Thanks to the guys today down at Brighton for the help, after the kite decided it needed some air vents in the canopy.

Anyone had good experiences with any places getting kite repairs done (more than just putting pegs on it)? And is it worth resurrecting the old girl?

Cheers, thanks for that.

Cheers. Yeah, it's definitely had a bit of mis/use over the time.

Cost of repair vs value of kite will be pretty touch and go I would guess. If it's to expensive commercially, I get to try and repair it myself and make a hideous frankenkite.

I do have lots of spare time, the spinnaker tape and access to a sewing machine.

If it works, I'll get a back up kite out of it for sweet fk-all.

I use horizon sails. Fantastic job & good price
Example, recent massive tear in canopy was $66 & small leading edge repair with me removing bladder was $30
Will continue using them

exact same thing happened to my switcy a couple years back, kite shop just told me it wasnt worth it as the tear is just too big plus the kite was old. even if it were repaired, it may not fly the same. but i'm no expert, i just ditched it and got another 2nd hand kite.

How do you tear a kite like that at Brighton beach where there is no surf?

I got into repairing my own kites a couple of years ago.
You can buy it here but difficult to get small spools so it will be expensive.
Buy at some motor car trimmers and upholsterers and of course sail lofts if they are willing to help.

I got mine from US, quite cheap but mail is expensive:

www.sailrite.com/

If you intend to do all your own repairs then best to buy both Black & White spool. 1 oz or 4 oz (about $5 or $15)
V92 Dabond Polyester for LE / HD repairs
V69 Dabond Polyester for sail cloth repairs

I also got some HD (about 5 oz ) Dacron cloth for repairing LE and reinforced panels.

Well done!
I've not noticed any change in flying characteristics after my repair jobs either.