Tips for repairing your waders

Waders are an essential piece of gear for any fly fisher, allowing them to wade into the water and access those hard-to-reach fishing spots. However, waders are not immune to damage and will inevitably need some repairs at some point.

The good news is that repairing fly fishing waders is relatively easy and can be done with some basic tools and materials.

Three methods for repairing your waders:

1. Patching holes and punctures: This is probably the most common repair for waders and can be done with a patch kit (just google for 'waders patch kit' and you'll find plenty). Simply clean the area around the hole, apply the adhesive included in the kit, and press the patch firmly onto the wader. Make sure to let the adhesive dry completely before using the waders again.
2. Fixing tears and rips: For larger tears and rips, you'll need to use a wader repair tape or even a strip of neoprene. Clean the area around the tear, apply the adhesive, and press the tape or neoprene firmly onto the wader. Again, make sure to let the adhesive dry completely before using the waders again.
3. You can always search for a professional repair service. Either if you're not comfortable fixing your waders yourself, or if the damage is in a difficult to repair spot. More often than not this is still much more affordable than buying a new set of waders.

How to test if you correctly repaired your waders

First, make sure that the repaired spot and the adhesive are completely dry.

Then, if you have a bath, fill it and submerge your waders in a way that some air is trapped inside them. You can then simply look if there's any air escaping.

If you don't have a bath, you can apply make some foam bubbles with dish soap, and apply it on your newly repaired spot. Push air that's inside your waders towards that spot and by looking at the bubbles you can see if air is escaping.

In conclusion, repairing fly fishing waders is not difficult and can save you the cost of buying a new pair. Just remember to let the adhesive dry completely before using your repaired waders, and you'll be back on the water in no time.

And who knows, maybe with your newly repaired waders you'll finally land that big one you've been chasing 😃. Good luck!