Thank you everyone for your kind words - it mean't lot to Neil for me to be able to relay your thoughts today. It will be a long road back... Those of you who have known him (and me) for a long time - thank you. Darren, Rob Gannon, Jason at Westoz, Peter Lynn and Steve McCormack thank you for contacting me today - we both needed the support.
To all Neil's customers over the years, if you have something to share please do so - it helps.
Life is short - hug the ones you love.
Terry

I was new to Perth and had just started Kiting, like the green horn I was I stuffed up my kite and got a rip on the kite. It was a Sunday and it was promising to be an awesome day of 20+ wind. I heard about this kite guy call Neil, I gave him a bell and he said sure drop it over, Within 20 min of chatting to him he had fixed my kite and only charged me $10. He was telling me his stories about the old days and kiting in Bali. You could not met a nicer bloke if you tried. I have since brought other kites to him and he is always as friendly as always. Sending you good vibes Neil.

I also wish you a speedy recovery.

Met down at Woodman's point when you were giving out fridge magnets for your new location. Only ever needed one kite repaired, it is still flying strong.

Get well soon.

Selamat pagi Buddy anda tidak rusak just yet stay strong,fight back,we still got some hashing to do see you soon mate,that goes for you too Terry,lean a little harder on Doug's shoulder thinking of you guys Dave n Kel

January 2002 I purchased a Peter Lynn Peel 3.1 power kite from this 'somewhat talkative' English guy in Wembley.

September 2005 the same guy sells me what was to be the first of several PL Venom's.

The same guy then subsequently repaired those Venoms & later inflatables many times over.

Can't speak highly enough of Neil - always ready & able to stitch and chat at the same time. I look forward to chatting with you again soon.
Neil - get better soon mate.

Get well soon Neil and back on the water! i think it was 2000 when i first started kiting and made many visits to your shop in wembley to repair broken 2 lines kites from the trees in applecross i had destroyed! always was great to drop in and have a chat when in the area and would never leave my kite repairs with anyone else- you da man! catch ya soon! Ryland

Hello Neil,
You repaired my first kite while I waited and for $10 too - hope you're feeling better soon.

All the Best Neil

Sorry to hear this news.

Neil helped me out a number of times with kite issues when he had his Wembley shop and a chat was always worthwhile being the closest surf shop to home. He got me some parts which I couldn't find elsewhere too. He always has solutions to kite problems one can't always sort out. Working out issues with kite line length and bars is another strength he has which is rare in Perth. Not many people here can cut and splice kite lines.

Get well soon we need your expertise.

Hi Neil

So sorry to hear you aren't doing so well at the moment.
I too met you in the early days at your shop in Wembly where you performed several miracles on some of my kites.

What impressed me the most was when you told me that you weren't that keen on kiting in the water because you actually couldn't swim.
You didn't let a little technicality like that stop you though.

Like everybody has said you are a true legend of our sport and appreciated and respected by all.

Wishing you strength and courage in these tough times.

All the best
Mike Bergman

It was always a bit of a "Start the car !" moment whenever I left Neils place.
How could he have fixed my utterly destroyed kite, in almost no time, for almost NO MONEY and I can barely even see the repair ??
I remember showing my mates on the beach the next day and we're all wondering how this is possible.
He soon gained "legendary status" among us and now I realize this was a widely held view!

He is a lovely laid back dude , and really a bit of an inspiration to a lot of us
best wishes for a quick recovery Neil

Thanks Terry

Great to hear that he is improving, sounds like he has a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of him.

Good luck and best wishes.

Hope to see him soon.

Cheers
Mike

Hey Terry,

Soooo glad to hear some good news. If the heart condition wasn't enough to stop him, sure as hell this stroke aint going to. Great stuff Neil, I look forward to visiting you soon mate.

DM

Good to hear that your on the mend Neil
George -City Beach

Oh geez,
Hope you are fully mended soon Neil.

Ditto for me - a true gent, always fantastic, professional service and work, with a friendly chat to boot.

I still have my mid 90s Quoakka delta kite (although the kids have managed to snap the placky end off the main strut).

Are you still listening to 720 and cooing at Gillos voice?

Hope you are back on the water (and sewing up a storm) soon Neil.. as long as it's at least 25 degrees outside right.

All best,
Ian (formerly) from Aunty