Why We Repair All Brand Wetsuits
We know, we know — neoprene is bad for the environment...
Recent documentaries and surf press articles filled with hard-hitting, scary words tell us this. In particular, the production of petroleum-based neoprene is under environmental scrutiny for a number of concerning reasons. And while this might not even be on the radar for most wetsuit users, it is firmly on ours — like wax on a wetsuit.
Neoprene production is not an easy process to do cleanly, and because of that at Seventhwave we use what we consider to be the most environmentally conscious non-petroleum-based neoprene available in the world. And until a natural replacement arrives that meets the performance markers we demand from our wetsuit material — fast drying, flexibility, low water retention, warmth, ease of repair, durability, and reasonable affordability — we will continue to use Yamamoto neoprene from Japan.
We put a lot of thought into making our wetsuits as environmentally responsible as possible. But sustainability isn’t just about how a wetsuit is made — it’s also about extending its life. That’s why we dedicate so much time to repairing wetsuits of all brands and styles.
We love seeing our old suits come back in-store for a check-up — some over 20 years old. It’s a reminder that with proper care, a wetsuit can last for years longer than people expect. Extending the life of your suit not only gets more out of your gear, but also helps keep it out of landfill for as long as possible.
But the reality is that wetsuits live hard lives. Fin cuts happen, tears appear, zips break, Velcro loses its grip, and years of use start to show. That’s where repairs come in.
Repairing a wetsuit offers several environmental benefits:
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Reduces waste: Every wetsuit repaired is one less suit prematurely ending up in landfill. Because wetsuits are generally made from non-biodegradable materials, getting more life out of them can have a lasting impact.
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Conserves resources: Making a new wetsuit takes materials, energy, and resources. By extending the life of an existing suit through repairs, we reduce demand for new production and help lessen the environmental footprint along the way.
- Energy savings: The manufacturing of wetsuits is an energy-intensive process, from raw material extraction through to refining, production, packaging, and transport. Repairing a wetsuit instead of replacing it helps reduce overall energy demand and lowers the associated carbon footprint.
- Reduces emissions: Fewer new wetsuits being produced means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants released during manufacturing and distribution. In simple terms, repairing and extending the life of a wetsuit helps reduce its overall environmental impact.
- Preserves marine ecosystems: Marine environments are fragile and easily impacted by pollution and waste. By repairing and reusing wetsuits instead of discarding them, you help reduce plastic and material waste that can eventually make its way into the ocean. It’s a small action that supports healthier oceans and helps protect biodiversity.
Overall, repairing a wetsuit is an eco-friendly choice that helps minimise waste, conserve resources, reduce emissions, and protect our natural ecosystems.
So if your wetsuit needs a once-over, a check-up, a WOF, or a bit of TLC — bring it in, and we’ll see if we can squeeze a few more seasons out of it.