Orange County, California – Hobie Surf Shops, an iconic and pioneering name in the world of surfing, proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings in Dana Point, California to becoming a global symbol of surf culture, Hobie Surf Shops has continued to be recognized as the industry leader by epitomizing innovation, quality, adventure, communal activism, and the spirit of the waterman lifestyle.
Hobie Alter, the visionary behind the brand, embarked on his journey into surfboard shaping in 1950, driven by his passion for the emerald green waters of Laguna Beach, CA. His relentless pursuit of crafting the perfect surfboard and genuine “love” for the sport led to the establishment of the first Hobie Surf Shop on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point which, fittingly, opened its doors on Valentine’s Day in 1954.
Through the decades, Hobie Surf Shops has been at the forefront of surfboard technology and culture. In 1958, Alter collaborated with Gordon Clark to refine polyurethane foam for surfboard production, a breakthrough that revolutionized the industry. The addition of Dick Metz to the team in the early 1960s further propelled the brand’s expansion, with locations opening in Hawaii and across the continental United States.
From the game-changing “Hobie Cat” Catamaran to surfboards, skateboards, kayaks, sunglasses, and a sundry of surf retail shops, Hobie’s personal mission of bringing “fun to the world” has continued to inspire generations of water enthusiasts worldwide.
From the game-changing “Hobie Cat” Catamaran to surfboards, skateboards, kayaks, sunglasses, and a sundry of surf retail shops, Hobie’s personal mission of bringing “fun to the world” has continued to inspire generations of water enthusiasts worldwide.
Take a glimpse at our year of celebrating below!
For more information on Hobie Surf Shops and upcoming events, visit hobiesurfshop.com, our stores listed down below, or our instagram @hobiesurfshop
Join us as we celebrate 70 years of adventure, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Hobie Surf Shops!
We are throwing it back to the 60s. The film, “Gidget”, has just had its debut and the Southern California lifestyle was all the buzz. Board sales were booming and surfing was all the rage. Shortly after Hobie Alter tied the world of surfing and skateboarding together with the invention of the Super Surfer Skateboard. The original make of this board resembled that of a surfboard, specifically “The Hobie Classic” model. This 60s era model was one of the most popular boards on the market. The super surfer had a beautiful mahogany and maple wood pattern deck, steel trucks, and clay wheels. In 1962, Hobie set out to improve the design and teamed up with Mark Richards at Val Surf surf shop in the San Fernando Valley, together they designed and produced a professional line of high-performance skateboards, manufactured by a wood furniture company in nearby Los Angeles. In 1964, Hobie partnered with the Vita-Pakt juice company and created the Hobie Skateboards brand and the Hobie Super Surfer skateboard team. The Members included Woody Woodward, the Hilton Brothers, Danny Schaefer, Patti McGee, Danny Bearer, Wendy Bearer, and George Trafton. Later on, Hobie invented the first urethane wheels which were first turned away by the Vita-Pakt with concern of the price of boards.
Finless Skateboard Co.
We are stoked to announce that Hobie Surf Shop is bringing back the Super Surfer Skateboard. We worked with Finless Skateboard co. to make the first 6 boards and will be continuing to release the boards in small batches come summer time. Finless Skateboard Company make skateboards that value the predecessors of surf shapers. Their mission is “to make sure that our skateboards were completely handmade, made of solid wood, and that the designs, the line work and aesthetics of our boards are unique to each deck we create. No heat transfers, no stickers (except for our logo). The whole board is made of carefully assembled different species of wood, with cores made of Hard Maple and top and bottom sheets carefully assembled with various types of wood species to give our boards the look of a classic 1950’s surfboard.” Each board is handcrafted by human hands with the thought of detail, authenticity, and guaranteed excellence. Finless skate co also takes in consideration their eco impact when crafting their boards.
Here are some key cautions they take:
They work diligently with their suppliers to source woods that come from responsibly harvested forests.
Their glues and clear coats are all Eco-friendly and water based with the lowest VOC’s.
The clear grip on the top of the boards are made from 100% recycled crushed glass.
They re-use as much of their waste during the manufacturing process as possible and set up shop to use the least energy possible.
Their apparel is sourced from alternative brands that use recycled polyester and organic cottons.
Packaging is made with 100% recycled cardboard.
The new boards have A Bec 7 bearings, 53 mm wheels made from polyurethane, Philips 1″ hardware, Paris Truck Co. aluminum trucks with a 108 mm hanger, and the wooden deck is covered with clear grip tape.
Super Surfer Skateboard: Present Day
Check out our Instagram for updates and additional info. Happy skating!
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.
Kris Carlow photo credit: @muirman
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.
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!
Happy Friday, everyone!! How crazy is it that it’s officially May and we’re almost halfway through 2020?! I hope you all are doing your best to stay healthy and positive during the difficult time and staying busy. Just a reminder that the Hobie website is open 24/7, and even though we can’t see you in person, we continuously thank you for your constant support! Since mother’s day is coming up (May 10th), I thought I’d put together a gift list to make your shopping a little bit easier.
This is the softest and most comfy lounge set that is perfect for lazy days at home. PJ Salvage is a staple at Hobie, and their sets are the cutest! It comes in the gorgeous grey that will pretty much go with everything and is perfect for layering on colder days as well. They are super well-made and last forever even after many washes! This is the best gift for the most amazing mom!
A Patagonia jacket is a wardrobe staple and is perfect for Southern California’s climate and is designed to trap heat and block the wind. The jacket is made from recycled polyester and is the ideal addition to winter layers. It, also, zips into its inside pocket, which makes it perfect for the traveling mom on the go!
This is polishing and hydrating, that is the perfect gift! The coconut crush scrub is made of brown sugar and infused with small pieces of Tahitian coconut shell to get rid of dry skin. This scrub is an Allure best of beauty winner. It is also cruelty-free, non-allergenic, and silicone-free.
This pair of earrings is 14K vermeil-stye, which means they are sterling silver dipped in gold. The pair of hoops measures to about 2 1/16” and is the perfect basic to elevate any look. They are the simplest, easy to wear, hoop that won’t weigh down your ears. They are also carried in silver!
This is a long-lasting scent that is inspired by coconuts, surf wax, sunscreen, and a day at the beach. It is in an oil roller form because that is the strongest and longest-lasting form of perfume. As you wear Pirette throughout the day, it reacts with your body heat and continues to emit the scent throughout the day. Hobie, also, carries the candle and dry body oil, so you can create the perfect Mother’s day gift set!
Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well and staying positive! I wanted to start April with a new series to showcase my favorite items from Hobie. Currently, Patagonia, Hobie, and Fragile Ocean are 30% off, so click this link. Scroll to see my top 5 things from the shop:
1. Billabong x Sincerley Jules Hard to Tell Top and Hard to Tell Short
This is one of my all-time favorite outfits from Billabong! The rainbow pattern is so springy and perfect for the summer when it gets warmer. Billabong did such a fantastic job with this collection with all their bright patterns and colors. I linked the shorts here and the top here.
2. Outerknown S.E.A Suit
This is perfect for quarantine because it’s super simple and easy to wear, but makes you feel incredibly stylish. It’s easy to dress up and down. Also, this jumpsuit is perfect for spring trips to the store or work from home days. This jumpsuit is made of organic cotton and linen and is garment-dyed for a worn-in look. Linked this jumpsuit here.
3. L-Space Pointelle Rib Lee Lee Bikini Top and Pointelle Rib Frenchi Bikini Bottom
This is one of my favorite swimsuits of all time! L Space makes the highest quality suits that last forever. I have this top in a different color, and it’s so flattering and cute on! I’m always a fan of a good high rise bottom, and L Space often has the most flattering style. This set is an overall win for me!
4. Billabong x SJ Match Maker Sweater and Short
Okay, you can probably tell by now, but my all-time favorite collaboration this year has been Billabong x Sincerely Jules. Given the current circumstances, this loungewear set is a must. Most of the collection is super bright with tons of colors, but I love this super simple white set, so cute! It’s been on my wishlist for some time, and I may have to pull the trigger! It’s literally the softest material and makes you feel and look put together for a day at home. Top is linked here. The shorts aren’t sold at Hobie, so I linked them on the Billabong website for ya!
5. Brixton San Jose Bandeau and Doyle Short
My final pick is this super cute set from Brixton Women’s. It’s perfect for a Southern California summer and is super easy to throw on and style effortlessly. I love a paper bag short and feel like they put together a perfect summer look. They’re timeless and incredibly flattering, so with the matching top, this is the ultimate summer look. Just throw on a Brixton or Lack of Colour wide-brim fedora, and you’re set! Top is linked here and bottoms are here.
Hope you enjoyed some of my favorite Hobie E-Comm items and remember to support your local businesses!!!
Hobie Surf Shop 