Hey guys,

I managed to gouge a 2x2cm tear in my wetsuit around the belly area whilst kitesurfing, tumbling over my board in the shallows.

The tear hasn't quite made it to the other side so it's not a hole but what remains is quite thin

Any ideas on the best way to repair this? I got a quote from a wetsuit repairer in Adelaide who wanted $70 to double glue it but another place told me to glue it myself?

Appreciate any ideas! Thanks.

I've had success using automotive silicon (black, for windscreens) and then loosely over stitch - ie do not pull it too tight. My repair is starting to look a bit shabby now - but it must be 3yrs on.

I've never had any success with the wettie tape - it just seems to peel off too easily.

The black Sicaflex could work, or try Black Witch glue.

I just use contact adhesive but that black silicone sounds good.
Also if I need to throw in a few stitches I use that thin ribbon type dental floss.

done all these types of repairs and if you want it to last use "Aqua seal" buy online or from dive shops.

^^^ agreed. Use the real one designed for the job. You still have 50% plus integrity there with the cloth back, just trying to stop it speading and add a bit more strength

I use NeoRez and on that it will be permanent. Just a blob, no fabric.

You need to make sure you buy the correct Aquaseal to repair a wetsuit. Gearaid have renamed their products and I would bet that most surf shops will still be selling the old stuff (white tube). The original Aquaseal is a polyurethane glue and it dries hard.

The company used to call itself McNett but now it's Gearaid.

The new stuff all has black branding. I have had good luck with Seal Cement (blue tube) which is now called Aquaseal Neo. It dries flexible. You can clean of the nozzle and close the tube for re-use later. I have had good results with this.

www.gearaid.com/products/aquaseal-repair-adhesive-neoprene?variant=718509309969

If you're careful you can use any quality contact adhesive. It can hold together any partial holes or tears. You want to avoid putting too much on because it looks bad and can peel off. It doesn't stick well on smooth skin surface but it's ok for end gluing.

You can also hand sew blind stitches if you're careful. That, combined with glue gives a good result.

I have had very good results with iron on patches. I used the old stuff but I assume this is the same. www.gearaid.com/products/tenacious-tape-patch-neoprene

Follow the instructions. Start with a fairly cool iron and raise the heat little by little until it melts the glue. You should see a little edge of melted glue all round the patch. It holds very well.

I wouldn't put all that much effort into wetsuit repairs. They used to be special things that you would keep for decades. Now they're consumables. Newer wetsuits are much warmer than old ones. Look after them but also use and abuse them.

needEssentials have got the price down, and the quality up so that it's better to just upgrade your suits every few years.

needessentials.com/