While there are steps that you can take to ensure good care of your wetsuit, even the best wetsuits can end up with a tear or a hole.
In those cases, don’t get stressed!
As long as you have the proper supplies on-hand to patch up the neoprene material, you can fix the wetsuit tear, take the steps for repairing a wetsuit, and be back in the water in no time!
If you notice a tear in your wetsuit, it’s important that you get ahead of it and fix it while it’s still small and manageable. You don’t want the hole to keep getting bigger. That also makes it a good reason to have the supplies even before you need them.
Consider an emergency wetsuit patch kit like a bike flat tire patch kit! You don’t head out for a long bike ride without a flat tire repair kit, right? 😉
Having a wetsuit patch kit in your swim bag for training or transition bag on race day means that if you rip your wetsuit as you’re preparing to get in the water, you can get that hole patched up quickly without too much stress!
These instructions on how to repair a wetsuit are adapted from the recommended steps to take by blueseventy, a leader of triathlon wetsuits. They also design a bunch of gear like this for open water swimming in cold water temperatures.
What you need to repair a wetsuit hole
1. Wetsuit sealant
You will need some sort of wetsuit glue or adhesive to cover the tear.
There are adhesives recommended specific to neoprene wetsuits like Seal Cement, but rubber cement glue that will take you back to your school days will solve the problem too. 😉 You can likely find it at your nearby store in the aisle with the school supplies or hardware supplies.
Another option you can use in an urgent situation on race day is if you have a flat tire patch kit in your DIY emergency bike repair kit. Your can turn the glue from the patch kit into wetsuit glue! Just another reason to have a patch kit! 😉 If you’re buying a bike tire patch kit that’s also multi-purpose for a wetsuit tear, be sure to get a patch kit with glue. There are glueless patch kits too which won’t help you when you need a wetsuit sealant!
Here is some seal cement neoprene glue.
Here is a bike tire patch kit with glue.
2. Brush for wetsuit sealant
You will need a brush to spread the adhesive. A small brush like one that kids would use for water color painting can work. Or a piece of plastic similar to your credit card can work too, like if you have an old library card laying around!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How to repair a wetsuit
1. Clean your wetsuit
Make sure your wetsuit is clean and dry. Check for dirt, sand, or other debris. If the repair area is not completely clean, the glue may not work well and you may not be able to completely fix the wetsuit tear.
2. Open up the tear
Locate the tear in your wetsuit. Fold the wetsuit over at that point so the cut opens up to show both sides of the tear that need to be sealed.
3. Apply the wetsuit sealant
Apply a thin and even layer of your adhesive of choice to both surfaces. Keep the cut open while the adhesive is drying. You don’t want to allow the two sides to come together before the sealant is dry.
4. Let the glue dry
The adhesive will take a few minutes to dry, so continue to keep the two side separated. Once it looks dry, you can check it by gently touching the adhesive with your finger. If it doesn’t stick to your finger, you can consider it dry.
5. Bring both sides of the tear together
Now you can flatten out the wetsuit and bring together both sides of the tear.
6. WETSUIT TEAR IS REPAIRED!
If it’s race morning and you discover this tear and need to repair it, you can immediately use the wetsuit. But try to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the part you just repaired for up to 6 hours. This will allow the adhesive to fully set in.
How to put on a wetsuit to prevent a wetsuit tear
Now watch this video from TYR as Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington demonstrates the best way to put on a wetsuit to avoid more tears and cuts! She shows you with the not-so-cheap but FAST Freak of Nature wetsuit. 😉
How to store a wetsuit
Wetsuit hanger
Use a wetsuit hanger like one of these instead of a traditional hanger so the shoulders don’t get worn out. A wetsuit-specific hanger will also decrease the stress of the wetsuit material.
More ways to take good care of your wetsuit
Wetsuit shampoo
Using a wetsuit shampoo like this one can help to extend the life and comfort of your neoprene wetsuit.
Silicone spray
Regular use of a silicone spray on your wetsuit like this one can make the neoprene of your wetsuit last longer too. If you swim in salt water, it can also be a good idea to give your wetsuit that extra care!
Anti-chafing balm
Anti-chafing products like these ones can make it easier for you to put on your wetsuit and take it off too. You can protect yourself from chafing and developing rashes. More tips to take off your wetsuit fast!
Wetsuit maintenance care kit
Commit to taking care of your wetsuit with a full kit like this one! 😉
HAPPY WETSUIT REPARING!
HOME > TRIATHLON 101 > TRIATHLON GEAR LIST
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.
🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling