Wetsuit Underarm Repair | Early Repair Is Recommended for Neoprene Separation and Water Leakage

The underarm area of a Wetsuit is a part where Tears and Holes and Water Leakage can easily occur.

This time, the Repair is for damage around the underarm area of a Wetsuit, near the base of the arm.

This area is placed under stress during paddling while surfing and when putting the Wetsuit on and taking it off.

Even if it looks like a small tear or lifted area from the outside, checking from the back side may show Neoprene Separation or a condition where water can easily soak in.

[Photo 1: Insert a photo showing the whole Wetsuit or the underarm damage]

Wetsuit damage cannot always be judged accurately by looking only at the outside.

For this Wetsuit as well, we first checked the overall condition while inspecting the damaged area around the underarm.

From the outside, it may look like the suit can still be used.

However, when checked from the brushed lining on the back side, the Neoprene had separated.

If it is used as it is, water may soak in from that point, or the tear may spread further.

[Photo 2: Insert a photo showing the brushed lining on the back side or the Neoprene Separation]

Especially with winter brushed-lining Wetsuits and Semi-Dry suits, water entering the suit quickly leads to cold.

Even a small amount of Water Leakage can become a major stress in winter ocean conditions.

If you keep using it because you think it is only a little damage, the tear may spread or the Repair area may become larger.

The underarm area and the base of the arm move a lot and place stress on the material, so early inspection is important.

[Photo 3: Insert a photo pointing to the damaged area with a finger]

When the Neoprene has separated as in this case, simply gluing it may not be enough.

If a weakened area is bonded as it is, the same spot may separate again or the tear may spread when the suit is used again.

For that reason, we make a new part to match the damaged area and replace only the necessary section.

In Wetsuit Repair, we judge the Repair method while checking not only the appearance, but also which direction force will be applied during actual use and whether the area is prone to water entry.

[Photo 4: Insert a photo of the newly made Repair part or the bonding work]

For this Repair, we checked the damage around the underarm and the base of the arm, then inspected the Neoprene Separation from the brushed lining on the back side.

After that, we confirmed the areas where water could easily soak in and repaired the suit by partially replacing only the damaged sections.

The Repair process included the following steps.

- Check the overall condition of the Wetsuit
- Check the damaged area around the underarm and the base of the arm
- Confirm Neoprene Separation from the brushed lining on the back side
- Check whether water can easily soak in
- Partially replace only the damaged section
- Bond in the newly made part
- Check the finish after Repair

[Photo 5: Insert a photo checking the finished Repair]

For Wetsuits, it is often better to Repair small Tears and Holes or separation early rather than waiting until the damage becomes large.

When the damage is still small, the Repair area can sometimes be kept limited.

On the other hand, if the suit continues to be used and water enters or the tear spreads, the Repair area can become larger, and in some cases Repair may become difficult.

The underarms, crotch area, knees, neck, cuffs, and Zipper area are especially high-stress areas on a Wetsuit.

If you notice any of the following conditions, early inspection is recommended.

- Slight tearing
- Water somehow getting in
- Rubber or Neoprene starting to lift
- The brushed lining on the back side seems damaged
- Discomfort around the underarm or base of the arm
- Feeling colder than before in the winter ocean

A Wetsuit is not an inexpensive item.

Instead of replacing it immediately because it has torn, first checking whether Repair is possible is one good option.

Of course, not all damage can be restored completely to its original condition.

However, depending on the condition, there may still be plenty of life left after Repair.

If you are having trouble with Wetsuit Tears and Holes, Neoprene Separation, lifted rubber, Water Leakage, or underarm Repair, please feel free to contact us.

We also accept Wetsuit Repair by shipping from anywhere in Japan.

Consult us about Wetsuit Repair here
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