Solent Sea Kayaking » Repairs

Drysuit Repairs

Duncan — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:10:52 +0000

Predator Drysuits

The latex neck seal on my drysuit ripped a few months ago and I had not got round to having it replaced. However, with all the rolling and self rescue practice recently as well as being on a few BCU courses I was getting sick of the water seeping in through the neck had a look at options for getting the suit repaired.

A chance discussion with some of the members of New Forest Kayak and Canoe Club turned up the fact that there was an option right on my doorstep in the New Forest - Predator Custom Drysuits. Although primarily focused on Diving Drysuits, Dennis Mears (the owner) has tried experience of just about every Ocean based sport you can think of, including Sea Kayaking.

A quick phone call and Dennis confirmed he could repair the seal for asap and I shot over to his New Milton workshop and dropped off the drysuit. A day and a half later it was ready for collection and he has done a superb job. The neck seal looks as if it is the original seal due to such a neat and careful replacement. The cost? A bargain at £25.

Dropping the suit off in person allowed me to chat with Dennis and I spent an enjoyable time discussing all many of Ocean based experiences.

Dennis can provide all the usual latex repairs/replacements (necks, cuffs, ankles) along with socks, seam repairs, zips and pressure testing. Based on the speed, efficiency and quality of this repair as well as his welcoming character I would highly recommend his service.

Details:
Phone: 01425 620571
Fax: 44 7006 099 035
Email: sales@predator-wetsuits.co.uk
Website: Visit Site

Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 08:00 – 17:00
Sat: 09:00 – 13:00 (phone to check)

Predator Workshop Address:
Predator
Danestream
Sway Road
New Milton
Hampshire
BH25 5QU

Sea Kayak Services – Repairs & Sales

Duncan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:04:49 +0000

Sea Kayak Services (SKS) are based in Weymouth, Dorset and are dedicated to providing a high quality sales and reapirs service to all sea kayakers. As well as being an approved dealer for Nigel Dennis Kayaks (Sea Kayaks UK) they provide a comprehensive repair service and since 2006 have built an amazing Cedar strip version of the Nigel Dennis designed Explorer sea kayak.

Finding a repair shop for your sea kayak is hard, with many people turning to Sailing boat repair shops for help, however Sea Kayak Services are approved repairers for Sea Kayaking UK and provide a full repair and retro fitting service for all makes of glassfibre kayaks. Some of their retro fitted products include, keel strips, knee-tubes, towing cleats and fairleads and Kari-Tek Skegs. If you live within a 75mile radius of Weymouth, they even provide a collection/delivery services at a cost of 50p per mile.

If you are looking for a new Sea Kayak, Sea Kayak Services sell almost the full range of Nigel Dennis designed boats via their website. However, owner and boat builder Craig Pinder has taken his love of these sea kayaks one step further than most Sea kayak retailers.

In 2006, Craig created a Cedar Strip – that’s right wooden – version of the Explorer, known as the Explorer CS. This beautiful craft received a detailed review in Ocean Paddler Magazine which was hugely complimentary. Although it is an expensive option at £3500, you would be the proud owner of a custom created ‘exclusive’ kayak, which maintained properly should outlast most RM or fibreglass sea kayaks.

Sea Kayak Services

Telephone: 07795 363 679
Email: info@seakayakservices.com
Website: www.seakayakservices.com

17 Podington Meadows
Chickerell
Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4NX