Kite Doctor on Board – Imagine a War Movie…
If you’ve been on a kite safari with me before, you probably already know one of my favorite hobbies on board: repairing kites. During lunch breaks or in the evenings, while everyone else is relaxing with a drink or just chilling on deck, you’ll often find me somewhere with glue, patches, and tools, fixing bladder valves, repairing small canopy damage, or trying to bring wounded kites back to life.
Most of the time I’m not even working on my own gear. Small accidents happen all the time on a kite safari, it’s part of the game, and I like to be ready to fix whatever I can so everyone can keep riding and enjoying their trip.
I like to imagine myself as a doctor during wartime. I’ll do my best to fix anything that comes into my hands, but I can’t give any guarantees. I’m always ready to get my hands dirty and help your kite survive the trip – just remember, the yacht is not a five-star hospital. It’s more like a field hospital. Repairs are practical, functional, and focused on getting you back on the water as quickly as possible. They (should) last for the duration of the safari, but once you’re back home, it’s always a good idea to have your kite checked by a proper repair shop.
WHAT I CAN DO
I can glue and replace kite valves and do small canopy repairs. Small to medium holes in bladders can usually be fixed on board as well. I also have an extensive collection of rubber tubes and spare parts, so replacements are often possible when needed. If your bar needs trimming or small adjustments, I can usually help with that as well. Basically, anything that can be handled with basic tools and practical solutions – I’ll give it a shot.
WHAT I CAN’T DO
I don’t have a sewing machine on board, so large canopy tears or major structural damage are difficult, if not impossible, to repair properly during the trip. If the damage is extensive, there may not be much I can do beyond temporary solutions. Broken lines can also be tricky depending on where the damage occurs and the type of line involved. I’ll always try to find a workaround, but some situations simply require professional repair equipment on land.
PLAN B?
The good news: I carry plenty of kites on board. If something breaks and can’t be fixed immediately, you can always rent one of my kites and keep riding. I promise my kite rental rates are not too crazy expensive.
Nobody comes on a kite safari to sit on the beach watching others have fun – and I’ll make sure you stay on the water as much as possible 😉
