Date of Birth: October 31, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: March 29, 2014
Biography
Hobart “Hobie” Alter was an American businessman, surfboard shaper, and boat designer who revolutionized the surfing and sailing industries. Born into a family that loved the ocean, Hobie grew up in Ontario, California, and spent his summers in Laguna Beach. He began experimenting with surfboard designs in the early 1950s, initially working out of his family’s garage. Hobie is best known for creating the first mass-produced polyurethane foam surfboards, which were lighter and more durable than the wooden boards of the time. His innovations didn’t stop at surfboards; he also designed the Hobie Cat, a lightweight, fast, and easy-to-sail catamaran that became immensely popular. Hobie opened the first dedicated surf shop in Dana Point, California, which became a hub for the surfing community. Over the years, Hobie’s contributions to water sports earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Surfing Walk of Fame and the National Sailing Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through the brand Hobie, which continues to produce high-quality surfboards, sailboats, and other water sports equipment.
5 Interesting Facts about Hobart Alter
1. Hobie Alter opened the world’s first surf shop in Dana Point, California, in 1954.
2. He was the first to mass-produce polyurethane foam surfboards, making the sport more accessible.
3. The Hobie Cat, introduced in 1967, is the best-selling catamaran of all time.
4. Hobie was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011.
5. He also ventured into skateboards and designed the Hobie Skateboard, which became popular in the 1960s.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hobart Alter
1. “The best reason for making a surfboard is because you love it.”
2. “If it’s fun, it’s fun.”
3. “A lot of people thought surfing was a fad, but I knew it would never die.”
4. “When you’re on a Hobie Cat, you’re always on vacation.”
5. “Innovation is often the result of necessity.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Hobie Alter’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million.
Children
Hobie Alter had three children: Paula Alter, Jeff Alter, and Hobie Alter Jr.
Relevant Links
1. [Hobie Surfboards Official Website](https://www.hobie.com/
2. [National Sailing Hall of Fame Profile](https://nshof.org/inductees/alter-hobart-hobie/
3. [Surfing Walk of Fame](https://surfingwalkoffame.com/
4. [Hobie Cat Company](https://www.hobie.com/sail/
5. [Hobie on Encyclopedia of Surfing](http://encyclopediaofsurfing.com/entries/alter-hobie
