We sat down with surfboard expert Kris Carlow to get to know him and his trade. Here is an inside scoop on the man himself!
Q: How long have you been with Hobie & what is your role in the company?
A: I’m going on 9 years of gainful employment, with Hobie Surf Shops, in just a few months. My current title is “Hobie Surfboards Manager.” Essentially, I manage and maintain the license to manufacture/distribute Hobie Surfboards. This role includes elements like marketing, quality control, and R&D. All that good stuff!
Q: What do you love most about the Hobie lifestyle?
A: There are two elements that I love about the Hobie lifestyle; family-like vibes and freedom. Each employee has their own passion for an outdoor activity. These activities not only include surf and skate, but other activities such as camping, hiking, rock climbing, and golf. Our company promotes each individual and this translates to the friendly staff that we have today.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: Our customers are the best, so I love putting our customers on the perfect surfing board. The Hobie catalogue is soooo deep and a little direction is required to find the right shape. A close second would be the R&D and input that I gather from our distinguished shapers: Gary Larson, Michael Arenal, and Adam Davenport. I mention these two details as they go hand-in-hand. We wouldn’t be able to offer such a quality product without our shapers and our company wouldn’t exist without the support of our customers.
Q: How does golf fit into this lifestyle, and how do two very different sports such as surfing and golf come together?
A: Golf and Surf are more applicable than ever, especially, in our post-COVID world. Both are pastimes that bring out the best and worst in the individual. The performance of the participant is in his or her hands; whether the surfer gets that perfect ride or crashes and burns… the same could be said for the golfer’s success on the golf course. We’re all looking for that perfect swing or wave. The cravings are identical and they keep us coming back for more on a weekly, daily, or hourly basis!
Lastly, both activities are models for determination and experience. If you put in the effort, the desired results are achievable. In what other sports will you encounter major champions at 39, Kelly Slater, and 50, Phil Mickelson, years of age?
Q: What is your favorite local surf break and golf course?
A: My favorite surf break is Church. It’s the logger’s dream. Hands down! For sentimental reasons, there’s no other course that hits closer to home than the San Clemente Municipal. The MUNI lives up to its moniker as the “Pride of The Pacific.”
Q: What are your favorite products we carry?
A: My fav lines are Hobie and Fragile Ocean. The Straight Down “Crusher” pullovers via Fragile Ocean are the absolute JAM! The “Crusher” is perfect for June Gloom mornings and evenings. The silky polyester material is easily packable and fits nicely in a lightweight carry golf bag or backpack.
https://hobiesurfshop.com/fragile-ocean-crusher-14-zip-pullover-p-a-l-crusher.htmlQ: Dream hobie board, surf break, and golf spot?
A: My current “Hobie-Related” dream board is a Phil Edwards Honolulu. Currently, our shaping staff has a little something-something in the works and it will do the trick for the modern logger. It would be insane to own and ride an original Phil Honolulu. Everyone knows that Phil is the MAN and the Honolulu’s are prime examples of his 60s craftsmanship!
My dream surf spot is Scorpion Bay, Baja. The wave is insane for potential logging. I’m almost just as excited about the camping in the area. Surf trips are best enjoyed with your crew and nothing beats a desert point with the homies.
There are soooo many legendary golf tracks. If I were to pick inside of the United States, I would roll with Pine Valley. PV, consistently, tops the best tracks in America. It had input from some of the best Golden-Age architects, Thomas and Tillinghast. There’s just something about the pines, native areas, and the natural bunkering. For an international location, nothing beats the “Old Course” at St. Andrews. It’s the home of golf and a bucket list trip as St. Andrews is open to the public!