Surfboard and Sailboat Innovator, Hobie Alter, Dies at 80

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By Adario Strange2014-03-31 03:56:50 UTC

One of the pioneers of California surfing culture, Hobart “Hobie” Alter, died on Saturday. He was 80.

The announcement was made on his official website, reporting that Alter passed away peacefully at his Palm Desert, Calif. home surrounded by his family.

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Alter is widely credited as the developer of the modern foam and fiberglass surfboard, as well as several innovative catamaran sailboat designs. He also created a unique line of skateboards in the '60s.

"[H]e introduced the world to an outdoor lifestyle and collection of products that made things just a bit more fun for all of us," a statement on Alter's website read. "Hobie’s passing will leave an incredible void in the world of surfing, sailing and watersports. But as with any great author, actor or artist, the legacy of his work, and the strong wake of his innovations will live on forever."

For those less familiar with Alter, a two-part video on his YouTube channel (see above) details his journey, from his early efforts to push the sport of surfing into the mainstream in the '50s to his watersports equipment development throughout the '80s.

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Topics: Entertainment, hobie alter, Sports, surfing