Kayak Karitane owner Allan Anderson arrived at his Karitane wharf shed yesterday to prepare for a school trip, only to discover it had been broken into and more than $5000 worth of gear gone.
He believed 25 wetsuits, about 10 paddling jackets and two surf boards had been taken, all of which were not insured as it was too expensive to do so, Mr Anderson said.
Other kayaking gear had been left behind.
"We're just trying to get people out on the water and this is another knock. It's disheartening.
"With the wetsuits gone and the cold conditions, it meant he had to cancel another three booked school groups.
"School holiday programmes would also have to be cancelled.
"With all the warm gear taken, it's effectively shut us down."
He was hoping publicity about the crime might help get the gear returned and he urged anyone who saw someone with lots of wetsuits to report the sighting to police.
"I just want the stuff back."
