Hobie Alter was an American entrepreneur and innovator, best known for founding the company Hobie Cat in the 1960s. He revolutionized the sailing industry by creating the first production catamaran, which made sailing more accessible and enjoyable for recreational users. His designs emphasized performance and ease of use, contributing to the popularity of sailing as a sport. In addition to his work with catamarans, Alter was also a pioneer in the surfboard industry. He founded Hobie Surfboards, which became famous for high-quality boards that helped shape the surfing culture in California. His contributions to both sailing and surfing have left a lasting legacy.