Hobart Alter, Surfboard Maker Who Created Hobie Cat, Dies at 80

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Hobart “Hobie” Alter, whose designs for foam surfboards and low-cost catamarans helped popularize surfing and sailing, has died. He was 80.

He died on March 29 at his home in Palm Desert, California, according to a statement on the website of Hobie Designs Inc., a family-run company based in San Juan Capistrano, California. No cause was given.