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 remember taking my one day old 9m Ozone Edge into Neil with every panel torn after yet another mistake. I had no hope for it. He smiled and said "It'll be as good as new", and it was. A true gentleman and a skilled worker. I wish you all the best Neil, get well soon mate.
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.
Best wishes Neil our thoughts are with you.
A true gentleman and absolute WA kitesurfing community legend, who always manages to get the kites repaired at a very reasonable price and still has time for a chat.
Kent
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.
Hopefully the saftey will release during this loop.
Wishing you an easy battle and speedy recovery.
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
Approx 2 months ago , some guy approaches me on the beach with a kite covered in wet sand
He'd dumped it in the swell and was ripped from arse to elbow
Gave him Neil's contact
Couple of weeks later he blew up on the grass
Asked him how the repair went
Don't know as I carnt see where he's repaired it
Sums up Neil's quality of work
A craftsman
Hope the surgeon does a neat job of stitching him up, Neil will pick fault,
Speedy recovery neil
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.
I managed to smash my old Neo into the rehabilitation zone part of the sand dunes at Horrocks. Kite looked like it had attacked a Jurassic echidna! Was referred to Neil and posted kite off to him. He fixed it same day and posted it back that day too. $100 all up. I couldn't believe the service mate. Hope you recover well matey and all the best to those looking after you.
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.
Neil,Your card remains stuck in my wallet since you did an awesome repair on an ol Rev that i tore in half a few year ago, top bloke allround,chin up Neil and get well.
Very sorry to hear you are not well. I remember meeting you at Pelican Point in 2002, when you only land-kited. Many trips subsequently to Hold-the-Line in Wembley and then Freo for various kite repairs and modifications - and to hear about kiting in Bali. Hoping for a good outcome for you.
(from Robin and Jeanne)
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
Update on Neil.
Neil is much improved since last week - thank goodness.
Unfortunately the stroke Neil had was very significant and it will be a long road to recovery. The upside is that he is a positive (and stubborn) man so I know he will be doing everything he can to get his mobility back. He is in Fiona Stanley for those of you that want to visit him.
For the next few months at least HTL will be closed and hopefully after that Neil will still get some time in Bali.
Thanks for your kind words - I have been reading them to Neil.
Terry
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
Thats great news Terry, thanks for letting us all know and please let him know he is in Julies and my thoughts and prayers.
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
All the best Neil.
A true craftsman and a gentleman.
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Phil and Karen
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
Latest Update on Neil
Neil is stable - but progress will be slow.
HTL is now closed indefinitely. Kites that were with Neil prior to the accident are with SOS in Fremantle.
Happy to provide updates for those of you close to Neil by private message.
Hug those you love - you never know what's about to hit you.
Terry
