How We Repair Wetsuits

During the 35 years we've been manufacturing new wetsuits, we have repaired thousands of other brands wetsuits to ensure our landfills are not filling up unnecessarily.

Unfortunately with some new technologies in fabrics and liquid seams there are some brands we can no longer repair. Some of the neoprene linings melt and the liquid seams once broken are not repairable and they cannot go through our machines
Some wetsuit brands are not designed in a way that they can be repaired or repaired at an economical price.

We can not guarantee a repair of another brands wetsuit due to these different construction methods. We highly recommend you emailing us images of the repair required before you send it because if we can't fix it you will have to pay for the return freight.

We are unable to offer our repair service through the month of December, but have plenty of wetsuit glue.

We can still easily repair your Seventhwave Wetsuits.
 

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There are a number of wetsuit repairs that can be prevented through care and technique; others like fin cuts and dog bites, unfortunately, are out of our control. Luckily we can remedy most kinds of wetsuit problems.

Please note our minimum repair charge is $40 plus freight

Here's some common wetsuit problems and how we repair them. Click on any image to enlarge it.

 

1. Tear

What: A fin cut, fingernail or object caused a rip on the neoprene.
Why: Damage is done from being hit with sharp object or being caught and torn by a sharp object.
Prevent this: Be wary of anything that may catch your suit, and be careful pulling on any mesh panels.
How we repair it: Damaged area is cut out and a new piece is inserted. If the tear is minor then we may be able to glue down the tear and melco over it (see small dot on after shot)
Approx. Cost: $60
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

2. Base of zip tear

What: The base of the zip tears away from the surrounding neoprene.
Why: Naturally a weak point, this happens when too much stress is put on the back zip; the wetsuit is too small a fit; age.
Prevent this: When doing up your back zip support the area at the base of the back with your free hand; don't lend your suit to others.
How we repair it: If the split is clean then the seam can be reglued and stitched; if it's badly torn then a new piece is inserted to join the panels together.
Approx. Cost: $80-$120
 

 

3. Split seam

What: The rubber has torn away from the seam, or the seam has split; stitching has unravelled.
Why: Catching the suit on an object or putting excessive force on the seams when putting the suit on and off; age; poor workmanship.
Prevent this: Use a plastic bag when putting suit on and off; be gentle on the wetsuit.
How we repair it: If the split is clean then the seam can be reglued and stitched; if it's badly torn then a new piece is inserted to join the panels together.
Approx. Cost: $50
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

4. Ripped/rough neoprene

What: The rubber has been ripped or roughed up; either right through the neoprene or just on the nylon surface.
Why: Usually on the bum area, this is caused by wear and tear or rubbing on a rough surface (rocks, kayak, board etc).
Prevent this: Eliminate excessive use on rough surface; install Armatek pads in problem areas.
How we repair it: Cut out damaged section and insert with new piece. An Armatek pad can also be added.
Approx. Cost: $100-$120
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

5. Delamination

What: The nylon layer comes away from the neoprene (on the inside or outside of the suit).
Why: The nylon comes away through stress or repeated use; nylon is caught and pulled away by an object; the glue has failed; age.
Prevent this: Be wary of anything that may catch your suit; be gentle when getting in and out of your suit.
How we repair it: Damaged area is cut out and a new piece is inserted.
Approx. Cost: $60-$80
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

6. Broken zipslider

What: The slider breaks off the zip; the pulley snaps off the slider; the slider has rusted and won't move.
Why: The top stopper has come away from the zip; excessive force breaks the slider; age; salt.
Prevent this: Do the zip up gently, supporting the base of the zip with your free hand; clean slider and zip teeth regularly.
How we repair it: A new zip slider and stoppers are fitted. If the zip is too rusty/salty then we have to remove the entire zip and is more work (see next section).
Approx. Cost: $55
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

7. Broken zip

What: Teeth have broken off the zip.
Why: Excessive force on the zip; age.
Prevent this: Do the zip up gently, supporting the base of the zip with your free hand; clean slider and zip teeth regularly.
How we repair it: The entire zip needs to be cut out and a new one put it (this cannot be done on some glued suits due to their construction); or if the missing tooth is near either end of the zip, the zip can be shortened.
Approx. Cost: $80-$150

 

8. Kneepads

What: Kneepads wear out—the inside neoprene compresses, or they wear right through.
Why: General use; age; quality of kneepads.
Prevent this: Quite hard to do as most kneepads wear, but avoid cheap/printed kneepads.
How we repair it: Cut out worn knee and insert new Kevlar kneepad (full knee reconstructions cost $45-$90); pad the inside with neoprene.
Approx. Cost: $80-130
 

BEFORE

AFTER