Posted on August 18, 2020
Surf's Up with Hobie
In 1954, after four years of shaping surfboards in his parent's beach house, Hobie Alter opened California’s original surf shop in Dana Point. Over the course of the last 70 years, Hobie has played a key role in shaping the surf culture in Southern California. Today, with three stores in Orange County, Hobie remains a great place to purchase an expertly crafted board or a classic Spooner.
Four years after opening his shop, Hobie Alter and Gordon Clark began experimenting with new materials which led to the invention of the polyurethane foam surfboard. The new boards were lighter, faster, and easier to ride than anything else in the water.
By the mid-1960s, the legendary Hobie Surf Team was revolutionizing the “sport of kings.” The team included some of the most iconic surfers of all time. Phil Edwards, Joey Cabell, Corky Carroll, Micky Munoz, Joyce Hoffman, Joey Hamasaki, Gary Propper, Billy Hamilton and Herbie Fletcher are just a few of the legends who surfed for Hobie Surfboards over the years.
Over the years, Hobie has continued to succeed by focusing on their core strategies for business -- building quality products, innovating constantly, partnering with high caliber brands, hiring exceptional people, and staying deeply involved with their community.
Next time you’re in San Clemente, Laguna Beach, or Dana Point, we highly recommend a visit to Hobie to shop their great selection of boards, clothes and goods.
