS FIRMLY AND HOLD

Bring the edges of the tear together and press them firmly. Hold the two sides together firmly for at least a full minute to ensure complete contact across the glued surfaces.

6. REINFORCE INTERNALLY

For larger tears, once the initial bond is made, place one of the neoprene repair patches or the neotape seam strip on the inside of the suit over the repaired area. Cut it to a suitable size if needed, and glue the patch onto the inside of the wetsuit as described in step 3~5. This internal reinforcement strengthens the repair against stretching and flexing stresses.

7. LET IT CURE

Leave the repair undisturbed for 12–24 hours before using the wetsuit. Full cure time ensures maximum bond strength and water tightness.

This method restores the flexibility and structural integrity of small tears without additional reinforcement, while giving larger tears the support they need to withstand regular flexing, stretching, and surf use.

HOW TO REPAIR SEAM DAMAGE

Seam failures usually occur when glue between panels begins to separate or when stitching has worn out. To repair a seam, clean and dry the area thoroughly. Apply neoprene glue directly into the seam opening, ensuring the glue penetrates between the neoprene layers. Press the seam back together and hold it in place; using tape to maintain pressure can be helpful. Once the initial glue has cured, apply a strip of Neotape along the inside of the seam to reinforce it and prevent future separation. Allow the repair to cure fully before using the wetsuit again.

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR A LONGER-LASTING REPAIR

A good wetsuit repair is more than simply applying glue, it’s about ensuring the bond stays flexible and functional over time. Repairs should always be done at room temperature, as neoprene glue responds best in moderate conditions; extreme cold slows curing and weakens the bond. Thin, controlled layers of glue are key because they allow the neoprene to bend naturally, whereas thick blobs of glue create stiff points that can crack or peel under tension. After applying patches or bonding tears, the repaired area should be left completely undisturbed until fully cured, early use is one of the most common reasons repairs fail. Finally, caring for the wetsuit after repair is just as important: always rinse with fresh water, dry in the shade, and avoid folding or creasing the repaired zones, especially in the days immediately following the fix.

WHEN DIY REPAIR ISN’T ENOUGH

While most common wetsuit damage can be repaired at home, there are cases where professional repair is simply more reliable. Blindstitching that came undone, large structural tears that cross multiple panels, damage around the zipper base, or problems involving the internal lining can be difficult to fix without industrial tools. If the suit’s shape, insulation, or structural integrity is compromised, a professional service can re-glue, stitch, and heat-seal the materials to factory-like standards. Attempting to fix these types of damage at home may only mask the problem temporarily, so it’s worth getting an expert opinion when the damage is beyond typical wear and tear.

SUSTAINABILITY: WHY REPAIRING IS BETTER FOR THE PLANET

Repairing your wetsuit instead of buying a new one is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact as a surfer. Neoprene is resource-intensive to produce and difficult to recycle, meaning every wetsuit that ends up in a landfill stays there for decades. By repairing small tears and maintaining your gear properly, you extend the lifespan of the materials and reduce the number of wetsuits that need to be manufactured. This cuts down on energy consumption, raw material usage, and the emissions involved in producing and transporting new products. A simple repair not only saves money, it keeps valuable materials in use longer and minimizes waste within the surf industry.