Terrapin Wet Suits FAQ

1. What makes a custom wetsuit better than an off-the-rack wetsuit?

A custom wetsuit is built specifically for your body’s shape & measurements rather than a standard size chart. At Terrapin Wetsuits, every wetsuit is handcrafted to provide a more precise fit, helping improve comfort, flexibility, warmth, and overall performance in the water. A properly fitted wetsuit reduces water flushing, allows for better mobility, and can make long dives, surf sessions, or paddles significantly more comfortable. Whether you're a diver, surfer, kayaker, or cold-water swimmer, a made-to-measure wetsuit is designed around your individual needs rather than asking you to compromise with a standard size.

2. How does the custom wetsuit ordering process work?

Ordering a custom wetsuit from Terrapin Wetsuits begins with selecting the style and features that best fit your activity. Customers then provide detailed body measurements and photographs, so each wetsuit can be individually handcrafted. During the process, you can choose options such as neoprene thickness, color and design, zipper placement, optional pockets, hood configurations, reinforcements, and other custom features depending on how and where you'll be using the wetsuit. Once your measurements are reviewed, production begins, and your wetsuit is built specifically for you. The suit is sent to you before finalizing it, so that it can be tried on and the fit can be further customized in between the points you measured.  Arm and Leg zippers are installed after the fitting step, so you’ll have a chance to confirm the sleeve and leg lengths. Once you return it from the fitting step, it is re-glued as needed, stitched, and edged before being shipped directly to your door.

3. Can you repair my existing wetsuit instead of replacing it?

Yes, absolutely. Terrapin Wetsuits specializes in professional wetsuit repairs that help extend the life of your current gear. Common repairs include torn seams, damaged zippers, ripped neoprene panels, worn cuffs, detached knee pads, and other everyday wear from diving and watersports. Many wetsuits that appear beyond repair can often be restored to excellent working condition, saving customers the expense of purchasing a new wetsuit. If you're unsure whether your wetsuit can be repaired, Terrapin Wetsuits can evaluate the damage and recommend the most practical solution.

4. How long does it take to receive a custom wetsuit or complete a repair?

Production and repair timelines vary depending on seasonal demand, the complexity of the project, and material availability. Custom wetsuits naturally require more time because each one is individually built by hand, while repairs may be completed more quickly depending on the extent of the damage. Terrapin Wetsuits works carefully to ensure every product meets high quality standards and meets customer expectations.  While we typically have a several-week turn around, some repairs can be made more quickly.  We also offer 48-hr and 72-hr rush turn around for an extra charge. Contact Terrapin Wetsuits directly to discuss your project and get a time estimate

5. What types of water activities are Terrapin Wet Suits designed for?

Terrapin Wet Suits creates custom neoprene products for a wide variety of water activities. Customers use their wetsuits for scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, cold-water swimming, scientific diving, commercial diving, and other aquatic adventures. Because each wetsuit is custom built, it can be designed around the environmental conditions and movement requirements of your specific activity.

6. What neoprene accessories do you offer?

In addition to custom wetsuits, Terrapin Wet Suits manufactures a variety of handmade neoprene accessories designed to improve comfort and performance in cold water. These include wetsuit hoods, scuba hoods, dry suit hoods, neoprene fin socks, neoprene headbands, camera lens covers, neck dams for commercial diving helmets, and other specialty neoprene gear. Many accessories can be paired with custom wetsuits to provide additional warmth and protection during dives or extended time in the water.

7. Why is proper wetsuit fit so important?

A wetsuit works by trapping a thin layer of water that warms to your body temperature, and by providing a gas-filled insulating material that keeps your warmth from disipating. If the wetsuit fits poorly, excess water continually enters and exits the suit (a process called flushing), making it much harder to stay warm. If the neoprene is too thin or compressed, the heat can transfer through the material to the surrounding (colder) water.

A properly fitted custom wetsuit from Terrapin Wetsuits minimizes water flushing while allowing full range of motion. Because we use high quality, compression-resistant neoprene, your custom suit will be less likely to lose insulating ability at depth over the course of time.  The result is improved insulation, greater comfort, reduced fatigue, and better overall performance.

8. Can I customize the thickness and features of my wetsuit?

Yes. One of the many advantages of working with Terrapin Wetsuits is the ability to customize your wetsuit for your intended use. Depending on your needs, you will be able to choose different neoprene thicknesses, hood styles, closures, reinforcement areas, and other design features. This allows you to build a wetsuit that’s optimized for the temperatures, conditions, and activities you’ll encounter most often.

9. How do I care for my wetsuit to help it last longer?

Proper care can significantly extend the life of your wetsuit. After each use, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and sand. Turn it inside-out.  Allow it to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Then turn it right side-out to dry the opposite side. Close the zippers for storage.  Store the wetsuit on a wide hanger to help maintain its shape and avoid folding it tightly for long periods. Regular inspections for small tears or seam damage can also help prevent larger repairs later. If damage does occur, Terrapin Wet Suits offers professional repair services to restore your gear.  The best time to get a wetsuit repaired is when you’ve just cleaned it after use, rather than waiting until a few days before your next dive trip.

10. Are handmade wetsuits more durable than mass-produced wetsuits?

Handmade wetsuits often receive greater attention to detail during construction because each suit is individually assembled rather than mass produced. At Terrapin Wet Suits, every custom wetsuit is carefully crafted with quality workmanship and designed around the customer’s measurements and intended use. While proper care always plays a role in longevity, many customers appreciate the durability, fit, and craftsmanship that come with a handmade wetsuit.

While there may be nothing wrong with the construction methods used in a mass-produced wetsuit, there is also no “industry standard” for measuring thickness.  Some manufacturers label a suit as “3mm” becuase they include the thickness of the outer layer of nylon fabric, the thickness of the sponge rubber in the middle, and the thickness of the loopy plush fabric on the interior of the suit.  In that case, the sponge rubber might be only 1.8 - 2.0 mm thick.  Since it’s the gas-filled sponge rubber that achieves insulation, that mass-manufactured suit won’t insulate as well as a suit made with neoprene that contains 3.0 mm of sponge rubber, not counting the fabric thickness.

11. Do you only make wetsuits, or can you build other neoprene products?

Terrapin Wetsuits manufactures much more than custom wetsuits. The company also creates a variety of specialty neoprene products and accessories for divers, photographers, underwater scientists, and other water enthusiasts. This includes neoprene hoods, fin socks, booties, headbands, lens covers, neck dams, and other custom neoprene items designed to provide warmth, protection, and improved comfort in demanding aquatic environments.

12. Why choose Terrapin Wet Suits for custom wetsuits and repairs?

Terrapin Wetsuits has been in business for over 50 years.  The current owner and chief of operations has over 30 years of experience creating hand crafted neoprene products for customers who need reliable performance in the water. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, each product is built around the customer’s specifications and intended use. The company also provides professional wetsuit repair services that help extend the life of existing gear. Whether you’e looking for a completely custom wetsuit, quality neoprene accessories, or expert repairs, Terrapin Wetsuits focuses on delivering products that fit well, perform reliably, and are built to last.