Hobie -- Gone west. for any blue collar surfer or sailor, he was the guy.

[docmirror]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/03/3...utionized-surfing-dies-at-80/?intcmp=obinsite

After my disastrous youth, once thing could always make me better. Grab a board, and paddle out for a few hours. In winter and fall I'd surf at night with a big wetsuit. In summer I'd surf in the morning before work some times.

Thanks Hobie.

 

[AdamZ]

His catamarans were so much damn fun!

 

[denverpilot]

Still are.

 

[write-stuff]

Sorry to see him gone. Such a cultural icon.

 

[yakdriver]

I started surfing when I was 13 in 1964 and we would stop in at Hobie's every time we went to Doheney. Had one of his composite skateboards and a couple of his surfboards over the years. I was heavy into RC sailplanes and got to fly several of the prototype Hobie Hawks. Still have one in the box stashed away. My room mate was a manager at Sol Cat so I didn't sail Hobies. Nice guy and he will be missed. Don

 

[docmirror]

Sorry to see him gone. Such a cultural icon.

I think that's exactly right. He was true to his craft. He never sold out, knew what he wanted to be, and do and became the best of the best. Innovated constantly without losing the common touch.

 

[Bill]

His catamarans were so much damn fun!

Many a fine summer afternoon in my teens and early 20's flying the hull[1] of a friends Hobie 16. Fair winds and big waves, Hobie!

[1] And pitchpoling it once in a while as well

 

[Geico266]

What an impact he had on water sports.

 

[jonnyjetprop]

A small part of the empire: The Hobbie Hawk

A graceful RC sailplane