Three options.
1. Get hold of a pair of velcro wrist straps and wrap them around your ankles. I use a pair of wrist straps from old trainer kites and that works fine. Your local kite shop might be able to help. You can even try old surfboard leg rope velcro.

2. Go to a wetsuit repair shop and get them to attach some velcro permanently. A mate of mine did this and he is very happy with the result.

3. The cut leg hole option also works I'm told

I have the same problem-Velcro would exacerbate the problem as the water comes in the top and pools at the bottom due to the tightness of the cuffs-not from water entering at the cuffs. I'm just going to cut the legs slightly shorter to loosen the suit up and 'hope' it works.

COL said...
The bottom of the legs, around the calves, fill up with water & just slosh around like a michilen man.

great description
Same problem but mine comes from the bottom of the leg folding up & in - like a hem - trapping water till it is unfolded.
Been meaning to stitch on a neoprene, under-foot strap (like those lycra leggings)for ages now.
Reckon it would have to work for my problem. Dont know about a too tight cuff cause though ?

puppetonastring said...

COL said...
The bottom of the legs, around the calves, fill up with water & just slosh around like a michilen man.

great description
Same problem but mine comes from the bottom of the leg folding up & in - like a hem - trapping water till it is unfolded.
Been meaning to stitch on a neoprene, under-foot strap (like those lycra leggings)for ages now.
Reckon it would have to work for my problem. Dont know about a too tight cuff cause though ?

Oh no, not the Adidas 3 stripe trackies with the stirrup look bro!

Or the dirty ho "leggings are pants look" that seems to be the rage at the moment...

Cal said...

If anyone does put holes in the lower leg of their wetty, let us know how it goes and how quickly it all starts to fall apart. You can be the guineapig!

I got some big holes at the bottom to put my feet through

If its 3mm neoprene, i reckon it would last a while with a nicely cut hole.

insulation tape a couple times round a centimeter or two from the bottom, wo nurries!

The "girlies" I'm trying to impress are sensual godesses but Fooosh, you've caught me out. They are mere fabrications of my over active imagination & even their admiration turns to abhorrence as I step onto the beach & they're confronted by my legs, reminiscent of Boab trees!

Hey wats the big deal-at the end of a kite the whole "elephantitus" is aws, u pack up all your gear, and get to your car... the one prob is that at beaches without showers your feet are still hell sandy! Solution-u kept the elephantitus(water wabbling around at your ancles), so you let this out and your feet are washed and your set to strip off for the drive home!!!
I think elephantitus is the sexiest thing cos i know less sand will be getting in my car... and time spent cleaning my car is time possibly taken away from another seshion one on one with the wind!!!
So boys, dont put silly holes in your wetties, the build up of water in the leg is their for a reason!! And sexy to me!!!!

Punched a couple of holes in each leg around the calf area with a 8mm hole punch. Works a treat, the water still shoots up the leg still but sprays out the holes, no more elephantitis legs. Because neoprene is bonded to the nylon it doesn't fray much, just don't punch trough any stitching.

Tape works too but is a prick when you have forgotten it is there when you try and take your wetsuit off.

Thanks guys, & gal. I never realised I wasn't alone with this problem. I'm gunna start experimenting. lots of good thoughts!
cheers COL

Factor 5 said...

insulation tape a couple times round a centimeter or two from the bottom, wo nurries!

yep tried it and it works well

I use flipper keepers that boogers (body boarders use) about an inch or two up from the bottom of the steamer. Just cut the rope bit off. $10 from most surf shops. Make sure they fit though if you have big canankles.

Wear booties with reasonably high ankles. Tuck the legs into the booties. You stay warm. Your feet stay warm. You get better grip on your board.

Cal said...

Must be a common problem, a bloody good reason to make sure it is always just water though!

If anyone does put holes in the lower leg of their wetty, let us know how it goes and how quickly it all starts to fall apart. You can be the guineapig!

I unintentionally put holes near the bottom of the legs withing a year of buying it. They do work quite well to drain it however, despite being unplanned. It's been continuing to fall apart for four years since then. I use it every Winter and dive in it in Summer.