FRESH CATCH HOBIE’S SPORTSMAN INFLATABLE SUP COMES WITH
PADDLE, PUMP AND EASY-TO-PACK CARRY CASE. PHOTO: NATALIA BURNLEY
[WHAT SU P] POCKET SPORTSMAN
The new Sportsman inflatable builds on Ho- bie’s long line of standup paddleboards. The surf company didn't rest on its laurels when designing this new board for anglers and hunters. Instead, expert engineering worked with pro staff and consumers to design a board perfect for any outdoors person. The biggest difference is a three-chamber design with a flat center platform and two outer chambers that act as pontoons to im- prove tracking and stability. The outer cham- bers inflate to 10 psi while the drop-stitched center chamber can be pumped up to 15 psi for a rock-solid platform that won’t bend or fold under pressure. On the water, the inflatable design per- forms like a hard board. The platform is solid and stable. I could easily stand on one foot, move toward the bow or stern, even turn around and fish facing backwards. Paddling the Sportsman is easy; I was surprised how quickly the board glides across the water. Despite the pontoons, the board is low to the water and hardly affected by wind or current. Two smaller skegs and an 8.5-inch center fin keep the board paddling straight. Since the Sportsman is less than 11 feet long, it is easy to navigate into tight places and fit in any angler’s arsenal. Hobie packed the Sportsman with bells and whistles that make it a formidable fish- ing or hunting weapon. The camo color
64…KAYAK ANGLER
FISH FRIENDLY FEATURES: HOBIE’S NEW INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD GOES ANYWHERE
scheme is eye catching without standing out. Bungees in the bow and stern will hold a tackle box or small cooler. D-rings posi- tioned across the board make it easy to attach additonal bungees and tie downs. Add RAM Mount’s adhesive bases to in- stall rod holders, camera mounts and other accessories. EVA foam padding covers most of the
deck to improve traction and reduce fa- tigue. Velcro loops in the bow, stern and on the deck are convenient handholds and provide more tie-down points. Skid plates on the bottom of the board resist abrasion so the angler can paddle over oyster bars, rocks and submerged timber with impu- nity. The board is built of puncture resis- tant fabric that repels fishhooks and other pointy objects. The whole package, including three-piece paddle, pump, patch kit and board comes in a carry case with backpack straps. Using the standard floor pump, the board inflates in 10 minutes and deflates and packs away in less than five minutes. The Sportsman is an easy option for quick trips in skinny water. The inflatable performs as well as a similar hard board with the ad- vantage of easy storage and lighter weight. Hobie’s Sportsman is a perfect fit for any angler looking to get on the water more often. RIC BURNLEY
• Hi-Tech drop-stitch
construction for extreme rigidity
• Three-chamber design improves stability and tracking
• Three high- pressure spring valves for quick, easy inflation
• Multiple D-rings and Bungee cords to lash down cargo
• S3 footplates improve rigidity and traction
• Built in carry handle
• Accepts RAM Mount adhesive bases
Hobie Inflatable SUP Sportsman SPECS
Length: Width:
Thickness: Weight: Price:
10’9” 38”
5.75" 32 lbs $1,399
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