If you are handy then you can always repair your wetsuit yourself with the use of a specialist neoprene glue. Step 4: sign up for Outside+. This requires a specialized sewing machine. The process of making a wetsuit involves stitching together different shaped pieces of neoprene. Outer skin is still holding but tape and but joint has seperated??? Believe it or not, Estonia has the 30th longest coastline on the planet. document.write("
"); You can repair this with neoprene glue, but it is advisable to add an iron-on reinforcement patch on the inside of the repair to make this area stronger and to avoid it from tearing again. Please enter a valid email address. Is there anything special I need to know about restitching small sections of the seams? Because triathlon wetsuits are made with closed cell neoprene, its not going to hold the way it may in a surf or dive wetsuit. Ditto for duct tape: The tape is not flexible, it will restrict movement. flowy Im building my own suit since I cant find one that fits. If the tear is just a slice (not missing a chunk of material) you can just use cement. Great info on this site! By using this site you agree to the use of cookies for analytics, personalized content and ads. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 Wetsuit Wearhouse All Rights Reserved. Please do not fold your wetsuit or screw it up;if you fold or screw up a wetsuit it will create a crease in the neoprene and unfortunately, if this happens and it arrives back at Boardshop creased, it cannot be accepted by us. Seams should not run along the shoulders or under arms, where they could intrude on paddling areas. If you want to return your wetsuit you to us, you will need a returns number. Great Blog on wet suit stitching. would neoprene rubber glue still work on the felt and seal it again? However, if only the zip slider breaks, just the slider can be replaced. Awap--what would you do differently if you were to do another repair? and protect the suit from damage over time from the salt water. I have a hole about the size of your fingernail in my wetsuit, although Im not sure how thick it is. If you left your soaked wetsuit in your transition bag for days (or even weeks), the odor awaiting when you finally open it will beripe. Once cooled, turn the suit right-side out and use cement to seal the neoprene side. Wetsuit Stitching: There seams to be more to it. There exist different types of seam issues. If the hole is in the smooth skin of the wetsuit, we recommend just using an adhesive that doesnt need any patching or stitching. If you have any questions regarding wetsuit care or if you want some help and advice choosing your new wetsuit, you can contact us via email atinfo@boardshop.co.ukor via phone on (+44)1243 674250. Offset your old stick against a brand new board! If you are a cold water surfer, do yourself a favour and pay extra for blindstitching. This article rocks. Give us a call or send an email! Some repairs are simply too big or too challenging a suit that gets tangled up with a bike chain In transition may have a long and jagged tear, for example, or a zipper that has completely come off the track. Thanks. backzip wetsuits We also recommend you dry your suit out of direct sunlight to make the neoprene last as long as possible and prevent fading. I used nylon thread and attempted a "blind stitch". We will then check the suit over once we receive it back and send it onto you so you can enjoy it for many more surf to come! Chris, I needed something to repair cracks in the glued seals (over the seams). || document.body.clientWidth; Its just below the abdominals and above the navel, on the grippy rubberised surface. Very informative, the pictures make it nice and easy to understand. The blind stitch is a loose stitch and has great expansion properties, hence the stretch, but a relatively un-spoken advantage to the blind-stitch is its ability to grow and contort to the body [like a stocking], making it the best option for kids because it will grow with them- which is VERY important because buying a suit that they can grow into means theyre gonna be cold until they fit it. You can try either the ONeill Wetsuit Repair Cement: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/1-0146.html or try using Aquaseal: https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/10114.html. // ]]>, 2022 SurferToday.com |All Rights Reserved. What is Flatlock stitch? Hello, do you know where we can buy this Liquid Rubber Seam Sealing 'adhesive'? In the first case, you'll need to re-attach the neoprene panels. January 28th, 2016 Its essentially a rubber cement for wetsuits, says Suddarth, who recommends viewing this YouTube video from TriSports to learn proper application. Once youve received your new wetsuit, chances are, youll want to try it on as soon as possible. Pinch the two surfaces firmly together. Wetsuits - How they are made and how they work. Neoprene glue is easy to use, but take your time to do it right and follow the manufacturers instructions. } backzip wetsuits These holes can let water though the waterproof neoprene, so the type of stitching is important when considering how warm a wetsuit will be. Its best to store the suit folded up with the chest areas flat. Water seepage will reduce the effectiveness of the suit. This is the ideal seam for cold water temperatures, and is the one found on higher quality, more expensive wetsuits. It also leaves a bulge on the inside of the wetsuit, which can be uncomfortable and result in chafing - ouch! A slider that disconnects, as on all SRFACE wetsuits, makes your wetsuit last longer. You'll onlyneed wetsuit cement, glue-on seam tape, floss, and a needle. As soon as we receive your returned wetsuit, we will contact you by email to let you know your refund or exchange has been processed. I am also very interested in fixing my wetsuits as I surf a lot and the wetsuits are very expansive and unfortunately not recycable. We recommend either of these products to repair cracks in the seals: 1) https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/10114.html or 2) https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/1-0146.html. document.write("
"); Ask us any question you can think of, seven days a week. var width = window.innerWidth If larger, consider using a scrap piece of neoprene as a patch! If the issue persists, skip harsh household lubricants like WD-40, which can both disintegrate wetsuit material and collect sand, making the issue worse. Sizing is one consideration, but what about the type of surfing wetsuit you'll need? Surf changing mats are one of the most valuable accessories a surfer can get, and they can increase the lifetime of your wetsuit. Be careful and take your time trying it on. TY. So long as the damage is to the neoprene and doesnt go through to puncture the liner, a small tear (like a fingernail tear) can be treated with specially designed glues like Aqua Seal + Neo ($7.75, Gearaid.com). This is a problem because now your wetsuit is full of cold water and now that this water is in direct contact with the skin it's going to wick heat away from your body 25x faster than air as a result, youll be shivering, bummed and keen to call quits on the session, which is crazy to me- why wear a wetsuit that isnt going to extend your surf. backzip wetsuits For access to all of our training, gear, and race coverage, plus exclusive training plans, FinisherPix photos, event discounts, and GPS apps, Your friendly Viking/Poseidon Drysuit dealer. If when you try your wetsuit on, you find it doesnt fit correctly, or you just dont like it; make sure you reattach any tags if they have fallen off and put the wetsuit back in the bag it arrived in. Fold the wetsuit over at the point of the cut so that the cut opens up to reveal the two surfaces that need to be glued back together. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. JavaScript is disabled. In that case, its best to call in the professionals. Do you have leads on products used for fully taped seals or liquid taped seams ? The neoprene itself is definitely the main element to a wetsuit and it's quality is measuredby the level of stretch. Don't forget that stitching punches tiny holes in the neoprene, which will cause small leaks. I bought Aquaseal + Neo Contact Cement for Neoprene from Deals Only. Posted In: How-To We recommend using Aquaseal or a similar neoprene adhesive. }. Thanks so much. Go for GBS with taped seams if you want a suit that lasts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); There are three types of stitching used in wetsuit construction. Best way to rejoin a glued/taped join that has come apart? It should go without saying, but just in case: Dont put your wetsuit in the washing machine. If you don't like it, return it.No questions asked. If you find the name of it, please share, wed love to know what it is! The GBS takes a hooked needle half-way into the neoprene, resulting in no pin-holes but requires glueing on the non-stitched side of the seam. document.write("
"); Wetsuit adhesives will take longer to dry (a few hours.) A torn seam repair is quick and easy: If you've damaged the rubber, buy wetsuit cement, floss, and a needle. Log in or Register now! In some cases, seam welding will be used to reinforce a blind-stitch on the exterior of the suit. We need a decent ongoing quantity. Wetsuit zips experience a lot of abuse in their lives. So, for this reason, we cant accept wetsuits returned to us in this condition for refund or exchange. It's not just a great fit that ensures a wetsuit is nice and warm. If the zip teeth get damaged you will have to replace the complete zip. I have a high quality 7 mil suit that I would like to get re-sized to fit my son who is in the Coast Guard in New Jersey. Buoyancy Control and Breathing Control are conjoined twins that cannot be seperated without both dying---Uncle Pug. They are then stitched on the inside, but the stitching does not go all the way through to the outside of the panels. Of the seams were discussing today the only that does not offer a true seal is the Flatlock, which is most common as its quick to lay, durable and effective at keeping a suit in one piece. If your wetsuit is covered under warranty, we will issue you a returns number to send the wetsuit back to us and we will then send this onto a professional wetsuit repairer for repair. Trying on Your Wetsuit for the First Time. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. These patches or reinforcement tape, also called Melco tape, can be bought through your local wetsuit repair shop. Check out our wetsuit repair products. Should a tear or fingernail cut happen, repairing it yourself is a very simple five minute job. Apply to the stuck zipper and wiggle the zipper pull back and forth until it is free. all comments are subject to moderation (ie. Any ideas please? If its already happened, it cant be reversed. Hi Gustavo, You dont have to throw away your wetsuit in case the zip fails. I can't find anything like it online, the dimensions don't match. Do not rejoin the surfaces immediately while the glue is still fully wet. Wetsuit repair materials are designed to be applied to dry neoprene, so lay the suit flat until completely dry before starting the repair process. -Some sort of applicator (small paint brush, Popsicle stick, strip of rigid plastic) Triathlon Race Suits - What's The Difference? This motion creates a big pocket of low pressure in your lumbar [next time youre in a suit arch your back and feel your lumbar] which in turn sucks water through the seams around your lumbar [and the zip, but well cover zips/enclosures later]. It only penetrates about 25 percent into the fabric of the neoprene; Add a glue-on seam tape to the inside of the wetsuit; Apply the neoprene cement to both sides of the seam; Carefully sew the damaged area. HI Lauren, i saw a product in a Surfshop in Aus, to make old wetsuits flexible again, do you know anything like that? Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions. Struggling to put on big bottom patches (cut from old wetsuits). Continue applying the wax regularly before each use, to keep your zipper moving smoothly. Then, firmly press the cut together to create a butt joint. Seams are a common place for a wetsuit to eventually start wearing. Don't forget to take care of your wetsuit once you have made the purchase. If you didn't dive in water so cold that it freezes the stitching maybe it would last longer.just kidding. Save 5% on everything - join our loyalty scheme, Save 5% on everything - join our loyalty scheme. If you would like more information about the types of wetsuit stitching and seams (sealed / flatlock), it's explained here. Do you need to repair a wetsuit? else if (width >= 960) { Picasso Wetsuit glue is our recommendation and what we use for all in-store repairs. If you're a lightweight summer surfer, this information is probably not that interesting, you should head straight for the board shorts page. The variation between neoprene types has an affect on everything but in terms of warmththere is little difference fora given thickness. Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Be sure to follow all safety precautions on the repair products packaging and use in a well ventilated area! Flatlock Flatlock stitching involves laying one panel edge over the other, then stitching though the neoprene. Copyright 2022, Wetsuit Warehouse All rights reserved. How to prevent and remove salt buildup on zippers, What is and how to treat a neoprene wetsuit allergy, Soruz develops oyster powder-based wetsuit, Punta Roca: the crown jewel point break of El Salvador, The best surf changing mats for your wetsuit. This can be glued on with normal wetsuit glue but is not a clean looking as hot melt tape. Have you read Joewr's guide to stitching neoprene in. Hey Lauren, the first day I went out with my wet suit I got a tear and I was wondering if I could just stitch it back together and then put cement on top or should I just put cement on top? Store your dry wetsuit hanging up on a wetsuit hanger or laid flat as this will prevent creases. For both cases, there are simple solutions. I recently bought a commercial sewing machine to sew boat canvas, vinyl and upholstery fabric. A Flatlock stitch butts the two materials together and puts a mirrored stitch along both sides of the material, locking every loop [very durable, but minimal stretch capacity] This results in cold-water flushing every time you contort your body underwater because the body moves and contorts within the suit, creating low and hi pressure cavities. Wetsuits are not cheap, so dont try to repair them with lower quality substitutes, warns Suddarth. ), The higher the quality and flexibility of neoprene something you want for maximum flexibility and range of motion the easier it is to nail poke. Sand and salt water can cause a wetsuit zipper to rebel, so keeping the suit clean is the first line of defense against a stuck zipper. If you gouge a chunk of rubber out of the suit with a fingernail this is not a warranty issue. A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world. Apply to the stuck zipper and wiggle the zipper pull back and forth until it is free. For example johndoe@domain.com. These patches have a hot melt glue layer attached to the back of them. Chances are, even if your wetsuit isnt covered under warranty you will be able to get your wetsuit professionally repaired for a small fee and enjoy it for many years to come. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Small shifts in the material make a big difference in how it fits, so handle carefully.. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Other frequent repairs are fingernail or fin cuts. Without diving too deep into thermodynamics, because I can't, a suit is most effective when its completely dry on the inside but this is practically impossible when youre dealing with full submersion and a waves turbulent water but you definitely dont want to surf in a dry-suit.. Alas, our only hope is to minimise this movement of water in and out of the suit, or most ideally, seal in a small volume of water which your body-heat warms, in turn, providing three mediums of insulation: the trapped water, the neoprene itself and fat. The taped seam is usually an extension of the GBS seam in the sense that theres an elastic tape running along the inside, or outside, of the suits seams- resulting in another level of seal and is generally the most durable kind of sealing. It's held for a year in my .5 mm. Picture your duck dive, especially the moment that you arch your back to trim towards the surface. The best wetsuit repair is to prevent it from getting damaged in the first place. i have a flashbombe with e5 seam tape; there is a lining inside thats like felt material, and my tape has come off around the knee area. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. If you own a blind stitched wetsuit and the thread has come undone, its best to contact your local repair shop to redo the blind stitching. Taking good care of your wetsuit can keep it strong season after season (check out our guide on how to make your wetsuit last seven years), but sometimes, things go wrong and you need to figure out wetsuit repair. Please send an email toinfo@boardshop.co.ukwith your order number in the subject line, explaining whatwetsuityou want to return and whether you want a refund or want to exchange this for a different size or different wetsuit. Would sewing then gluing those seams be functional? Nando, Nevertheless, with a welded seam effective water sealing is guaranteed. Fortunately there are a number of ways to increase the warmth of a wetsuit, (without constantly peeing in it) and to increase the strength of a wetsuit's seams. That is you don't want to go all the way through the neoprene. Blindstitch The edges of the panels are placed end on end and glued together. Take a look at our main wetsuit detail page that explains how a wetsuit keeps you warm. If youre surfing more than 3 times a week its worth considering a taped seam which i'll explain below. What mil should my first wetsuit be (midwest US)? One side of the patch has an adhesive that is activated when heated by an iron, explains Suddarth. As you might guess, stitching involves making holes in neoprene and passing a thread through. If you think you have a warranty issue with your wetsuit, please send an email to us atinfo@boardshop.co.ukwith your order number, some photos of the damage and a brief description of this. Will neoprene cement work on a damp Wetsuit? More persistent odors, like urine or mold, should be treated with an enzyme-based formulation like Revivex ($8.95, Gearaid.com). But your wetsuit cost hundreds maybe even thousands of dollars, so a quick replacement isnt always an option. rando Step 5: Hope this helps! Increases the likelihood of chafing caused by a seam, Poorer fit, although this is becoming less and less a problem with new neoprene technology. Sounds perfect but the downside is free passage for cold water to enter your suit. It will also peel away and will leave behind the sticky adhesive that will make putting on your wetsuit that much more difficult.. Another handy bonus with the tape seams is that repairing and maintaining the seam is easy thanks to the durability of the tape itself- if the tape starts peeling off you can simply glue it back down with a neoprene glue [Picassos Neoprene is the glue we use and recommend] and you can be assured that there will be no water penetration or reduce durability of the seam itself- just make sure you suit is dry when you apply! Alternatively, consider the flatlock stitch or single-needle stitch. Be sure to let it sit for about 20 minutes before tugging on it to see that its completely sealed, says Suddarth. We wear a wetsuit to keep warm and the seam contributes to warmth more than any other element. Train smarter, race faster, and crush your tri goals. It is not used on high-end wetsuits, and would only be found on summer wetsuit or cheaper wetsuits. Learn more. As mentioned in the beginning paragraph, there's more to consider than the thickness of wetsuit choosing a wetsuit. I have the same question as Joseph, CA: "Do you have leads on products used for fully taped seals or liquid taped seams ?". You rock! This prevents the teeth from breaking when the zip is fully opened. Gently agitate the wetsuit in the water/shampoo mix, then let soak for at least 24 hours. Hi there, I wouldnt recommend any suit that relies only on a welded seam. Can you hit it with a blow dryer or blow a box fan on it for a few hours? What Is Thunderbolt Surfboard Construction? However, I would not recommend just cutting the sleeves or legs without hemming the nylon laminate may start to unravel. I dont think it will hold (but never tried.) Gracias. If that is not ideal, will it hold for a temporary fix until we can fully dry it? Dont store your wetsuit on a hanger, says Suddarth. These are formulated specifically for small wetsuit repairs in neoprene, along seams, and on smoothy-skin. Overlock This method is the simplest way of stitching, and the least effective at keeping water out. It is roughly oval, and there is a space so you can see straight through to the skin, and there is still some of the material in there, so there is a kind of circular hole with two straight forward tears leading up. I do minor mends for a watersports centre. Note that after the repair, youll need to let the glue cure overnight before you hit the water. Conversely a seam can have a massive impact as seam type decides wether the suit lets in water or not and this is a BIG DEAL. Thank about how heavy that neoprene is what happens to a sweater you hang on a hanger? Dimpling on the shoulders and thinning of the material is one issue that with no wetsuit repair solution you cant take in a suit like you would a shirt at the tailor. In a poor quality wetsuit, water will flood through the seams, quickly turning your nether regions blue! Do you want to stay up-to-date on our new product releases? backzip wetsuits Regardless of the glue type used, its best to allow your repair overnight to fully dry. The suit is new I just got it but I only have 2 weeks before my trip and cant rely on exchanging it. Each time you pull the suit on and off of you, you increase the chance of any tear expanding and getting worse, says Suddarth. Rinse several times, and let dry. What is the best method to repair the knee? If you find your wetsuit zip feels like it is getting stiff, to avoid it breaking, you can use a zipper lubricant to protect your zip and ensure it lasts for years. To keep the suit fresh and pliable (and hopefully avoid wetsuit repair), always rinse your suit in fresh water after a swim. You can check out our wetsuit accessory category which features highly rated wetsuit repair adhesives. flowy Step 1: Read on to learn more about how to care for your wetsuit from long-term wetsuit care tips, trying it on and ensuring you get the perfect fit, returning your wetsuit if it doesnt fit and how to deal with warranty issues. Avoid tearing the rubber; Apply one last neoprene cement layer over the sewn area for extra strength. Our definitive wetsuit buyers guide, which gives an overview of all considerations. The liner is much more durable, and tugging and grabbing it on the liner means no nail pokes on the outside of the suit. (Check out this videofor a step-by-step instruction for putting on your wetsuit. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1380803009389-0'); }); Instead, all cleaning should be done in a bathtub or large bucket. Once it appears dry, check it by gently touching the glue surface. Wetsuit Seams and their stitching are often overlooked but certainly the most important aspect of a surfing wetsuit is the seam as it's the major factor in warmth, stretch and comfort: the three main types being Flatlock, Glued and Blindstitch [GBS] and Taped/Welded. Would you try a different stitch? Privacy Policy. Step 2: else { or in the nylon laminate and this is usually the result of pulling too heard when putting the suit on or by catching or pinching the surface of the wetsuit with your fingernails. Photos and video shot in our Brisbane Store. triathlon tyr torque wetsuit swimskin suit sport pro speed elite swimming mens We see lots of arms and legs of suits get torn up in the bike chains and pedals, says Suddarth. We recommend rinsing it with cool, fresh water after each surf and drying it. Damage can occur either in the smooth rubber (smoothskin, smoothie, sharkskin, etc.) And, of course the wet suit rubber cement. [CDATA[ backzip wetsuits water shoes drying quick aqua womens Hi Gus! As a guide: entry-level wetsuits always use the Flatlock because it's cheap, easy and durable but youll struggle to find it in a suit over $250, on the other hand, you wont find a sealed suit for less than $250 [except for the 2017 Adreno Surf suits]. Hey, the left knee on my patagonia wetsuit has a small hole developing. Please click the checkbox above to prove you are human. However, there will always be variability between manufacturers and individual suits. It was extremely helpful ! Did Orca Quietly Make The Safest Wetsuit Ever? Is it even a remote possibility that I could alter the suit to lengthen and enlarge the shoulders? A regular surfer hitting the waves 100 times a year may be forced to replace his wetsuit every 24 months. When she's not scouring the web for travel deals, you can find her either hiking, running, gardening, tending to her animals, or reading a good book outside on a beautiful day. Hope that helps. When drying your wetsuit, it is best to dry your wetsuit inside out first and then turn it the right way out to ensure it is dried thoroughly. A wetsuit is likely to sustain some form of damage during its life. Hi! The beauty of a welded seam is itsability to provide maximum stretch in a non-stitched design. good morning/afternoon This makes it more suited to summer or warmer water surfing. Suddarth refers customers to Swell Stuff for big repairs though based in Leucadia, Calif., the shop accepts repairs shipped in from all over the United States. A wetsuit seam repair is the most common wetsuit repair.