Ripping your wetsuit feels like a nightmare. They cost a fortune, they’re tricky to recycle, & once there’s a hole you assume it’s game over. That was me a few weeks back, when I managed to tear my favourite wetsuit by diving in a bit too enthusiastically.

But here’s the good news: repairing a wetsuit is quick, cheap & totally doable at home. Catch Co-Founder Will (our resident fixer) showed me how - & all you really need is a neoprene repair kit that costs about £10.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to repair a wetsuit tear, plus what to do if the damage is bigger.

• A neoprene repair kit (around £10–15 online). Here’s the one we used: C‑Skins Neoprene Wetsuit Repair Kit
• A few hours drying time
• A flat surface to work on

Most wetsuit repair kits include:

• Neoprene glue (sometimes called wetsuit cement)
• Patches of neoprene for larger holes. For most small tears, the glue alone is enough.

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Step 1 – Rinse & dry  Before you do anything, rinse your wetsuit in fresh water & make sure it’s completely dry. Any leftover saltwater or moisture will stop the glue from working properly.

Step 2 – Assess the damage  Check whether it’s a small tear or a larger hole. Small tears can be fixed with neoprene glue. Bigger rips may need a patch.

Step 3 – Apply neoprene glue  Squeeze a thin line of glue directly into the tear. Use the small brush that comes with most kits to spread it evenly so the glue gets deep into the crack.

Step 4 – Let it dry  Work on one side first. Leave the glued area to dry for a few hours, then flip it over & do the same on the other side.

Step 5 – Repair larger holes  If you’re dealing with a big rip, cut a piece of neoprene patch from the kit & glue it into place. This takes a bit longer but will give your wetsuit plenty more life.

• Save money - wetsuit repair kits cost £10–15 vs £200+ for a new suit.
• Extend the life of your gear - keep your favourite wetsuit going for years.
• Better for the planet - neoprene is tough to recycle, so keeping yours in use means less waste.

Learning how to repair a wetsuit is one of those skills every open water swimmer should have. A small tear doesn’t have to mean the end of your kit — with a little neoprene glue & patience, you can fix it yourself at home.

So next time you spot a hole, don’t bin it. Grab a repair kit, follow these steps, & save your wetsuit (and your wallet).