Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament

Matt Miller:

As you may know, the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament is an annual event in the NY Metro area. It will be held this year from May 12-15, 2011. The proceeds go to the Casting for Recovery organization that provides terrific support to breast cancer survivors. I have fished in this tournament for the past 3 years and have really enjoyed it. It is very well run event and has become very popular in the area, especially on Long Island where I live.

Hobie has been very supportive of this tournament in the past by donating equipment and kayaks for the raffles. There are many Hobie owners who participate in this event and it is nice to see Hobie's support.

Do you know if Hobie is donating a kayak this year and if so, what model? I always look forward to the opportunity of winning another kayak!

Thanks.

George M.

I'm not involved in kayak fishing tournaments or giveaways. That is a question for Morgan, so I will forward him a link to your question.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Hi George,

Thanks for your support of Hobie kayaks. We always appreciate proactive members of the community who help spread the sport of kayak fishing.

This year we had some tough decisions to make. Unfortunately, we only have so much budget to work with every year. This year we were forced to cut back sonsorship of several tournaments and events with the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Classic being one of them. Therefore, we will not be supplying a kayak or any giveaways for the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament this year.

This does not mean that we aren't considering this event for next year.

I was very disappointed to hear of Hobie's decision on this as the Jamaica Bay Tournament is one of the largest, if not the largest, on the East Coast, attracting participants from not only the U.S; but Canada and overseas! I believe there were over 350 kayak anglers registered in last year's event. This year looks to be even better and bigger, as the Tournament spans 3 days.

With the Hobie Mirage Kayak being the fishing kayak of choice, I'm very surprised Hobie didn't jump on this opportunity, considering other kayak manufacturers will surely be donating to this event!

Is it to late to re-consider??

_________________
Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

I am also very disappointed that Hobie will not be supporting this tournament this year. I have participated at JBay for the past three years and that is where I learned about Hobie. Since I didn't win one in the raffle, after purchasing multiply tickets, I purchased a revo within 2 months.
We all realize that the economy is tough for everyone. But there will still be 350 individual kayakers at his event, making their donations to Casting For Recovery (CFR). Through registration fees, port-o-let sponsorships and purchasing raffle tickets. I really do not understand why Hobie cannot also make a donation to an event they have supported for years.
As a Hobie owner and Kayak fisher person, I am asking Hobie to offer some sort of presence at this tournament. But on behalf of the hundreds of women that CFR turns away each year due to lack of funds, I would REALLY like you to reconsider. I really don't think you understand what an impact your sponsorship has in the lives of these women. Thank you for reading this.

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback. We know the event is a good one and well attended. Our President is fully aware of the desire of Hobie owners that Hobie continue support for the event. Understand that we are supporting more events this year than ever before. There is a limit to our ability to support every event and this one was deemed as running strong after many years of support by us. I am told that we are re-considering support for the event and are in contact through our local dealer and fishing department.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks for keeping us updated Matt.

_________________
Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

i must say the same very disapointed about hobies dession about j-bay .like the other post this is one of the biggest east coast tournaments. hobie should have some reps there to promote there kayak and put up some donation to the tournament ..wether it be a kayak ,or some of ther new products.the evole motor ,stabilzer sys,ext.come on hobie step up not out .......

Wow, I'm so very gald to hear that! I'm also, very appreciative that Hobie is listening to all of the Hobie owners and may again support this event for CFR. That really says a lot. Thank you so very much for reconsidering.

Good Afternoon. I am a Hobie Outback owner having upgraded last year to the Outback. My previous kayak was an Ocean Kayak Scrambler. I have registered for the 2011 Jamaica Bay Fishing Tournament this year and having also attended last year's tournament, I am looking forward to the event. At last night's meeting of the kayak fishing club I joined (the Kakak Fishing Assoc of New York) which dealt with the tournament, I found that Hobie was not providing any kayaks this year as prizes for the participants. I find Hobies decision quite unbelievable to say the least, and would like to voice my support for Hobie to continue providing prizes for the tournament. The Hobie kayak is a great kayak, even though it is priced out of range for a lot of kayakers, including me, which meant that I bought a used Hobie Outback. BY Hobie not providing any prizes, it gives the impression that you donot support local events or your product. Please reconsider your decision.
Walter Bundy
East Moriches, NY
[email protected]

I just received a call from Jerry (Captain Kayak) stating that Hobie is viewing the sponsorship of the tournament in a positive light. This is great news more to follow as the details arise.

_________________
KFA-NY
Founding Member

Thanks good news! Thank you to the folks at Hobie for stepping up and helping support a great cause.

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Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

Excellent! Great news! Thanks!

Sounds encouraging, hope Hobie comes through!

George M.

The Official word...

In recent weeks Hobie Cat Company received numerous pleas—both private and public—for support of the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament. Each year Hobie receives hundreds of donation requests for events across the country, and works hard to determine those that would benefit most from our involvement. Due in large part to the passionate pleas of Hobie supporters, we reevaluated the Jamaica Bay Tournament and decided to once again offer our support.

"Captain Kayak is pleased and proud to have Hobie Cat Company on board again as a Premier Sponsor of the 2011 Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament. Hobie has always generously supported the tournament and I thank them for their continued support for this great event."

Capt. Jerry Collins, JBKFT Director

Following consultation with Jerry and Lori Simon, Executive Director of Casting for Recovery, Hobie has committed to continue its support for the tournament benefiting the New Jersey Chapter and has added the donation of an additional kayak to support Casting for Recovery’s Long Island Chapter, as well as the growth and reach of the tournament.

"As a national nonprofit focusing on breast cancer survivorship issues through the vehicle of fly-fishing, we are so pleased that a company such as Hobie supports the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament, which allows us to serve even more women. Today—and every day—541 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and we are grateful to Hobie for its commitment to assisting us with our mission of education and support for those affected by this disease."

Lori Simon, Casting for Recovery

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)