I have been surfing on different boats for about 20 years and the prodigy is in my opinion the best so far. But - I have never experienced such a shabby treatment of customers. I understand that shipping to Germany has become difficult for traders from England. But the fact that all the formalities remain with the customer and he pays the VAT, but Chris does not grant a discount but collects this VAT for himself is dishonest. Contrary to what was previously discussed, the kayak was also completed without discussion about the design, although I paid exactly for it. Since delivery, all attempts with Chris even to talk about, are ignored by Chris. Very unstylish.
Z B195 days ago
I'm pretty hard on boats so the construction quality of Hobson's kayaks is a huge selling point for me. The designs are also top-notch, the Fusion (IC) and Vulcan (plus sized short-hp) have become my favorite boats of all time. Highly recommend.
Keith Wikle195 days ago
Hobson kayaks designed a custom Apex for me in their elite construction. Chris messaged me throughout the process to clarify design and colour ways. It was shipped to the USA to Savannah Canoe and Kayaks in perfect condition. The boat surfs like a dream. It has fantastic speed and great carving ability for a longer surf kayak. The finish on the boat is incredible, it's light, but also extremely tough. Colors are exactly what I asked for. While outfitting it for myself Chris messaged back and forth with me on good outfitting solutions for the kayak. I also had a whoopsie-daisy and noseplanted the kayak. Chris quickly got me matching RAL colours for me to execute a repair. Great end to end service.
Sam Baldwin195 days ago
Bought a 1 year old Vulcan from Chris which was in stock, and with me shortly after. Chris was quick to come back with answers to my questions, the build quality is far superior to the 2 new boats I bought from mega, and the paint job is outstanding. Have another boat on order in Hobson’s choice. Can’t see me buying a surf kayak elsewhere again.
John Guido195 days ago
Pre pandemic I was looking for a new kayak and after some lengthy emails I ordered my Vulcan. I was happy as can be from the first wave. The edge is amazing, I was unsure about the tail design and once I realized why he added it I can feel the benefit. The construction was flawless (elite construction).
Because of my interesting wave and the occasional far offshore wave, I decided to try a IC boat and bought a stock boat from Savannah Canoe and instantly knew this was for me. Recreational construction and still pretty light, I am extremely happy I bought it. It took some time to get dialed in since the design was different then anything I had before and now I feel like the fastest thing in the water.
I had a question and as always, Chris gives a quick response via Facebook. I saw he was online so I started a video chat and decided to get another IC boat. I my personal life our business involves container shipping from Europe so, my new baby has yet to arrive of absolutely no fault of Hobson or Savannah.
I have owned PS Composite boats (ancient design and very heavy) Mega boats (ok designs and not impressed with the quality craftsmanship) and Hobson is #1 for me.
I will make a pilgrimage to visit Chris and hope to do some of Dessie’s moves someday.
Thank you Chris for putting all your years of experience into your work!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5 is just not enough).
Peter Williams195 days ago
Chris, has built two surf boats for me, Apex and a Spirt, in matching colour schemes. From intial discussions to picking up the boats, Chris kept me informed of progress, even sending during manufacture photos. The quality of the final boats is outstanding. Would not hesitate to recommend Chris and his team to anyone wanting a surf kayak.
Gerry Quinn195 days ago
In searching for and selecting a Kayak Chris is extremely helpful and supportive. He is happy to go out of his way to ensure you get what is best for you. I paid a visit to his work shop last August, where he spent time giving me advice on various models on offer, explaining the differences and similarities. I decided on The Spirit, a great boat and a great chocie! Chris and his team went out of their way to produce it whilst on my visit to Wales, despite being extremely busy. Over the years I have had a number of surf kayaks and this is by far the best boat I have ever had. Its a high spec, extremely well made, with amazing performance and great maneuverability on the water. It has improved my surfing and enjoyment of the sport enormously and I couldn't recommend Hobson Kayaks enough.
Fergus Lynch195 days ago
Bought a Fusion long boat two weeks ago , first demoed the boat pre pandemic was very impressed, finally ordered one , and the service i received from Chris was second to none, had initial consultation, discussed ideas, i went for the hybrid spec as that perfectly suited my needs of performance, robustness, coaching and rescue needs ,
Chris came up with some cracking ideas which he put into the boat, then we had discussions about the paint job same again , Chris spent time with me making sure I got what I wanted, the final production of the boat is exemplary, great glass job awesome paint job, when i went to pick the boat up Chris spent time fitting the boat out with me so it fits like a silk glove, providing advice on general maintenance of the boat, Chis also worked over the Bank Holiday weekend to get the boat finished so i could pick it up , as i was competiting at the North Coast open the following weekend, he pulled all the stops out, which says volumes about the passion and dedication, Chris has for his ART/ Sport
The design speaks for itself , it's a boat that will suit a lot of paddlers , those coming from a waveski background you can really feel that influence and collaboration from Jem ski in its performance and feel however this is the surprising bit if you have a whitewater/ playboat background you will jump in this boat and feel instantly at home, if you want bang a flat spin in the pocket it will let you do that , throw a blunt no problem, down the line soul surfing, trimming the craft with small weight throws it does the lot. I've been surf kayaking since 1990 and wavesking since 2002, I've had a lot of boats and skis, and I am very impressed with both design and finish. I have no affiliations to Chirs just a believer in giving credit where it its due and earned,. Fergus Lynch Level 5 Surf Coach Level 5 Whitewater Coach Level 4 Canoe Coach Sea kayak leader
Because of my interesting wave and the occasional far offshore wave, I decided to try a IC boat and bought a stock boat from Savannah Canoe and instantly knew this was for me. Recreational construction and still pretty light, I am extremely happy I bought it. It took some time to get dialed in since the design was different then anything I had before and now I feel like the fastest thing in the water.
I had a question and as always, Chris gives a quick response via Facebook. I saw he was online so I started a video chat and decided to get another IC boat. I my personal life our business involves container shipping from Europe so, my new baby has yet to arrive of absolutely no fault of Hobson or Savannah.
I have owned PS Composite boats (ancient design and very heavy) Mega boats (ok designs and not impressed with the quality craftsmanship) and Hobson is #1 for me.
I will make a pilgrimage to visit Chris and hope to do some of Dessie’s moves someday.
Thank you Chris for putting all your years of experience into your work!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(5 is just not enough).
Chris came up with some cracking ideas which he put into the boat, then we had discussions about the paint job same again , Chris spent time with me making sure I got what I wanted, the final production of the boat is exemplary, great glass job awesome paint job, when i went to pick the boat up Chris spent time fitting the boat out with me so it fits like a silk glove, providing advice on general maintenance of the boat,
Chis also worked over the Bank Holiday weekend to get the boat finished so i could pick it up , as i was competiting at the North Coast open the following weekend, he pulled all the stops out, which says volumes about the passion and dedication, Chris has for his ART/ Sport
The design speaks for itself , it's a boat that will suit a lot of paddlers , those coming from a waveski background you can really feel that influence and collaboration from Jem ski in its performance and feel however this is the surprising bit if you have a whitewater/ playboat background you will jump in this boat and feel instantly at home, if you want bang a flat spin in the pocket it will let you do that , throw a blunt no problem, down the line soul surfing, trimming the craft with small weight throws it does the lot.
I've been surf kayaking since 1990 and wavesking since 2002, I've had a lot of boats and skis, and I am very impressed with both design and finish.
I have no affiliations to Chirs just a believer in giving credit where it its due and earned,.
Fergus Lynch
Level 5 Surf Coach
Level 5 Whitewater Coach
Level 4 Canoe Coach
Sea kayak leader