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Home > Forum > Triathlon Forum > Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area?

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Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area?
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ZenTriBrett
Nov 4, 19 8:27
Post #1 of 12 (1379 views)
I was putting on my DeSoto T1 wetsuit yesterday morning and a giant slice started opening across the back of the left calf. It's not a moving joint and the rest of the suit is in awesome shape, so I'm hoping to repair it and keep rockin' my favorite wetsuit. Anybody know the best repair method for a tear like this?
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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natethomas
Nov 4, 19 8:30
Post #2 of 12 (1373 views)
I've sewn up holes in a wetsuit using dental floss on a large needle and then put 'goo' over the hack sewing job. Doing this got a wetsuit through one more season.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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plant_based
Nov 4, 19 9:04
Post #3 of 12 (1354 views)
It sounds like the wetsuit material is compromised. Who's to say it won't do the same on the other calf or on the arms on race day?

How old is this wetsuit?
https://www.strava.com/...tes/zachary_mckinney
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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hueby416
Nov 4, 19 9:09
Post #4 of 12 (1346 views)
i fixed my rip in the crotch area about 5 years ago with shoe glue and it is still holding solid. Also i think Desoto would be happy to fix it as well if you have the time which i did not as it was the day before the race.

I also have taken Emilio's advice and soak the wetsuit a few days before the first use and it has been solid since starting that procedure.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [plant_based] [ In reply to ]
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ZenTriBrett
Nov 4, 19 9:09
Post #5 of 12 (1346 views)
It's a few years old, but doesn't get much use. I'm thinking the problem is less the material and more that somebody yanked on it with their fingernails. I didn't do that, but I've made the mistake of letting wetsuit strippers at races pull it off and they get overzealous and careless. I've learned since then that if you like your wetsuit, take it off yourself.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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exxxviii
Nov 4, 19 9:32
Post #6 of 12 (1325 views)
I have used Aquaseal a few times to repair tears and other acts of my clumsiness in my old (and first) wetsuilt. If the fabric underneath is sound, then I would use Aquaseal to repair a long tear in the rubber.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XUMBIA/

I made a big mess a couple of times, so I would take a little extra prep time to do a better job on a major tear. I would
  1. Mask the area along the tear to prevent glue from dripping or smearing anywhere else.
  2. Put it on a flat area so the cut is stable on its own (won't move after you are done applying glue)
  3. Put wax paper inside to prevent glue from seeping out and gluing the leg together from the inside
  4. Apply glue, remove any excess, then remove the masking tape before it all dries
That should give you a smooth and blended result.
Last edited by: exxxviii: Nov 4, 19 9:37
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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Abergili
Nov 4, 19 10:01
Post #7 of 12 (1301 views)
the rip is below the knee? Just cut off the ripped portion and keep using it.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [Abergili] [ In reply to ]
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ZenTriBrett
Nov 4, 19 11:50
Post #8 of 12 (1262 views)
Abergili wrote:
the rip is below the knee? Just cut off the ripped portion and keep using it.

How dare you. You are risking the hate and smite of The Marginal Gains Cult when they hear you've violated rule 342 b: Higher feet via flotation = faster swimming
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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STConcierge
Nov 4, 19 12:33
Post #9 of 12 (1237 views)
ZenTriBrett wrote:
I was putting on my DeSoto T1 wetsuit yesterday morning and a giant slice started opening across the back of the left calf. It's not a moving joint and the rest of the suit is in awesome shape, so I'm hoping to repair it and keep rockin' my favorite wetsuit. Anybody know the best repair method for a tear like this?

For big rips, and if you have time, then send to
Express Wetsuit Repair
She's excellent, and fast.
PM me if you need more details.
Karen ST Concierge
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [ZenTriBrett] [ In reply to ]
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NAB777
Nov 4, 19 14:03
Post #10 of 12 (1207 views)
ZenTriBrett wrote:
I was putting on my DeSoto T1 wetsuit yesterday morning and a giant slice started opening across the back of the left calf. It's not a moving joint and the rest of the suit is in awesome shape, so I'm hoping to repair it and keep rockin' my favorite wetsuit. Anybody know the best repair method for a tear like this?

Use aquaseal wetsuit cement.
Open the tear, apply, keep tear open, let it get tacky, repeat the process, close. Turn wetsuit inside out for 24 hours.
You could get plenty more use if the tear wasn't due to the rubber failing- I.e. if it was a nail that caused it.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [NAB777] [ In reply to ]
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Titanflexr
Nov 4, 19 14:26
Post #11 of 12 (1200 views)
NAB777 wrote:
ZenTriBrett wrote:
I was putting on my DeSoto T1 wetsuit yesterday morning and a giant slice started opening across the back of the left calf. It's not a moving joint and the rest of the suit is in awesome shape, so I'm hoping to repair it and keep rockin' my favorite wetsuit. Anybody know the best repair method for a tear like this?

Use aquaseal wetsuit cement.
Open the tear, apply, keep tear open, let it get tacky, repeat the process, close. Turn wetsuit inside out for 24 hours.
You could get plenty more use if the tear wasn't due to the rubber failing- I.e. if it was a nail that caused it.

Aquaseal, then ironmend on the inside jersey fabric to take stress off the area.

Lots of surf shops can also do the repair.
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Re: Best way to repair long tear in wetsuit at the calf area? [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]
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ZenTriBrett
Nov 5, 19 2:51
Post #12 of 12 (1140 views)
Titanflexr wrote:
NAB777 wrote:

Use aquaseal wetsuit cement.
Open the tear, apply, keep tear open, let it get tacky, repeat the process, close. Turn wetsuit inside out for 24 hours.
You could get plenty more use if the tear wasn't due to the rubber failing- I.e. if it was a nail that caused it.


Aquaseal, then ironmend on the inside jersey fabric to take stress off the area.

Lots of surf shops can also do the repair.

I looked up that Ironmend stuff and that's exactly the missing link that I need . Thanks!
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