Laurent Verjus has seven sewing machines, each with a different function. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
To make neoprene suits waterproof again, there is no other choice than to replace the damaged parts. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
Laurent Verjus has received specialized training in repairing outdoor equipment. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
In the summer, breakages are common on canoes, usually at the seat level. Midi Libre – Manon Baffie
In Balsièges, the Atelier du lion offers a unique service in Lozère: repairing equipment for outdoor sports.
At 54, Laurent Verjus is part of the very first class of outdoor equipment repairers. A training course “discovered by pure chance” which he followed just a few months ago with the Association for Adult Vocational Training (Afpa) in Millau. The 54-year-old was particularly attracted by the ecological aspect of the profession: “ it avoids throwing away, that's what motivates me too“. Because he is above all passionate about repair.
Before devoting himself to outdoor activity equipment, the enthusiast was an ornamentalist specializing in the restoration of antique wooden furniture sculptures. In the Montpellier region, he worked for antique dealers, cabinetmakers and carpenters. But when he arrived in Lozère, his business gradually declined. To the point that he finally “ gave up on this profession“.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Between 10 and 20 canoes per day in summer
The outdoor sports equipment repair training came at just the right time. At the same time, he trained to be a kayak instructor, which gives him privileged contact with the world of canoeing. Laurent Verjus works mainly with professionals. He carried out his first canoe and kayak repairs last July. “It kept coming all summer, there were some every day. There is a real demand.” Until now, rental companies were waiting for the round of repairers from Ardèche. Laurent Verjus has the advantage of being on site, or almost. He can repair between ten and twenty canoes a day. He has worked on about 250 boats this summer alone, the peak period of activity.
Making life easier for canyoning service providers
In the fall, the repairer went to meet canyoning service providers. “The problem with neoprene is that it is a non-renewable material, derived from oil. There is no effective way to reintegrate it into another circuit, except to repair it.” Usually, canyoning service providers send the outfits to be mended by parcel to repair centers. Laurent Verjus, for his part, comes to collect them directly from them. “The wetsuits are worn all summer long. They are in contact with water, rocks, and the sun all the time. They often get damaged at the knees, elbows, and buttocks.“
Technical sewing
Once in his workshop, he cuts out the worn neoprene pieces. They then serve as a template to cut out new fabric. He glues the new piece onto the suit and then sews it, inside and out, with a special needle. “It is curved and sews just the surface of the fabric to prevent leaks in the suit”, explains Laurent Verjus. Extremely meticulous work. “It's craftsmanship. You have to feel the material, stretch the thread, relax it. You have to play with all the machine's parameters. The goal is to recover as much material as possible to throw away as little.”
Paddle, packraft and caving
Still a novice in the field, Laurent Verjus takes his time. It's impossible for him to charge for all the hours spent on each suit. So he applies a fixed price. “The goal is for me to be as efficient as possible to earn my crust one day.” While canyoning and kayaking represent a large part of his activity, the repairer can extend the life of caving suits or work on a paddle or a packraft, these very fashionable lightweight inflatable boats. To supplement his income, he is also thinking of offering his services as a technical tailor on backpacks or running outfits.