Hobart “Hobie” Alter, who was known for introducing surfing to the masses, passed away peacefully at his Palm Desert home on March 29. Born on Oct. 31, 1933 in Ontario, Calif., he was 80 at the time of his death.
He was a pioneer in the surfboard shaping industry, creator of the Hobie Cat catamarans, and founder of the Hobie company.

Alter was also a long-time Orcas resident.