Repair wetsuit - This is how you repair a tear on a seam

Repair wetsuit - This is how you repair a tear on the seam of your wetsuit

Do you have a tear or hole in the neoprene of your wetsuit? Then you often have four options, depending on the extent of the damage. What people often do not realize is that repairing minor damage yourself is a good option. For larger damage, it is advisable to have your wetsuit repair done by a professional. This way, your wetsuit can often be 100% repaired with the help of a special sewing machine and good tools. In this kitesurf blog repair wetsuit we show you how you can repair a tear on a seam yourself.

Wetsuit repair options

  • Option 1: the gluing neoprene yourself. We have already explained this in detail before.
  • Option 2: wetsuit repair by a company that specializes in this. This is often necessary if the damage is extensive or, for example, a complete zipper needs to be replaced.
  • Option 3: repair a crack on a seam yourself. We explain this option below.
  • Option 4: dispose of the wetsuit and buy a new one.

Repair a tear or seam yourself

View my story and background on this wetsuit repair. There is a crack in it. I have become attached to this wetsuit over the years and decide to fix it myself.

Time required: 30 minutes

We show you how to repair a tear in your wetsuit in an easy way. This is certainly not the best way and can even be called a bit amateurish. Precisely because a wetsuit is all about insulation. Perforating your wetsuit with a needle and thread and not sealing or taping this stitched seam does not do the insulation any good. On the other hand, this is a simple, virtually free way that can be performed within half an hour.

  1. Preparing wetsuit for repair

    You need a needle and thread. Polyester yarn is very durable and resistant to salt water. It may also be a bit thicker yarn so that it is firm. In addition, a seam ripper is useful for removing the old thread. However, this can also be done with a needle. The necessary items can be found in almost every household.Repair wetsuit - This is how you repair a tear on the seam of your wetsuit

  2. Remove old stitching

    Make sure any old stitching is removed and seams are straight if possible. This way you can easily keep them together later to sew them together.Wetsuit repair - Repair tear yourself

  3. Sew wetsuit closed with needle and thread

    You can now turn your wetsuit inside out. You sew from the inside out and then back in again. I have the simple one stitch stitch used. This is certainly not the best stitch but should be enough. You secure the beginning with some buttons so that you do not pull the sewing thread directly through the wetsuit. You secure the end by pushing your stitch through a previous one in a way that creates a knot.Sew wetsuit closed

  4. Check and test the result

    When you are done and the loose ends have been neatly shortened, you can return your wetsuit to its normal state. Look at the seam and try to put some pressure on it to see if it fits properly. Try it on by trying on this part of your wetsuit. Pay attention! This method of repair is not professional and therefore not as strong as a professional repair. Especially the ends of the pipes have to endure a lot. Self-repaired tear in wetsuit

Wetsuit repair explanation

End result

Hopefully this explanation has helped you. I can tell you that after this repair, which cannot be called professional, I have a lot of fun with this wetsuit. What I also notice is that I have become more careful with taking off the wetsuit. I now guide the last part of pulling the pipes a little more actively with my hands.

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