Leading edge firsts are a Hobie hallmark. With Hobie Alter’s passing in 2014 our single-minded purpose has been to continue his innovative legacy. Although team riders and signature models are not new, we at Hobie Surfboards are intent on adding young, talented, bare-footed adventures to our rooster. First up: Makala Smith. Makala is a supremely talented professional surfer from Dana Point, California, and a recent invitee to the Vans Duct Tape Invitational.
Hobie Surf Shop and SEEA, with their fusion of retro and modern swimwear prints, have entered into a surfboard collaboration that provides Makala with unique surfboards designed and shaped by Hobie shaper Michael Arenal. Her boards offer an individual take on longboarding and noseriding. They are decidedly American in design with an Australian twist, like a flaming hot Bloody Mary — spicy! The U.S./Aussie synthesis combines a balanced foil, flat bottom, and 50/50 rails, creating a predictable ride, perfect for noseriding. Makala’s model carries a balanced volume from nose to tail, while the softly blended nose concave smoothly transitions into a “speed thrills” flat bottom. A centered wide-point eliminates the wild, bucking bronco feel of a traditional, hippy, wide-point behind center surfboard, without diverting the eye from its sensuous outline.
The future looks bright as we honor Hobie Alter and his legacy of innovation and design, while keeping a steely eye on why we surf, to have fun, and as a matter of principle, never having to wear hard-soled shoes.
The new Hobie Surf Shop/ Makala Smith “Harmony” surfboard model is now available at our Dana Point, San Clemente, And Corona del Mar locations.
