Hobie production is to return to the US following the acquisition of the water sports brand by North American outdoor brand Bass Pro Shops, White River Marine Group.
Hobie’s origins date back to 1950 when founder Hobie Alter used his parents’ garage to handcraft surfboards.
His dream started with surfboards and Southern California’s first surf shop, and evolved to sailboats and kayak offerings.
From pedal-driven kayaks to refining performance and comfort, Hobie products embody ingenuity and craftsmanship, designed to deliver reliable experiences for every adventure on the water.
Over the past 75 years, the late Hobie Alter developed numerous innovative products, holding more than 20 patents that advanced watercraft design.
Uniting with Hobie is a very proud day in our company’s history.
Johnny Morris
The acquisition will unite the two companies and provide Hobie’s global dealer network with support from the marketing resources of Bass Pro Shops.
“Uniting with Hobie is a very proud day in our company’s history,” said Johnny Morris, founder and lead outfitter, and Bryan Niketh, president manufacturing at White River Marine Group.
“We extend Hobie Dealers a warm welcome to our White River Family.
“We are deeply committed to Hobie and supporting its dealer network as we embark on a very bright future together.”
Hobie production will be moved from Mexico to a new facility near Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group’s birthplace in the Missouri Ozarks.
Investment and expansion
“We’re proud to see Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group deepening their commitment to Missouri through this expansion,” said governor Mike Kehoe.
“This investment is strengthening the community of Lebanon while contributing to Missouri’s reputation as a prime destination for both business and outdoor adventure.”
Bass Pro Shops was founded by Johnny Morris from an 8sqft space in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, in 1972.
In 1978, Johnny introduced the Bass Tracker, a nationally marketed pre-rigged boat, motor and trailer package.
The Tracker became and has remained one of the world’s best-selling fishing boats.
For more than ten years, Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have donated more than 10% of the company’s earnings to support conservation.
White River and Hobie boats are sold in more than 70 countries around the world.
