History

Fifty years ago, a restless high school student brought together his two loves-water and wood shop. Dad backed the DeSoto out of the garage and a young Hobie Alter started building surfboards.

Hobie's boards were lighter, quicker and faster than any other board on the market.In the 1960's, while the Beach Boys were making records, Hobie's surf team riders were setting them.

In 1967, Hobie designed the Hobie 14 Catamaran and revolutionized the sailing world. Hobie wanted to make a boat that you could easily launch into the surf from the beach, sail, and bring back through the surf. It was this 14-foot fiberglass single-handed catamaran that single-handedly changed the course of sailing.

In 1969 Hobie released, or rather, unleashed the Hobie 16, the most popular catamaran ever and the most competitive catamaran class in the world.

Owning a Hobie Cat means more than owning a sailboat. Over 100,000 Hobie Cats are sailing around the world in huge Hobie fleets and regattas. Through the social and racing activities of Hobie fleets, members have an opportunity to participate in activities designed to enhance the quality of their recreational time, and to contribute to a spirit of friendship that has graced the sport of Hobie Cat sailing since 1967. Sailors everywhere have come to call this unique affinity "The Hobie Way of Life".

The year 2000 marks Hobie Cat's 33-year anniversary and we're still leading the world in innovation and technology with products like the Hobie Wave, the Hobie Trifoiler, and the Hobie Mirage pedal-driven kayak. When you want to escape the rat race, relax outdoors on the water, or experience sailing excitement like never before, our family of boats has something for your lifestyle. Hobie Cat sailing is fun, and our main goal is to design products to help you enjoy your on-the-water leisure time. All our products are exciting, easy to use and built to last.

We think we've achieved Hobie's dream of 50 years ago by offering the most innovative, affordable, highest quality watersports products on the market. The Company's commitment to quality and owner satisfaction is unparalleled in the industry. Hobie Cat gives you proven products, excellent service, and a 33-year track record of leadership in the industry.