Hobie Not Attending ICAST or Surf Expo in 2023?

Hobie is usually a major exhibitor at ICAST. Many new kayaks (like Passport R models last year) and features (like 360 drive in 2019) were first revealed at ICAST. The show is July 11-14 this year. Hobie, other than Hobie Eyewear, does not currently show up in the list of exhibitors. This seems odd given the explosive growth in kayak fishing and Hobie's dominance with the Pro Angler. Makes me wonder if this will be another year with very few model updates and changes.

Hobie is also missing from the current list of Exhibitors for Surf Expo in Orlando September 7-9.

Hobie is listed as an exhibitor for the Paddle Sports Show in France September 27-29. Maybe this is where any model changes will be introduced.

Hobia Asia Pacific is listed as an exhibitor for the Sydney International Boat Show August 3-6.

Peter

NOTE: Original post updated June 26 to add Surf Expo and Paddle Sports Show status.
NOTE: Original post updated July 28 to add Sydney International Boat Show status.

Unless I’ve missed something, it doesn’t look like Hobie are attending the Sydney International Boat Show this year either. They are not listed under Hobie in the exhibitors list.
For as long as I can remember Hobie have had a major stand at SIBS and a large fleet available for use in the demo pool.
I thought Hobie Aus was separate to Hobie US but it looks like the takeover has affected us down under as well?

The once active Hobie youtube channel @HobieOfficial last posted content 10 months ago.

I’m pleased that Hobie are now showing in the exhibitors list and on water demo’s for the Sydney International Boat Show.

There is something really wrong with Hobie. It act and smells like a failing company, but aren't a failing company.

Hobie was sold to a private equity group in 2021.

I'm surprised they haven't showed up in new distribution channels. During the pandemic, they had supply issues. I wonder where that stands today. If they can't amp up production, that may explain the lack of additional distribution channels. Then again, the price of a Hobie might be limiting too.

Hobie has joined the new national Paddlesport Manufacturer (soon including retail) Association

https://paddlingmag.com/paddling-business/paddlesports-trade-coalition/



https://www.paddlesportstradecoalition.org/home

Day 2 of The Paddle Sports Show in Strasbourg France has concluded with no announcements or press releases from Hobie on new models or changes for 2024.