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We receive wetsuit repair requests every day. Please consult us about patch repairs or peeling tape before replacing your wetsuit.
Over time, wetsuits are subjected to gradual wear and tear, leading to issues such as peeling rubber, loose tape, deterioration around the cuffs and ankles, and water leaks. In this video, we show the repair process as we examine a wetsuit that arrived at our workshop and perform patch repairs and tape replacements. We receive inquiries about wetsuit repairs from all over the country almost every day. Rather than focusing solely on the torn area, we assess the condition of the front, back, tape, and fabric deterioration to determine whether the wetsuit is repairable. About This Repair The wetsuit we’re examining today required repairs around the seams and tape sections. The tape on a wetsuit is a critical component for preventing water from entering.Even if a small blister or peeling appears on the surface, checking the inside may reveal that the adhesive has already weakened or that the bond with the fabric has deteriorated. If you continue using the wetsuit in this condition, additional stress during paddling or changing can cause water leaks or further tears. Patch repairs are not just about appearance; usability is also crucial When repairing wetsuits, it’s not enough to simply patch up the torn area. Will it still be easy to move in after the repair? Will it feel uncomfortable while paddling? Will the same area be subjected to excessive stress when putting it on or taking it off? Will the finish effectively prevent water from entering as much as possible? We select the repair method while carefully considering all these factors. In particular, for rubber and tape sections, the repair method varies depending on the condition of the material. If the fabric is still sturdy, it may be possible to repair it, but if it has deteriorated too much, forcing a repair may not result in a long-lasting solution. That’s why, after inspecting the condition, we’ll honestly advise you on whether it’s better to repair it or consider replacing it. Please consult us as soon as possible if you notice any of these issues: ・Water entering around the cuffs or ankles ・Tape peeling away ・Rubber sections tearing ・Lining becoming visible ・Previously repaired areas peeling off again ・Tears seem likely to spread when changing ・Cold water enters when entering the ocean In such cases, early inspection can significantly increase the chances of a successful repair. Before replacing your wetsuit, please consult us with photos first Wetsuits are by no means cheap. Even if you think, “It might be unusable now,” depending on the condition, it may be possible to repair it and continue using it. If you wish to have your wetsuit repaired, please send us close-up photos of the damaged area and a photo of the entire wetsuit. We will assess whether it can be repaired and what kind of repair is needed before providing guidance. Wetsuit tears, water leaks,
We receive wetsuit repair requests every day. Please consult us about patch repairs or peeling tape before replacing your wetsuit.
Over time, wetsuits are subjected to gradual wear and tear, leading to issues such as peeling rubber, loose tape, deterioration around the cuffs and ankles, and water leaks. In this video, we show the repair process as we examine a wetsuit that arrived at our workshop and perform patch repairs and tape replacements. We receive inquiries about wetsuit repairs from all over the country almost every day. Rather than focusing solely on the torn area, we assess the condition of the front, back, tape, and fabric deterioration to determine whether the wetsuit is repairable. About This Repair The wetsuit we’re examining today required repairs around the seams and tape sections. The tape on a wetsuit is a critical component for preventing water from entering.Even if a small blister or peeling appears on the surface, checking the inside may reveal that the adhesive has already weakened or that the bond with the fabric has deteriorated. If you continue using the wetsuit in this condition, additional stress during paddling or changing can cause water leaks or further tears. Patch repairs are not just about appearance; usability is also crucial When repairing wetsuits, it’s not enough to simply patch up the torn area. Will it still be easy to move in after the repair? Will it feel uncomfortable while paddling? Will the same area be subjected to excessive stress when putting it on or taking it off? Will the finish effectively prevent water from entering as much as possible? We select the repair method while carefully considering all these factors. In particular, for rubber and tape sections, the repair method varies depending on the condition of the material. If the fabric is still sturdy, it may be possible to repair it, but if it has deteriorated too much, forcing a repair may not result in a long-lasting solution. That’s why, after inspecting the condition, we’ll honestly advise you on whether it’s better to repair it or consider replacing it. Please consult us as soon as possible if you notice any of these issues: ・Water entering around the cuffs or ankles ・Tape peeling away ・Rubber sections tearing ・Lining becoming visible ・Previously repaired areas peeling off again ・Tears seem likely to spread when changing ・Cold water enters when entering the ocean In such cases, early inspection can significantly increase the chances of a successful repair. Before replacing your wetsuit, please consult us with photos first Wetsuits are by no means cheap. Even if you think, “It might be unusable now,” depending on the condition, it may be possible to repair it and continue using it. If you wish to have your wetsuit repaired, please send us close-up photos of the damaged area and a photo of the entire wetsuit. We will assess whether it can be repaired and what kind of repair is needed before providing guidance. Wetsuit tears, water leaks,
Wetsuit Underarm Repairs | We Recommend Repairing Neoprene Peeling and Leaks as Soon as Possible
The underarm area of a wetsuit is prone to tears and leaks. In this case, we’re repairing damage that occurred around the underarms and near the upper arms. This area is inevitably subjected to stress during paddling motions while surfing, as well as when putting on or taking off the wetsuit. Even if a tear or blister appears small from the outside, checking the inside often reveals that the neoprene has delaminated or become porous, making it prone to water seepage. [Photo 1: Insert a photo showing the entire wetsuit or the damaged underarm area] Damage to a wetsuit cannot always be accurately assessed by looking at the outside alone. With this wetsuit, we first checked its overall condition before examining the damaged areas around the underarms. From the outside, it may still look usable. However, upon inspection of the brushed fleece lining on the inside, we found that the neoprene was peeling away. If you continue to use it in this condition, water may seep in through that area, or the tear could spread further. [Photo 2: Insert a photo showing the brushed inner lining and the peeling neoprene] Especially with winter-use brushed wetsuits or semi-dry suits, water seeping in can lead to a sudden chill. Even a small leak can be quite stressful in the winter ocean. If you keep using it thinking, “It’s just a little bit, so it’s fine,” the tear may spread, or the area requiring repair may become larger. The underarm area and the area near the base of the arms see a lot of movement and are prone to stress on the material, so it’s important to check them early. [Photo 3: Insert a photo pointing to the damaged area with a finger] In cases like this where the neoprene is peeling, simply gluing it back on may not be sufficient. If you simply apply adhesive over the weakened area, it may peel off again in the same spot or the tear may spread when you use the suit again. Therefore, we create a new patch tailored to the damaged area and replace only the necessary sections. When repairing wetsuits, we determine the repair method not only based on appearance but also by assessing the direction of force when the suit is in use and identifying areas prone to water ingress. [Photo 4: Insert a photo of the newly made repair patch or the patching process] For this repair, we inspected the damage around the armpits and near the upper arms, and checked for neoprene peeling from the brushed lining on the inside. Based on this, we identified areas prone to water seepage and repaired them by replacing only the damaged sections. The repair process is as follows: ・Inspect the overall condition of the wetsuit・Check for damage around the armpits and near the upper arms・Check for neoprene peeling from the brushed inner layer・Determine if the suit is prone to water seepage・Replace only the damaged sections・Apply the newly made patches・Check the finished result after repair [Photo 5: Insert photo showing the finished repair] In many cases, it is better to repair a wetsuit while the tear or peeling is still small, rather than waiting until the damage has become significant. If addressed early, the repair area can often be minimized. Conversely, if you continue using the wetsuit as is and water seeps in or the tear spreads, the repair area may become larger, and in some cases, the repair may become more difficult. Areas such as the underarms, crotch, knees, neck, cuffs, and around the zipper are particularly prone to wear and tear in a wetsuit....
Wetsuit Underarm Repairs | We Recommend Repairing Neoprene Peeling and Leaks as Soon as Possible
The underarm area of a wetsuit is prone to tears and leaks. In this case, we’re repairing damage that occurred around the underarms and near the upper arms. This area is inevitably subjected to stress during paddling motions while surfing, as well as when putting on or taking off the wetsuit. Even if a tear or blister appears small from the outside, checking the inside often reveals that the neoprene has delaminated or become porous, making it prone to water seepage. [Photo 1: Insert a photo showing the entire wetsuit or the damaged underarm area] Damage to a wetsuit cannot always be accurately assessed by looking at the outside alone. With this wetsuit, we first checked its overall condition before examining the damaged areas around the underarms. From the outside, it may still look usable. However, upon inspection of the brushed fleece lining on the inside, we found that the neoprene was peeling away. If you continue to use it in this condition, water may seep in through that area, or the tear could spread further. [Photo 2: Insert a photo showing the brushed inner lining and the peeling neoprene] Especially with winter-use brushed wetsuits or semi-dry suits, water seeping in can lead to a sudden chill. Even a small leak can be quite stressful in the winter ocean. If you keep using it thinking, “It’s just a little bit, so it’s fine,” the tear may spread, or the area requiring repair may become larger. The underarm area and the area near the base of the arms see a lot of movement and are prone to stress on the material, so it’s important to check them early. [Photo 3: Insert a photo pointing to the damaged area with a finger] In cases like this where the neoprene is peeling, simply gluing it back on may not be sufficient. If you simply apply adhesive over the weakened area, it may peel off again in the same spot or the tear may spread when you use the suit again. Therefore, we create a new patch tailored to the damaged area and replace only the necessary sections. When repairing wetsuits, we determine the repair method not only based on appearance but also by assessing the direction of force when the suit is in use and identifying areas prone to water ingress. [Photo 4: Insert a photo of the newly made repair patch or the patching process] For this repair, we inspected the damage around the armpits and near the upper arms, and checked for neoprene peeling from the brushed lining on the inside. Based on this, we identified areas prone to water seepage and repaired them by replacing only the damaged sections. The repair process is as follows: ・Inspect the overall condition of the wetsuit・Check for damage around the armpits and near the upper arms・Check for neoprene peeling from the brushed inner layer・Determine if the suit is prone to water seepage・Replace only the damaged sections・Apply the newly made patches・Check the finished result after repair [Photo 5: Insert photo showing the finished repair] In many cases, it is better to repair a wetsuit while the tear or peeling is still small, rather than waiting until the damage has become significant. If addressed early, the repair area can often be minimized. Conversely, if you continue using the wetsuit as is and water seeps in or the tear spreads, the repair area may become larger, and in some cases, the repair may become more difficult. Areas such as the underarms, crotch, knees, neck, cuffs, and around the zipper are particularly prone to wear and tear in a wetsuit....