wetsuit tear

[Buttertoes]

Hi guys, I did a search on repairing wetsuit tears but all I could find were repairs on exposed damage.

After my last session when hanging it to dry I saw this on the knee of my xcel offset 4/3:


On the outside is the knee pad, on the inside is a liner. The hole is the neoprene between the 2 layers... I don't know how I did this, but is this something I should be able to manage myself, or is this something to take to a shop? I do have that awful aquaseal-toluene repair stuff. If I do try to repair it, I clearly have to cut through the liner to get to the hole. How would the cut be fixed after repairing the hole?

The darn suit... I wondered if it was borderline too small when I bought it and taking it off is such a workout. I wonder if I did it while trying to wrench it off over my feet. Don't suppose anyone has any tips on getting them off without being too hard on it?

Thanks

[surf patrol]

I think I might be inclined to leave this alone and see if it got any worse. If you are determined to fix it, just make a small hole and inject the aquaseal into the gap. Be careful not to use too much. The aquaseal should join the layers together and seal the hole.

I'd probably agree that you did this wrenching if off. Always use your hands to get a wetsuit off (don't stand on it with one foot while pulling the suit off with the other). Peel it off inside out, when you get to the tight bits (hands & feet) take your time. Hook your thumbs in between the suit and your skin and pull the wetsuit off. Take care not to stretch the neoprene out or pinch pieces off.

[tony g]

That is a more difficult repair to do right. I would get your receipt and see when you purchased the wetsuit. Xcel has a good warranty on materials, if the wetsuit is not over a year old. You will need to get an RA# from the shop you purchased the wetsuit from, or you can get your return authorization # and form directly from Xcel's website. You then send it to Xcel with a note and let them repair it. Also self repairs void the warranty. If it is not under warranty I agree with Surf Patrol just use the wetsuit and see if it gets much worse. If it does you can also send it to Xcel and pay to have a new knee panel put on. Good luck!

[surf patrol]

Apologies, never do any repair if your wettie is still under warranty.

[Buttertoes]

Wow, I am so glad I posted- and that I waited a bit before trying to fix it I bought it new in June so it's far from a year old! I will pull out the receipt and call the place I bought it from. I've been meaning to ask for a quote on a winter suit anyhow so 2 birds, eh?

I'll assume that if they are willing to fix it under warranty I'll be suitless until it comes back... how will I make it? lol

[Rickyroughneck]

Wow, I am so glad I posted- and that I waited a bit before trying to fix it I bought it new in June so it's far from a year old! I will pull out the receipt and call the place I bought it from. I've been meaning to ask for a quote on a winter suit anyhow so 2 birds, eh?

I'll assume that if they are willing to fix it under warranty I'll be suitless until it comes back... how will I make it? lol

It is good to have more than one wetsuit anyway, a good excuse to buy another