Hobie Expands Watersport Possibilities with New Inflatable Mirage® ‘iTrek’ Series and Mirage® iEclipse

January 12, 2021

Broad range of pedal-driven inflatable models offers revolutionary performance, increased accessibility and completely new ways to experience the water

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2021) – Hobie, the leading manufacturer of premium kayaks and watersport products, today announces the launch of its groundbreaking Mirage® iTrek Series, a collection of extraordinary inflatable pedal kayaks that redefines the horizons of water recreation, alongside the all-new Mirage® iEclipse, the world’s first inflatable stand up pedalboard.

“The new Mirage® iTrek series is once again a result of Hobie’s DNA of innovation,” says Doug Skidmore, CEO of Hobie. “Our laser focus on ensuring that we are delivering top-notch, highly functional products that are reliable, maneuverable and comfortable – all while dramatically reducing weight – will prove to be a quantum breakthrough. We’re also thrilled to add an inflatable to our unrivaled Mirage® Eclipse pedalboard line, allowing water lovers to explore in all new ways with Hobie.”

With four new inflatable pedal-driven kayaks, each featuring Hobie’s signature MirageDrive® GT with Glide Technology and Kick-Up Fins, the iTrek series maximizes agility, speed and responsiveness on the water, while also enabling supreme transportability.

First in the lineup is the Mirage® iTrek 9 Ultralight, Hobie’s lightest, most transportable and most maneuverable pedal kayak, with a fitted hull weight of just 20 pounds. It also doubles as a standup paddle platform, by simply removing the mesh seat and Mirage® pedal drive and utilizing the included SUP paddle. The Mirage® iTrek 11, the workhorse of the series, features an ultra-durable inflatable drop stitch hull with triple chamber construction, boasting outstanding performance, agility, stability and rigidity, all while weighing in under 30 pounds fully fitted. The Mirage® iTrek 14 Duo delivers double the power, equipped with two seats, two MirageDrives and limitless opportunity for tandem adventures. Both the Mirage® iTrek 11 and Mirage® iTrek 14 Duo include a 4-piece kayak paddle for enhanced versatility and safety.

In addition to these new performance-centric kayak models, Hobie is announcing an entirely unique inflatable that epitomizes the world-renowned “Hobie way of life,” the Mirage® Fiesta. With four seats that can be positioned to face one another for social hour, a SUP paddle, two MirageDrives – with the ability to add two more – and ample room for coolers, pups and kids to tag along, the Fiesta was built with fun in mind.

Finally, the unprecedented Mirage® iEclipse is the inflatable iteration of Hobie’s exclusive stand up pedalboard, bringing all the advantages of the MirageDrive pedal system to a versatile stand up platform. Complete with a two-piece handlebar that makes skimming across the water a breeze and an intuitive steering system that turns on a dime with a simple push or pull of the lever, the iEclipse is as user-friendly as it is innovative.

Mirage® iTrek products include a high-pressure hand pump, high-volume electric pump, rugged bag suitable for travel or storage, a repair kit, adjustable nano-mesh aluminum seats with removable cup holders and premium MirageDrives with Glide Technology and Kick-Up Fins.

The iTrek series kayaks and iEclipse are expected to begin arriving at authorized Hobie dealers in March 2021. To purchase, consumers can use the dealer locator feature at www.hobie.com to find the authorized Hobie dealer closest to their location.

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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 recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks and fishing boats, standup pedal and paddleboards, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories. To learn more, visit www.hobie.com.