If you are a creek dweller like me, you probably go through your fair share of punctured waders.  It doesn’t have to be the end of those waders though!  Hip and Chest waders aren’t cheap, and proper care and upkeep will keep them in the best shape possible for the longest time possible.  The inevitable will eventually happen though…..you’ll spring a leak!  Here are a few suggestions for finding those leaks when they happen.

• Find a dark room or closet.  Next find a flashlight.  Go into the dark room or closet with your waders and flashlight.  turn on the light and stick it into the leg you suspect the leak is in.  Now, with the light inside the leg, inspect the outside of the waders for pinholes where light is leaking out.  Eureka!!  We’ve found our leak!
• Take your waders into the washroom.  Don’t wear them!  Turn them inside out and fill them up with water.  With the inside of the waders on the outside, you should be able to determine the spots where water is leaking in from the outside.  Patch that area up well.
• Turn the waders inside out, and have a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol ready.  Spray the suspected areas with alcohol.  If there are holes, the alcohol won’t evaporate as quickly and a dark area will be left behind.  Mark these areas with a permanent marker.  Allow the alcohol to evaporate entirely before applying aqua seal or something of the sort.

Good Luck!