ABOUT US

(02) 49477899

Hunter Water Sports (HWS) is Australia’s premiere authorised Hobie kayak dealer. Based in Belmont, NSW we offer the best service and the biggest range of Hobie kayaks and kayak accessories. Whether you’re shopping in-store or taking advantage of our convenient online catalogue with Australia-wide shipping, we pride ourselves on giving every customer the best possible experience!

Established in 2012, HWS has cemented itself among Australia’s leading Hobie and kayak fishing experts thanks to our dedicated team of passionate Hobie enthusiasts and pro tournament anglers. Providing genuine and reliable advice is the cornerstone of our business. We take the time to ensure you get the right gear to maximise your time on the water.

HWS Hunter Water Sports

THE HWS DIFFERENCE

Experienced staff, honest advice and the worlds best pedal kayaks

For us, spending time on the water is all about fun and relaxation. Our job as a company that helps create those cherished recreational experiences is one we take pretty seriously. We understand that bad advice, dodgy workmanship and pushy sales tactics lead to unhappy customers and can prevent you from properly experiencing kayaking at its best.

We’ve built HWS on valued repeat customers. We keep them happy and they keep us doing what we love! For us, it’s never about maximising the value of a sale, it’s always about maximising client satisfaction and maximising joy on the water.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out what some of our clients have to say about us!

Hunter Water Sports
4.9
Based on 113 reviews
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cisco sevillacisco sevilla
21:17 21 Jan 24
Outstanding customer service and attention to customer needs. Unbeatable prices and customer care after the sale. Worth the drive wherever you’re travelling from.
Michael DayMichael Day
04:18 02 Nov 23
A 5 star thumbs up to Hobie and the guys at HWS. Hobie has stood by its product and replaced my 2019 outback after some damage even though it was out of warranty. I have been and will continue to be a great advocate for an excellent kayak which I use and enjoy often. Add to that the Company backed up the hype and it is even better. The guys at HWS looked after me, took the kayak to Hobie Australia and in the end organised the replacement. It is very pleasant to be able to say something positive about the whole experience. Can't do customer satisfaction much better than that. Well done all and thanks again.
blake partingtonblake partington
02:23 19 Jun 23
The team at Hunter Water Sports is incredible, always willing to help and go out of their way to make sure I have everything I need. Would recommend to anybody looking to purchase a Hobie kayak or accessories for one.
David LehmannDavid Lehmann
03:23 15 Jun 23
The legends at HWS should be your go-to if you are in the market for a Hobie. They’re friendly, helpful and best of all they know their stuff. I picked up a Compass and they were able to fit an extra mesh net that I decided I wanted on the day of pickup with no hassles at all!
Kathy WilliamsKathy Williams
08:03 22 May 23
Really impressed! When searching for the popular Ultra Pinnacle Series III PFD (Level 50) - Hi Vis Orange, many places I tried were out of stock.At HWS not only was the colour and size I wanted in stock, the price 'including' delivery was well below (around $40 less), than most I'd seen online but ordering was also easy and delivery very fast.I've added a pic of my old red/grey one which has been well used above the new high vis orange one.I've been v happy with the design and comfort so when I saw the high vis one recently, for harbour, ocean and poor visibility conditions I thought, I have to have to have one of these!
John ZJohn Z
08:03 03 Apr 23
I honestly don’t know why it’s taken me so long to write a review of Hunter Water Sports.I’ve been a customer of HWS for almost a Year after purchasing a Hobie PA 12 from someone online.The staff, service and professionalism at HWS has been nothing but outstanding in every way. They’ve extremely knowledgeable, are more than happy to help and are very reactive to issues. Case in point, I ordered a Hobie H Crate last Week and when it arrived last Wednesday it was missing some clips. I called HWS that Day and I received the missing components in Three Days.Guys, keep doing what you’re doing. It’s actually a good thing that you’re so far away from me; otherwise I’d be in the shop buying stuff every Day.
Zachary LaytonZachary Layton
00:34 06 Mar 23
Very easy going people, no high pressure sales tactics which made the decision to purchase my new Outback very easy. Was pleasently surprised by the fast and free delivery as well.Love the Yak and am really enjoying no longer being stuck on the shore or waiting for my mates to want to take their boats out.
Michael HattonMichael Hatton
10:10 17 Jan 23
Thanks to James and the team for excellent service. If you are interested in buying a Hobie these guys are the ones to talk to. The store is absolutely heaven for everything kayaking. I can’t express how important is to choose the best when it comes to big decisions like buying a Hobie and choosing all the accessories to go with it. The team at HWS are the best at what they do and they will sort you out!!! Cheers Michael.
JoelJoel
01:01 17 Jan 23
The team at HWS helped me select the appropriate kayak and fit it out perfectly for the sort of fishing I do. They're competitively priced, have excellent communication skills and managed to sort out everything I needed in rapid time so that I could take my brand new Hobie Compass with me on a rapidly approaching holiday. Thank you very much guys! I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Lachlan ReadeLachlan Reade
07:20 07 Dec 22
Absolutely love HWS, they are very responsive to questions and offer fantastic service, purchased a 2022 Hobie Compass from them and they were kind enough to install an additional hatch for free. Huge thanks to James and the team.
William LloydWilliam Lloyd
10:08 30 Sep 22
I have bought quite a few hobie kayaks over the years from James. Exceptional service and pricing is what you will get.My recent kayak purchase was a unique fit out put together by the team after back and forth discussions regarding the layout, then delivered to my house.I would not go anywhere else
PaulPaul
05:07 06 Aug 22
I have been in the shop many times looking at kayaks I finally got some funds to buy one. The staff are always friendly and very knowledgeable 10/10 all day long. Thank you very much for all your help.
DN - River KingDN - River King
13:45 17 Jun 22
Dealt with James who was expeditious and very helpful in his service. Just as importantly as being easy to deal with they were extremely competitive on pricing, even for bigger items. Highly recommended.Derek
Lee ChapmanLee Chapman
05:20 23 May 22
Outstanding service and fast postage, James was very helpful in fixing my Berley Pro issue, highly recommend.LeeAdelaide SA
Simon McGuireSimon McGuire
10:44 19 May 22
Excellent customer service, fast delivery and great follow up.James will often also deliver the purchase himself if he’s fishing a hobie event which is an extra bonus.
MAYMAR AUSTRALIAMAYMAR AUSTRALIA
04:43 09 May 22
I ordered a sailing kit. They were quick to reply on my queries and staff are polite and nice to deal with. I got the item on time. Im happy with my purchase.RegardsMaynard
Rory ChenowethRory Chenoweth
04:05 17 Feb 22
The guys at HWS were really accomodating, informative and a pleasure to deal with. Easy and no fuss set up of interest free finance too. Will definitely be a repeat customer.
Ned SmithNed Smith
23:32 14 Oct 21
Great people to deal with! Really helpful and easy to deal with.I ordered a new Hobie Compass, they fitted the fish finder, hatch and a few other accessories and delivered it to me in Sydney a few days later. Very responsive to questions, and nice to deal with.
Chris MurrayChris Murray
02:49 23 Jun 21
Excellent service everytime, remember your name every visit, highly recommended.
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WHAT WE DO

Hobie Kayak Advice, Sales and Service

Kayak Parts, Gear and Accessories

On Water Demos and Test Drives

Kayak Fitouts and Installations

We can install everything we sell, from Fish Finders to Roof racks and everything in between, our trained staff will get the job done! Here at HWS, we pride ourselves on quality work, delivered on time and on budget. All accessory installations are free with the purchase of any kayak

We conduct obligation-free on-water demonstrations by appointment 7 days a week. Our Belmont showroom is just a 2 minute walk from the shores of Lake Macquarie. We love getting you out on the water (seriously, its the best part of our day) so contact our team and book in a test-drive today!

OUR STAFF

HWS founder James Kilpatrick

James Kilpatrick – HWS Founder, Owner Operator and Manager

Industry experience: Over 18 Years in the marine and fishing industry. James started working with Hobie in 2011 and founded HWS in 2012 – Hobie Certified, Lowrance Certified.

Specialty: Sailing kayaks and spare parts knowledge.  

Loves: Kayak fishing both competitively and recreationally and getting out sailing with the family on the Tandem Island.

Kayak of choice: “The convenience of the Lynx means it gets a lot of use! It’s perfect for quick after-work sessions and family getaways, just throw it on the ute and you’re good to go. You can’t go past the PA-14-360 for comp work!”

Stats: Hobie Kayak Fishing Series Anglers Choice Award – 2020 & 2022

Memberships: Hobie Kayak Fishing Series, Yak Hunters NSW, Kayak Fishing NSW

The best thing about working at HWS: I love that I get to sell fun and recreation! This is something I’m passionate about, so being part of that process for others is really rewarding. It’s great to interact daily with so many people who love being on the water as much as I do.

Social: https://www.instagram.com/hws.james/?hl=en

HWS assistant manager Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor – Assistant Manager

Industry experience: Andrew joined HWS in 2018 bringing his 8+ years of experience over a wide range of Hobie kayak models to the team. 

Specialty: On-water kayak demonstrations, unrivalled real-world product experience, and a customer relations expert.

Loves: Recreational kayak fishing locally on Lake Macquarie and throughout the Hunter and Central Coast

Kayak of choice: “I own both the Compass and the Lynx but it’s the Lynx I spend the majority of my time on the water with lately. Its lightweight and simplicity mean getting out there is easy and fuss-free. I even use the Lynx as my daily driver to commute to work”

Stats: Qualified for the Hobie Kayak Fishing Series Australian Championships 2017

Memberships: Hobie Kayak Fishing Series, Yak Hunters NSW, Kayak Fishing NSW

The best thing about working at HWS: “This is an industry that I really enjoy being a part of! Every day is different, whether I’m out on the water doing demos, on the road making deliveries, or in-store offering advice on kayak fit-outs it’s always interesting. Plus I get to be out on the water pretty regularly and I can kayak to work.”

HWS Sales and Service Representative Mark Young

Mark Young – Sales and Service

Industry experience: Mark began working at HWS in 2021 bringing over 8 years of experience as a Hobie owner and pro tournament angler to the team.

Specialty: Kayak fit-outs and repairs. An expert in all things kayak fishing.

Loves: Competitive tournament angling and lake/estuary fishing.

Kayak of choice: “I run the Pro Angler 14 – 360 because it’s Hobie’s premium angling model and it provides the performance I need for tournament fishing.”

Stats: Qualified for and competed in the Hobie Fishing World Championships – 2018 & 2019, Qualified for and competed in all Hobie Kayak Fishing Series Australian Championships since 2015, Winner of the Hobie AOY Sootie Grunter Invitational – 2018

Memberships: Hobie Kayak Fishing Series, Yak Hunters NSW

The best thing about working at HWS: “It’s hard to beat working with something you’re passionate about! It’s great getting new people into a Hobie and seeing it take their excitement for kayaking to a whole new level.”

Social: https://www.instagram.com/ma_youngy/?hl=en

HWS PRO TEAM

HWS are proud sponsors of some of the leading tournament anglers and kayak fishing content creators in Australia. Whether it’s detailed feedback and reviews on products and systems or representing team HWS nationally and internationally in competition, these partnerships help us to give back to the community we love.

HWS Pro Team members