If you’re surfing year-round in New Zealand, especially in spots like Gisborne, your wetsuit becomes one of your most valuable pieces of gear. But no matter how careful you are, rips, tears, and worn seams can happen — from reef scrapes to overuse. Wetsuit repair is the smart, sustainable, and affordable solution to keep you in the water longer. This guide covers why you should repair your wetsuit, the dos and don’ts of DIY repairs, and where to get professional help in Gisborne and beyond.
Why Repair Your Wetsuit?
A small tear today can quickly become a large, unfixable rip if ignored. Here’s why it pays to take action:
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Extend the life of your wetsuit – A well-maintained wetsuit can last years longer, saving you hundreds of dollars.
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Maintain warmth and flexibility – Even minor damage can let in cold water, making your suit ineffective during chilly Gisborne winters.
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Reduce waste – Repairing your suit keeps it out of landfills for longer and is better for our beautiful NZ coastline.
Whether it’s a tiny nick or a blown-out seam, wetsuit repair is the smart choice for Kiwi surfers.
The Dos and Don’ts of Wetsuit Repair
✅ DO:
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Act quickly when you spot damage — the sooner you fix it, the better the result.
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Use the right materials, like Ocean and Earth wetsuit repair kits, designed for neoprene repairs.
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Clean and dry the damaged area before starting the repair.
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Contact a pro for tricky repairs (like zips or major seams).
❌ DON’T:
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Use household glues, super glue, or duct tape — these can damage neoprene.
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Attempt complex repairs if you’re unsure — it may make the damage worse.
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Store your wetsuit while it’s damp or before repairs are properly set.
DIY Wetsuit Repair: Step-by-Step for Basic Cuts and Rips
For small tears or cuts in your wetsuit (up to 2-3 cm), you can often fix these yourself using a wetsuit repair kit.
What you’ll need:
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Ocean and Earth wetsuit repair kit (available at Blitz Surf Shop)
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A clean cloth
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A flat surface
Steps:
1️⃣ Clean the area
Rinse with fresh water and allow to fully dry inside and out. Remove any sand or debris.
2️⃣ Apply neoprene cement/glue
Carefully open the tear. Apply a thin layer of glue to both sides of the cut.
3️⃣ Allow the glue to tack off
Let it sit for a few minutes (as per kit instructions) until it becomes tacky.
4️⃣ Press together firmly
Align the edges of the tear precisely and press firmly for a few minutes.
5️⃣ Let cure
Allow the repair to set for at least 12-24 hours before using the wetsuit.
💡 Tip: For larger holes or surface cuts, use a neoprene patch from your kit for extra strength.
When to Seek Professional Wetsuit Repair in NZ
Some damage is best left to the pros:
🔹 Local repairs in Gisborne:
For basic wetsuit repairs in Gisborne — like small tears or minor seam repairs — contact Marc Hellesoe at 027 645 0028. Marc is well known locally for quality, affordable repairs. Text him rather than call and he will get back to you
🔹 Major repairs (zips, tricky seams, panels):
If your wetsuit needs major work, we recommend Stitched Up Wetsuit Repairs in Papamoa, run by Matt Hall (former owner of Bodyline Wetsuits NZ). Matt has decades of experience fixing everything from tricky seams to blown-out zips.
📞 Contact: Stitched Up Wetsuit Repairs Facebook
More Wetsuit Repair & Care Tips
✅ Regular care reduces repairs. Check out our Wetsuit Care Guide for advice on rinsing, drying, and storing your suit properly.
✅ Check your suit often. Catching small issues early can prevent major repairs down the track.
But What About My Warranty?
Yes make the most of your warranty for anything that is covered by it. Most reputable wetsuit brands like O'Neill wetsuits and Rip Curl wetsuits have at least a 12 month warranty on workmanship and materials. This does not cover things like fin cuts or tearing your suit on the rocks. But if your suit has a warranty make sure you get in contact with the shop you bought it from to try sort out repair or replacement of problems under your warranty. Make sure you don't try any repairs on the problem yourself if it is potentially covered for repair or replacement under warranty as any messing around with your suit could possibly void your warranty. Call us at Blitz Surf Shop for advice about wetsuit warranties if you are unsure.
Make sure you keep proof of purchase for any wetsuit product that you buy as any brand will need this for any warranty issues. Keep a copy of the receipt from your purchase ideally, even take a photo and email it to yourself. A bank statement is sometimes proof enough but a copy of the original receipt is best.
Shop Wetsuit Repair Kits at Blitz Surf Shop
At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock quality Ocean and Earth wetsuit repair kits — everything you need for DIY wetsuit repairs in NZ. Easy to use and affordable, they’re a must-have in your surf kit.
Final Thoughts: Wetsuit Repair NZ — Stay Warm, Save Money
Don’t let small damage ruin your surf season. Whether you’re after wetsuit repair in Gisborne or need expert repairs from Stitched Up Wetsuit Repairs in Papamoa, keeping your suit in top shape means more time in the water. Grab a repair kit, follow our tips, and when in doubt, call the pros!
