Long term readers of Solent Sea Kayaking may well remember Kari-Tek being mentioned in the article I wrote about their fantastic Hydro-Skeg system (now sadly not available) which I had retro-fitted to my P&H Cetus.

In fact, Kari-Tek are actually a fully fledged Sea Kayaking shop with a Showroom based in Trabboch near Mauchline in Ayrshire. They also offer a full mail order service. As well as their wire and rope skeg systems, kayak/canoe trailers and specialised roof loading systems, Kari-Tek stock a range of sea kayaks from P&H, Rockpool, SKUK and Kirton along with a broad range of open canoes, paddles, clothing and equipment. They are also the UK Distributer of the increasingly popular Flat Earth Kayak Sails.

I have used the mail order service on a couple of occasions now and can thoroughly recommend it. In the last week or so I ordered a couple of items for my safety kit. One item was in stock, the other out of stock.

Ann from Kari-Tek was quick off the mark with both phone calls and emails to explain the situation and kept me up to date as she sourced the out of stock item. The two bits of kit were dispatched separately and both arrived within 24 hours of being posted. Fantastic and friendly service throughout leaving me with a genuine feeling that Kari-Tek value their customers.

Highly recommended!

Useful Links
Kari-Tek – Kari-Tek Website

Predator Drysuits

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

Poole Bay Kayaks

He is the sole UK importer for Qajaq and Seabird Designs Sea Kayaks as well as stocking Kayalu Gear lighting systems, Flat Earth Kayak Sails, Ainsworth Paddles and Joe O’Blenis Greenland Paddles. The website is currently undergoing a revamp to showcase the range of equipment offered.

Having met Mike he is a knowledgable, experienced and enthusiastic paddler and retailer and has access to some interesting stock. Well worth taking a look.

Contact Details:

Website: www.poolebaykayaks.com
Email: info@poolebaykayaks.com
Phone: 07817 281267

Work took me down to Bovington, in Dorset on a training course. On my way back I took the opportunity to pop into Bournemouth Canoes Uk, based near Poole. The shop is based in an industrial unit within easy access of the A35 and proved very easy to find.

The main floor of the unit houses a very good range of kayaks and canoes. Everything from playboats and open canoes to GP and sit on top kayaks were on display. However, I was most interested in their range of Sea Kayaks.

Impressive range of kayaks

Sea Kayaks & Playboats

Plastic or Composite

There was an impressive fleet on display both plastic and composite from a range of manufacturers including P&H and Point 65. I managed to avoid getting too close to most of them for financial safety reasons (“must keep credit card in wallet, must keep credit card in wallet…”) but was impressed to see the much praised P&H Cetus (and it’s plastic sibling the Scorpio) in stock.

Seeing the boats stored vertically gave a quick and easy reference to the various lengths available and the Cetus certainly looks long! The staff are keen to get boats out and let you inspect them closely. Their advice was excellent and very welcome, yet they are also happy to let you browse/daydream/drool in peace!

Mezzanine Floor

Mezzanine Floor

Front Desk!

There is also a mezzanine floor within the unit housing paddles and clothing. A very good range of buoyancy aids, cags, sallopettes and thermals was on offer including the very rare ‘Kaikoura Tour’ sea kayaking PFD (More of that in a future post).

Downstairs, around the till area, is a wide range of accessories, books and DVD’s.

Good stock is one thing, but for me this needs to be backed up with friendly and knowledgeable staff, willing to give you the time and advice to get your head around all thats on offer. Bournemouth Canoes did not disappoint.

The guy that served me (Morag) was hugely enthusiastic and friendly, gave excellent advice and was an obvious Sea Kayaking enthusiast. It was really good the chat over local routes, kit and experiences.

All in all a great experience and if you are anywhere in the area I recommend a visit. If you are happy to order over the phone/via the internet they have a great website and you can rest assured this is a paddling shop run by paddlers!

Bournemouth Canoes Ltd
Stepnell Reach
541 Blandford Road
Hamworthy
Poole
Dorset
BH16 5BW

Telephone
01202 625256

Website
www.bournemouthcanoes.co.uk

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