Why You Should Check Your Wrists and Ankles Before a Surf Trip
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Before your surf trip, please check your wrist and ankle straps for leaks.
Before heading out on a surf trip or expedition, you’ll want to check the wrists and ankles of your wetsuit. Since these areas are pulled on every time you put the wetsuit on or take it off, and because you move around a lot in the water, they’re prone to tearing, loosening, adhesive failure, and fabric stretching.
Even a slight issue can become a major concern—such as a leak or water ingress—when you’re in the water for long periods or in cold ocean conditions. If you notice a problem right before departure, there may not be enough time to get it repaired, so we recommend inspecting your wetsuit well in advance of your surf trip.
Common symptoms around the wrists and ankles
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it’s a good idea to consult with a repair specialist before deciding to replace the item.
- Water tends to get in through the wrists and ankles
- The elastic at the cuffs and ankles has stretched out
- A small tear has started to spread when I put it on or take it off
- The tape or adhesive on the inside is peeling off
- Water is leaking again from the area that was previously repaired with adhesive
- Water leaking into my winter wetsuit is making me cold
Leaks and water ingress in wetsuits aren’t always caused solely by holes in the outer fabric. They can also result from a combination of factors, such as adhesive failure on the inner side, hardening of the surrounding fabric, old repair marks, and stretched neoprene.
Cases where repair may be possible
The repair method for wrists and ankles varies depending on the extent of the damage and the condition of the fabric. For small tears or areas where the adhesive has come loose, we may be able to address the issue with adhesive repair or by applying a lining for reinforcement. If there is significant water penetration around the cuffs or ankles, we will consider replacing the affected parts or applying a wider reinforcement, depending on the condition.
The key is not just to patch the visible tear, but to determine why water is seeping in at that spot. Since areas under concentrated stress are prone to recurring damage, professional repair shops assess the condition of the surrounding fabric—including any stretching, hardening of the elastic, and previous repair marks—to make an informed judgment.
Situations where it’s better to consider replacing the item rather than repairing it
If the fabric has become stiff overall, there is significant wear and tear in multiple areas, or the repaired area looks like it might tear again at any moment, it may be better to consider replacing the item rather than repairing it. At wet-repair.com, we don’t just assess whether an item can be repaired; we also evaluate whether you’ll be able to use it with confidence after the repair.
If the item is still repairable, we won’t pressure you into replacing it. However, if the repair costs are too high or the fabric is nearing the end of its lifespan, we’ll give you honest advice, including the option to replace it.
Photos that make it easier to assess your needs when sending a request for a free quote via LINE
When consulting us about repairs to your wetsuit’s wrists, ankles, or water leaks, providing photos will help us assess the condition more easily.
- Close-up photos of the injured areas on the wrist and ankle
- A wide shot taken from a short distance away that shows where it is
- A photo taken from the back
- Notes on areas where you notice water leaks or flooding
- Length of use, frequency of use, scheduled departure date
In some cases, we can provide an estimated price and delivery time based on photos alone. While the final price and delivery time will be confirmed after we inspect the item, please use this information to help you decide whether to replace it.
Get a free quote via LINE
If you notice any tears, water leaks, or water damage on the wrists or ankles, please send us a photo. We will check whether the item can be repaired and provide you with an estimate of the cost and estimated turnaround time.