Learning how to repair a wetsuit tear is essential to snorkeling and diving. A wetsuit is very sturdy, but it can be damaged like anything else. Fortunately, fixing a wetsuit is a straightforward procedure that can be completed in less than an hour.
The only equipment necessary to repair a wetsuit tear is a tube of wetsuit cement. Wetsuit adhesive is a similar product, but it tends to have a longer dry time. Wetsuit cement is faster, and the bond is very strong.
Fold the wetsuit along the cut, pinching the fold so that the two torn edges of the rip are side by side and facing up. A wetsuit does have some thickness, so you should have access to the torn surfaces.
Spread a layer of wetsuit cement along the edges. Make sure the layer is thin but covers the torn edges completely. A gap will make the seal weaker. At that point, hold it steady for about a minute or however long the instructions on the cement tube tell you to do so. The cement must be held in the open air for a certain amount before reaching its full potency. Then let go of the fold and spread the wetsuit flat so the edges can come together naturally. Ideally, the tear should rest on a flat surface, not on another suit layer.
Pinch the two edges together, holding them like that for a minute. The cement sets very quickly, and about five minutes after that, the suit will be repaired. Read the instructions on the cement carefully before the suit is re-submerged in the water. Some cements have a longer cure time, though most are done drying after that point.
Wetsuit adhesives work similarly, though they usually require a few days of cure time before the seal between the torn edges is considered complete. You can cut iron-on options to fit whatever size damage you are trying to repair. When considering a wetsuit repair, remember that patience is key. Do not pull apart the edges to test the strength of the bond until the cement is completely dry.
