The wetsuit strippers at my last race got a little too aggressive and ripped the strap off my De Soto wetsuit. I got it at a sample sale so it has no warranty associated with it, but I was wondering if there’s a way to fix it (either myself or through a shop). I’m in Santa Monica, so any local recommendations would be fantastic.
I’ve heard about going to a shoe repair shop, since their machines might be powerful enough to sew through the rubber. I’ve searched the forum and can’t find anything dealing with a problem like this, so I apologize if there’s a thread that I missed.
Warranty or not, they may be able to help you get it repaired.
jake
Yes. They’re the ones who recommended taking it to a shop. They suggested a shop in San Diego, but since I’m in Santa Monica I was hoping for something a bit closer.
Ok, there are probably a few shops up there to check out.
JMJ Manufacturing would be one of those. They are in Torrance, so it’s a little bit closer.
Another is Express Wetsuit in San Clemente.
Otherwise I would look into shipping your suit to the shop in San Diego. It is likely the shop they send all of their repairs to, and I know that there are a few very good shops down here.
I’m not sure how difficult a repair on that would be, being that it is a weight bearing part that stretches a good bit. But a good repair shop should be able to help you.
Heck, that’s a simple enough fix, and it goes under the wetsuit top. You could glue and stitch that up yourself. If you don’t have any wetsuit glue, and are too lazy to order some for under $10, I’ve often wondered if tire patch kit glue works just as well on a wetsuit. I bet it does. Then, just sew scraps of any old nylon or polyester fabric you have around onto both sides of the strap to reinforce the torn seam.
I’ve taken mine to a shoe repair shop several times. Granted I live on the coast and he probably gets them all of the time - but he’s done a pretty good job.
Hello:
I am Karen, worked with Slowman at QR back in the day, stayed on after he left (to found Slowtwitch) in 1999, continued the magic at Zoot Sports, and Profile Design, and here I am now, ST Concierge to the Stars at your service.
Here are the best two options for quick and thorough repair of your suit. Note that I do NOT recommend you try to fix this yourself. The seam needs to be glued and blindstitched to be strong and flexible.
Also ask if they can fix any other little dings you have and to check all the seams for separations and ripped stitches.
Express Wetsuit Repair. expresswetsuit.com info@expresswetsuit.com
Barb does a fantastic job, as she did repairs/alterations for us at Zoot Sports and Profile Design
For Best Results:
Send her an intro email w photos and introduce yourself. She will probably direct you to:**FOLLOW THE STEPS 1-4 listed on the right side of the website.**Print an extra copy of the form you fill out to be saved w tracking # info. Use a shipping service w a tracking #!Put your name and mobile # on inside of suit w Silver SharpeeInclude $$ for return freight or a prepaid filled in label, make sure it is a shipping company she works with.BE NICE and get this done sooner rather than later. She has a lot of panicked triathletes rushing her, don’t be that guy.2. Swell Stuff http://www.swell-stuff.com/wetsuit_repair.html
Swell Stuff
948 N. Coast Hwy 101
Leucadia, California 92024
760-632-8653 Closed Monday
Tues-Sat: 10am-6:30pm Sunday: Hours Vary info@swell-stuff.com
Lisa Hetman has a nice shop in Leucadia, CA (laid back beach community part of Encinitas, CA)
She did some of the repairs for us at Profile Design, and I was referred to her by the guys at 2XU.
Email her w the photos and ask for instructions about how to send in your suit. And of course, be nice.
I have fixed my TI (about 10 years old) several times including a torn strap, although my tear was only half way through. Takes about 10 - 15 minutes. Go to a dive shop (or online) and buy a tube of wet suit repair glue (trade name Seal Cement), and a patch kit that you cut to size and iron on. I am not at home now so can’t confirm the manufacturer of the patch kit. Have them show you how to best use the glue. Simply put some on both sides of the tear, wait five minutes and then bring the two sides together. After it dries, cut a patch that folds around the front and back of the strap and iron on as per the instructions. Since this is a full tear, DamonHenry’s suggestion of sewing the patch may be a good idea…
