The seventh annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup to benefit the Sport of Kings Foundation was held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor. While 200 stand up paddlers raced on the time trial and relay course, Hobie® introduced the Mirage Eclipse® stand up to rave reviews at the Waterman Expo.
“The reaction to the Mirage Eclipse started off with awe and some skepticism. As soon as people hopped on there were smiles and amazement at how much fun it is. I honestly saw and heard nothing but positive feedback from everyone who took the opportunity to step on and go,” said Kane Johnson, part of the demo crew.
Hobie Boardsports rep Sean Douglas agreed that the hardcore stand up racing community enjoyed the Eclipse experience. “It was fun. It was exciting. It crossed over all barriers. Some of the best racers in the world such as Slater Trout, Shae Foudy, and Lexi Alston stepped on the Eclipse. They didn’t care that it isn’t a traditional stand up. They said I’m getting on this!” he said.
RELATED: Step on and Go – Introducing the Hobie Mirage Eclipse
The Eclipse made a big impression on Mongoose Cup announcer Tracey Engelking.
“Each time I looked to the Hobie booth, I saw a crowd of super stoked people anxiously awaiting their turns. The Eclipses were never off the water the entire day. Even through the rain storm it was go, go, go! After the event I was able to jump on for my own quick go. Holy cats, so much fun. And no learning curve. Just hop on and pedal off into the distance. I can’t wait to go again,” she said.
For local stand up royalty Cyndie Knotoes, 64 and one half years young, the Mirage Eclipse was a revelation. Also known as Mama, she was one of the first women to paddle stand up in Southern California. A series of back surgeries had kept her off the water and unable to swing a paddle for nearly a year.
RELATED: The MirageDrive Stands Up for the Eclipse
“I’m not sure of my skills at this point, my stability. Once I got on it I was gone. I was pedaling. I was walking on the water. It was so easy to maneuver. It was a blast. It got Mama back on the water,” she said.
Check with your local Hobie dealer for future demos in your area.
