FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hobie® Mirage® Passport Brings Pedal-Driven Kayak Fishing To All    

Superior Performance and Pricing Merge In Pedal-Driven Kayak Fishing

Oceanside, CA (May 14, 2019) – Kayak fishing has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and there seems to be no slowing to the growth of the sport. With that in mind, Hobie is proud to announce the latest addition to its renowned lineup of pedal kayaks, powered by the brand’s signature MirageDrive®—the original pedal propulsion system for kayaking. Maintaining Hobie’s acclaimed quality and durability, the Passport was built with simplicity in mind, delivering efficiency, ease of use, versatility and comfort in a highly accessible package.

“The Passport has been thoughtfully designed to help break down those barriers of entry that may be keeping people off the water, and make pedal kayak fishing both more accessible and approachable,” said Jason Kardas, Director of Engineering Product Management for Hobie. “The ultimate goal of the Passport is to be able to bring the premium experience that Hobie’s MirageDrive technology has delivered for more than 20 years to a broader audience than ever before.”

With its excellent value, transportability, simple and sleek design and durable Thermoform construction, the Passport is a well-rounded boat that truly offers something for everyone, from novice to experienced kayakers alike. It is the ideal kayak for casual recreation and family outings, but is ready for all kinds of adventures on the water. Designed to accept most of Hobie’s vast array of accessories, the Passport can be easily outfitted with additional angling equipment.

Powered by Hobie’s first-of-its-kind Classic MirageDrive pedal system, the Passport makes kayaking smooth and efficient, cruising seamlessly through the water. The shorter hull length and wider body provide great stability, while the intuitive steering system and stowable rudder enable easy maneuvering. Standard equipment on the Passport includes a suspended mesh-back, aluminum-frame seat, two-piece aluminum paddle, two rod holders, accessory mounting tracks and the accessory mount that accepts the kayak sail and new Bimini. Kayakers will also enjoy ample storage space on the Passport, with molded-in, cross-bungee cargo areas on the bow and stern, as well as Hobie’s ‘twist-n-seal’ hatch.

The Passport 10.5 is a compact kayak that’s ready to put on the water and take fishing. It transports easily and has the essentials for a fun day on the water. With a capacity of 325 pounds it’s stable enough to stand up on in calm water. It’s at home in bays and lakes and maneuvers as needed when working shorelines. “When I was getting started with kayak fishing, I wish I had a Passport 10.5; it would have allowed me to get out to those spots beyond the casting range of the shore. It’s not a Mirage Pro Angler that allows me to take the entire kitchen sink with me fishing, but a couple of rods and a tackle box of lures and the Passport 10.5 is a little fish catching machine!” says Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s Sr. Fishing Brand Manager.

The new Hobie Mirage Passport can be purchased at Hobie authorized dealers at an introductory MSRP of $1,299 (excluding taxes and shipping).

About Hobie

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes and markets an impressive collection of watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.

CONTACTS:

Dena Vick

Traditions Media, LLC

dena@traditionsmedia.com

(501) 749-4575

Jim Edlund

Traditions Media, LLC

jim@traditionsmedia.com

(612) 481-7396