How to repair neoprene waders?

neoprene waders to repair
Whether you are a float tube fishermen or waders, you have certainly already worn a pair of waders. This jumpsuit in neoprene, plastic or breathable material allows fishing in the water up to the chest while staying dry. It's like oversized hip boots. However, like any waterproof suit, some leaks may occur after intensive use. Before buying a new pair, know that neoprene is easily repairable! 

When in contact with the thorns often found on the banks of rivers, holes can form. Before wading in your boots like in a duck pond, it is perfectly possible to repair this leak and this with little means! When it is the seams or the boots that end up losing their waterproofness, the repair will be much more complicated but some brands like Seland add a patch designed for seams in their repair kit.

If your waders are still under warranty, consider contacting customer service in store or on our website.

Steps to successfully repair your waders

repair a neoprene waders easily
To repair your hole and so that the repair lasts over time you will need:

  • some neoprene glue
  • a piece of neoprene
  • solvent
  • a pair of scissors
  • a brush

Do not neglect the products you will use. For them to be effective, they must be used following exactly the instructions. These are chemical and highly flammable products, beware of your skin and your eyes. Also be careful not to breathe the glue and the solvent. Opt for a well-ventilated place to make the repair.

When you buy your pair of waders, a tube of glue and a piece of neoprene is provided so that you can repair it yourself. In some brands like Seland, you will also find a patch perfect for repairing seams.

We just got in stock a complete kit to do your own repairs quickly, thanks to the Repair Kit Ragot Aquasure. Without a doubt it will be useful to several of us. 

Locate the leak

This is step number 1 of the repair, but how to locate it precisely? There are several methods to properly locate the hole. Like a bike inner tube, fill your waders with air and immerse them in water. At the place of the leak, bubbles rise to the surface. Another solution, once the waders dried, put them on and go in the water for a few moments. You will thus be able to spot the wet area and the hole(s) to plug.

Repair a hole

Before anything else, the neoprene must be completely dry before starting the repairs. If the hole is large, you will need a pair of scissors and a neoprene plate (often provided with the waders).

  1. Cut the area to be replaced in your waders to get smooth edges. 
  2. Cut in your neoprene plate a part of identical shape to the one cut in your waders.
  3. Spread a first layer of glue on the edges of the hole and on the edges of the part.
  4. Wait for the glue to dry until it no longer sticks to the fingers.
  5. Spread a second layer of glue on the edges.
  6. Place your part in the hole and press the edges together.
  7. Clean the solvent glue that may protrude.
  8. After 24 hours, your waders are waterproof again. 

Repair a seam

  1. Once your waders are dry, turn the waders inside out.
  2. Spread a thin layer of glue on the area to be repaired.
  3. Let the glue dry. Tip to know if the glue is dry: it should not stick to your fingers when you touch it.
  4. Place the patch on the seam then pass the iron (120°C) until it flat on the area.
  5. Wait for the waders to dry and cool completely and go fishing!

The advantages of neoprene

a neoprene fishing waders
The neoprene waders are the warmest. They will therefore be perfect for fishing in winter or in cold water. They come in different thicknesses, from 2mm to 6mm. In addition to being warm, neoprene can be repaired once punctured, and this without much difficulty. It is a waterproof material, quite flexible and elastic. Its thickness makes it less fragile than most other waders like the breathable ones. Although breathable waders are very popular for their lightness and comfort, they are less warm and much more fragile than neoprene waders.  

Your choice will depend on the use you will make of it. If you are a fan of fly fishing in waders, without contact with branches or brambles, the breathable ones will be very good. If you are the adventurer type, on the river bank, who fish all year round and in cold water, the neoprene is more suitable because more resistant and warmer. Opt for a thin fabric (maximum 3mm) to keep as much mobility as possible if you walk a lot.

Any questions? Please do not hesitate to write to us by chat or on our networks to learn more about how to repair his waders, about the equipment to use and what type of glue to choose. In all cases, prefer the repair kit provided with your waders!


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