Hobart "Hobie" Alter, Surfboard, Sailboat Innovator, Dies at 80

[Ichingcarpenter]

I had a Hobie 9'6'' surfboard, my first in the sixtes and then bought a 9'1''Gordon and Smith. My brother had a Hobie Cat.

Hobart Alter, whose development of the foam surfboard and the "Hobie Cat" sailboat brought masses to the water, has died. He was 80.

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A statement on the Hobie sporting goods website says Alter died Saturday at his Southern California home. A cause of death was not disclosed. The Orange County Register reports he had been battling cancer.

Alter had his start in the early 1950s crafting wooden surfboards in his family's Laguna Beach home. When the balsawood used for the boards became scarce, he collaborated with an employee of his surf shop to create surfboards out of polyurethane foam. The lighter, less expensive boards revolutionized surfing, and Hobie became a top surfboard brand.

Alter's design of the lightweight, affordable "Hobie Cat" is credited with bringing high-performance sailing to the masses.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/Hobart-Alter-Surfboard-Sailboat-Innovator-Dies-253133861.html

[Bluenorthwest]

1. I knew Hobie when I was a kid. He was a client of my father's and a very nice

guy. This makes me sad.

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. He really brought surfing

to the masses. Everyone wanted one of his T shirts and a Pendalton wool shirt, because of the quality and status as a Beach Boy/surfer

The end of an era.... geez we are getting old.

[Bluenorthwest]

8. He was by far the youngest autonomously wealthy person I'd ever met

And now he's gone at 80. We are getting old indeed.

[Le Taz Hot]

2. Wow!

A legend in the surfing/sailing world. Sad loss.

[shenmue]

3. Rest in peace

[NV Whino]

4. Rest in peace, Hobie

I hope the surf's up wherever you are.

[BarbaRosa]

5. I once had a Hobie Fiberglass Skateboard.

It was a cool skateboard. Rest in peace Hobie.

[GoCubsGo]

7. He has a great line of sunglasses, too.

The pair I had years ago were my most favorites ever. Unfortunately, I dropped them and accidentally stepped on them, breaking the frames. I would've gotten a new pair if they hadn't discontinued them a few years before.

[panader0]

9. Sad to hear

I never had a Hobie. My first board was a Surfboards Hawaii, followed by the Gordon and Smith Trestle Special.
Those were the days....

[Ichingcarpenter]

10. Surfboards Hawaii

7' what a great board ... I forgot about that company, it was my third board. Bought all the others used of course.

[indie9197]

11. Hobie longboards always had a certain mystique

I could kick myself for not buying a brand new Phil Edwards Hobie back in 1990. It was $500 compared to $300-400 for a regular custom board and I couldnt justify it at the time.