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Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 4:43 pm
by debz0773
I was given an old wetsuit. It really should just go to the bin but I can't because I'd rather recycle. The wetsuit needs some neoprene glue to fix a few things.. that's ok but one of the shoulders is all torn up from the velcro and the neoprene is basically non existent and only a thin layer like a stocking. I'm pretty sure something like this couldn't be fixed but by any chance if someone has an idea I'd like to know. Second option, does anyone know somewhere to recycle wetsuits in Europe or Uk?

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 9:33 pm
by jaffa1949
Unfortunately my recommendation is to trash it.

Neoprene glues are notoriously toxic and some contain known carcinogens. So if you do go ahead do the gluing in a well ventilated area.

Velcro is the natural enemy of neoprene as you can see in the shoulder! No fix I can recommend there.

Your friend has shifted the responsibility of environmental disposal onto your shoulders :shock:

You could cut up little bits of the wetsuit as padding for things , but it sounds like it is dying al over.

Sadly although the act of surfing is pretty green and natural, almost all of the equipment is not and much of the manufacture involves toxic things, and then we add air and car miles in our searches. I could do a big rant but my answer to your question, dispose of thenwetsuit as thoughtfully as possible :D

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 9:56 pm
by BaNZ
jaffa1949 wrote:Unfortunately my recommendation is to trash it.

Neoprene glues are notoriously toxic and some contain known carcinogens. So if you do go ahead do the gluing in a well ventilated area.




oh..... I bought one of those wetsuit repair kit. The glue smelled so nice........ didn't know it was toxic.... oh well, it's not like I'm sniffing it every day.

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 1:13 am
by debz0773
Thanks Jaffa. I might be able to make some stubbie holders. ? Well there was this kickstarter a while back based in the states I think that was recycling wetsuits to make yoga mats, surf mats and probably stubbie holders. I think I'll put the wetsuit in the cupboard and see what I can do in terms of recycling.

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 1:16 am
by debz0773
I found them..
https://www.sugamats.com/recycling
So all you peeps over in North America can easily recycle your old suits.

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 1:22 am
by dtc
BaNZ wrote:
jaffa1949 wrote:Unfortunately my recommendation is to trash it.

Neoprene glues are notoriously toxic and some contain known carcinogens. So if you do go ahead do the gluing in a well ventilated area.




oh..... I bought one of those wetsuit repair kit. The glue smelled so nice........ didn't know it was toxic.... oh well, it's not like I'm sniffing it every day.


My former winter now summer wetsuit is basically held together by wetsuit glue. I'll try to remember to hold my breath ...

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 7:47 am
by billie_morini
debz0773 wrote:I found them..
https://www.sugamats.com/recycling
So all you peeps over in North America can easily recycle your old suits.



Vielen Dank, debz! (Many thanks!)
:D

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 9:26 am
by jaffa1949
debz0773 wrote:Thanks Jaffa. I might be able to make some stubbie holders. ? Well there was this kickstarter a while back based in the states I think that was recycling wetsuits to make yoga mats, surf mats and probably stubbie holders. I think I'll put the wetsuit in the cupboard and see what I can do in terms of recycling.


Stubble holder , are you a transplanted Aussie?.
Good subject for Australia Day 26th January. :lol:

Re: Fixing an old wetsuit.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 11:32 am
by debz0773
Stubble holder , are you a transplanted Aussie?.
Good subject for Australia Day 26th January. :lol:


Transplanted.. lol. Yes. So if you hear of wetsuit recycling in Oz let me know and I'll bring the old suit with me next visit

Vielen Dank, debz! (Many thanks!)
:D


Very Welcome!