Malibu Pro Team Shines In TransWorld Reader's Poll

After winning the Red Bull Wake Open overall title and scoring the cover of TransWorld WAKEBOARDING's October 2012 issue, Raphael Derome landed in 8th place. With a hit series on MTV called WakeBrothers and multiple wins on the King Of Wake Tour, Phillip Soven took the 9th spot. Olivier Derome, with a prime time part in Slingshot's team video, LIPSMACK, rounded out the Reader's Poll in 10th.

After Amber Wing signed with Malibu in March 2012, this former Queen Of Wake had another stellar season on tour. Her worldwide popularity, sick style and engagement through social media helped her land in the top spot for women. Dallas Friday proved her vitality in the sport once again by securing the 3rd spot.

In wakeskating, Brian Grubb took a respectable 2nd place. With multiple podium finishes, popular web videos and appearances around the globe, Grubb had another impressive season and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Malibu and Axis Make Big Impact At Surf Expo

(photo: BillDoster.com)

Surf Expo is undoubtedly the industry's biggest weekend of the year. In 2011, Malibu Boats dug deep with intentions to make a big impact. With the launch of two new models, the Wakesetter 22 MXZ and Response TXi, all eyes were on the boats and the team was psyched to show them off.

The trade show kicked off with a bang on Thursday morning, with our booth featuring a sparkling metallic, dark blue/white MXZ and a metallic Charcoal/Reuben Axis A22. Besides talk of the perfect wakes, plush amenities and the spacious bow on the MXZ, anticipation was creeping for the 8th Annual Wake Awards that evening. Malibu went big, securing an 80-person VIP list and coming on board as a title sponsor.

Excitement set in early, during the WSIA Industry awards, where Malibu won "Best Ad Campaign." Ad creative and photography was a big focus this year, and it was an honor to take home this coveted award. Special thanks to Larry Meddock of the WSIA and our incredible photographer, Tom King. Also, congrats to Chessie Marine for their hard work resulting in the "Break Out Dealer Of The Year" award as well as Tommy's Slalom shop for winning top honors as "Retailer Of The Year." "Best Promotion" went to Active Watersports, which made a clean sweep for all three retailer awards going to Malibu dealers!

Friday's action was shared between the trade show and Malibu's on-water demo day in Windermere, just minutes from Surf Expo. Team rider Brian Grubb brought his all-black 23 LSV, which is still one of the most appealing boats on the water today. Over 20 dealers showed up from places all over the world like Argentina and Poland to get a first glimpse of the new MXZ and TXi. Eddie Trogdon, an active INT League member was on hand and we also saw appearances from owners like David Henderson and his son Hunter, (8), who just took first place in the Junior Boys division at the WWA World Championships.

The Response TXi already made its mark at the Malibu Open in August, but here, the dealers got a chance to take it for a spin, including Mark Watts from Liquid Sports in Orlando as well as Tommy Phillips from Tommy's Slalom Shop in Denver, Colorado. Tommy was impressed with his continuing tests of the Response TXi. "The TXi handles like a dream, has no wake at 15 and 22 off and very little fluff," Tommy said. "All the skiers at our ski school think it's their favorite boat of all time and I would agree. The drivers seat feels secure and you have command of the boat. There is no glare off the dash like other boats and the simplicity of the operating system is a big plus."

With deep roots in wakeboarding, going back to literally day one, Tommy knows what his customers are looking for in boat design and he likes how the MXZ accommodates everyone. "The MXZ has great wakes for all levels," Tommy said. "Very rampy, clean and smooth! The bow space is maximized and we had four people comfortable up front and they could see all the action as Chad Sharpe put on a show. Deep storage allowed us to have ten people comfortably on board with lots of gear stowed. The auto pull up feature will turn new boat owners into pros at driving their family and friends."

The Auto Pull-Up feature Tommy speaks of is another unprecedented innovation from Malibu and Indmar, and implemented into the line by Danny Gasper, Malibu's Director of Product Design. It allows a rider or skier to record the rate of acceleration they prefer, and the driver just punches the throttle and you will get the same start every time.

The MXZ's Hi-Flow ballast pumps were also a hit. The hoses were enlarged to 1-1/8" with an 1100 GPH pump, which allows an increase in filling speed from 40-50 percent. The riders on hand were impressed with the wake without having to add any additional ballast. Phillip Soven actually got to take this gem home with him.

Dealers came into Saturday's trade show amping on the new boats, and it was a great plus to be able to have them share the on-water experience with others. Lani Farmer also attended the WSIA meeting on Sunday morning, where the board of directors discussed and voted on multiple issues affecting our waterways and industry.

Overall, the Malibu staff and dealers considered Surf Expo weekend a home run. The factory is busy churning out new orders and the sales team are getting geared up for boat show season. Look for new videos from demo day in a matter of days! For any questions, please email Kevin Michael at kevinmichael@maibuboats.com



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Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakesetter 22 MXZ | Response TXi | Wakeboard Boat | Brian Grubb | Phillip Soven | Chad Sharpe | Ski Boat | Hi Flow Ballast | Surf Expo | WWA World Championships | WSIA Awards

Malibu Boat Gone to the Dogs

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Orlando, FL Dealer Liquid Sports Marine sent us this photo over the weekend. They provided several great descriptions that were sure to earn it a place on Malibu Boats web sites.

Check out these K-9 Malibu enthusiast watching team rider Phil Soven getting huge air at a recent wakeboard contest!

Now that's a Mali-view!!

These bow riding bow-wows belong to the owners of Liquid Sports Marine, Mark and Teressa Watts. The black German Shepherd up front is Kaos. The other 2 are brother and sister named Bella and Jaxon. They are all German Shepherds and as you can see they love riding in the boat.

We just think the photo is "Ooooooooooutstanding!" Ha! Thanks for sharing Teressa and Mark.

If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.

E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Liquid Sports Marine | dogs | Phillip Soven | wakeboard boat | Orlando | Florida | Malibu Dealer | Fav Pic

Malibu Boats Chubby Bunny

Malibu Boats (MalibuBoats) does not recommend you try this face stuffing feat, but that didn't stop Trever Maur from shoving as many marshmallows in his mouth as he could. Shot during some downtime at the 2012 Malibu Boats Photo Shoot, Trever decided to take the left over marshmallows from the camp fire shot we had just fished to do his best Chubby Bunny impression. The object of this stunt is to fill your mouth with marshmallows and say "Chubby Bunny" after each addition. Check it out! It's a crack-up!

Thanks to everyone to who has helped at this year's photo shoots. We had a blast and got some great photos that will posted online soon. Thanks to our photographer Tom King and Robert Snow for shooting the Chubby Bunny video. And Thanks to Trever for the spur-of-the-moment entertainment. The Chubby Bunny video continues to provide great comic relief.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Chubby Bunny | Trever Maur | comedy | video | marshmallows | photo shoot | Tom King | Rob Snow | comic relief | Wakesetter VTX | Brian Grubb | Phillip Soven

2011 Malibu Boats Factory Pro Team

The Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Team got together late last summer to film this short video. Riders Chad Sharpe (@ChadESharpe), Kevin Henshaw (@KevinHenshaw), Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) and Olivier Derome (@OliDerome) joined skiers Will Asher (@WillAsher), Thomas Degasperi and Drew Ross behind their 2011 Malibu Boats. This video will get your competitive juices flowing with "Bring on the Competition" from R&R in addtion to inspired performances by these Malibu boat owners. Check it out!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Team Malibu | Factory Pro Team | Chad Sharpe | Kevin Henshaw | Phillip Soven | Olivier Derome | Will Asher | Thomas Degasperi | Drew Ross | water skiing | wakeboarding | ski boats | wakeboard boats

Soven Made 2010 the Year of the GOAT

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Team Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) just took home his 4th straight World Series of Wakeboarding Title. We would call it a dynasty if it took a team to get these wins. As it is this string of incredible victories is because of one man. Phillip Soven! Well one man and the Wakesetter VLX that helps him prepare him for these milestone performances. Way to go, Phill! Even though the Chinese calender doesn't recognize the new Year of the Goat until 2015, we believe Phill's amazing performances over the past year have changed the Zodiac sign of 2010 to the GOAT(Greatest of All Time).

Phillip had an unbelievable 2010 season! He captured the 2010 Pro Tour Championship, took delivery of his new 2011 Wakesetter VLX and stomped his first 1080 on the maiden voyage, then a day later he did it again. He also won the King of Wake crown for the 3rd time and now he has cemented his dominance with his 4th Wakeboard World Series title. Phillip has definitely crossed the "T" on the coveted nickname, "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time)!

Camsur Watersports Complex was proud to host the final stop of the 2010 WWA Wakeboard World Series January 20-23. The exotic five stop series included Brazil, Canada, Abu Dhabi, USA, and Philippines. Each stop combined the top wakeboarders from around the world in their attempt to capture the 2010 WWA Wakeboard World Series Overall Title. Team Malibu's Phillip Soven rode away with the overall victory thanks to a 100-point lead over 2nd place.

Visit The WWA web site to learn more about the 2010 World Series of Wakeboarding Title.

Can't wait to see what the GOAT has in store for wakeboarding fans in 2011! We're pulling for you Phill!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | King of Wake | The WWA | wakeboarding | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | wakeboard boats | Wakeboard World Series | Wakeboard World Cup | Pro Wakeboard Tour

Soven Crowned King of Wake Again

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) captured his 3rd WWA (@TheWWA) King of Wake (@KingofWake09) Title this past weekend in Orlando, FL.

Reposted from WakeboardingMag.com (@WakeboardingMag):
Phillip Soven’s second-place finish earned him his third King of Wake title in four years. “I wanted to finish off the season with a win, but I’m not going home empty handed, I still won King of Wake,” said Soven.

Phillip has had a pretty good August! He just captured the 2010 Pro Tour Championship. He took delivery of his new 2011 Wakesetter VLX and stomped his first 1080 on the maiden voyage, then a day later he did it again. Now he gets to wear the King of Wake crown for another year. He is also in the running to dominate the World Cup and win the Wakeboard World Series. Can you say Wakeboarding Grand Slam?

Malibu Boats is pulling for you all the way, man! Way to go and good luck!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | King of Wake | The WWA | wakeboarding | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | wakeboard boats | Wakeboard World Series | Wakeboard World Cup | Pro Wakeboard Tour

Soven Lands a 2011 VLX and a 1080

Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Team Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) just took delivery of his new 2011 Wakesetter VLX. That would be news in and of itself, but Phil decided to get everyone talking about the first major move he landed behind the boat too. Phillip launched his Wakesetter VLX and promptly took it out for a session. On this first trip he decided he was going to land the coveted 1080, a move he has been trying to land for the last 8 years. Wouldn't you know it, not only did Phil stomp the triple-360 he executed what Alliance Wake Magazine's Patrick Wieland calls, "...one of the cleanest 1080s I have seen."

Way to go Phil! You make it look so easy! You are truly a champion and Malibu Boats is proud to have you as a part of the team!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | 1080 | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boats | wakeboard boat | wakeboarding | 2011s | Team Malibu | pro wakeboarder

Wakestock Adds to List of Champs

2010 Wakestock Canada pulled by the Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Wakesetter VLX added new names to the prestigious list of Wakestock Champions taking the coveted Wakestock belts and prize money: Bob Soven – Pro Wakeboard (top photo); Grant Roberts – Pro Wakeskate; Melissa Marquardt – Pro Women!

In a hotly contested Billabong Pro Wakeboard Men's final where three of the four finalists were past Wakestock Champions, it was the young American challenger Bob Soven who came out on top besting defending champ, Canadian Aaron Rathy; the two-time champ Team Malibu Factory Rider (and older brother) Phil Soven (@PhillipSoven) ; and the veteran champ Andrew Adkison!

Likewise in the Malibu Boats Pro Wakeskate final, American Grant Roberts edged out fellow countrymen and 5-time Wakestock champion and Team Malibu member Brian Grubb (@BrianKGrubb) for his first Wakestock title.

WAKESTOCK WWA (@TheWWA) WORLD SERIES PRO WAKE FINALS

BILLABONG PRO WAKEBOARD – MEN'S FINAL
Presented by Monster Energy & Malibu Boats
1. Bob Soven USA 66.67
2. Aaron Rathy CAN 58.33
3. Phil Soven USA 51.67
4. Andrew Adkison USA 36.67

SEMI-FINAL
(Top 2 advance)
Heat 1
1. Andrew Adkison USA 70.00
2. Bob Soven USA 58.33
3. Austin Hair USA 51.67
4. Trevor Hansen USA 36.67

Heat 2
1. Aaron Rathy CAN 70.00
2. Phil Soven USA 63.33
3. Olivier Derome CAN 53.33
4. Shawn Watson USA 33.33

QUARTER-FINAL
(Top 2 advance)
Heat 1
1. Bob Soven USA 80.00
2. Andrew Adkison USA 65.00
3. Nick Jones USA 43.33
4. Kyle Rattray CAN 33.33

Heat 2
1. Aaron Rathy CAN 60.00
2. Olivier Derome CAN 46.67
3. Padiwat Jaemjan THAI 36.67
4. Scotty Broome AUS 25.00

Heat 3
1. Trevor Hansen USA 80.00
2. Shawn Watson USA 70.00
3. Danny Thollander USA 60.00
4. Raph Derome CAN 46.67

Heat 4
1. Phil Soven USA 80.00
2. Austin Hair USA 66.67
3. Shane Bonifay USA 50.00
4. Dustin O’Ferrall CAN 40.00

MALIBU BOATS PRO WAKESKATE FINAL
Presented by Monster Energy & Billabong
1. Grant Roberts USA 88.33
(Spy, Fox, DVS)
2. Brian Grubb USA 84.33
(Malibu, Billabong, VZ, Red Bull)
3. James Balzer CAN 79.00
(Monster Energy, Nike 6.0, VZ, Body Glove)
4. Yan Lecomte CAN 68.33
5. Stuart Shinn USA 53.33
6. Dan Brown CAN 36.67

BILLABONG PRO WOMEN'S FINAL
Presented by Monster Energy & Billabong
1. Melissa Marquardt USA 93.33
2. Erika Langman CAN 80.00
3. Leslie Sparkes CAN 70.00
4. Kelsey Chiappa CAN 56.67
5. Steph King CAN 51.33
6. Susie Mallory CAN 46.67
7. Emily Tenwestinied CAN 39.00
8. Ally Boothroyd CAN 16.67


Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakestock | Phillip Soven | Brian Grubb | tow boat | wakeboarding | wakeboard boat | tournament | The WWA | World Series | Wakesetter VLX

Soven Wins 2nd Pro Tour Stop

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Factory Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) dominated in Fort Worth yesterday at the 2nd Pro Tour Stop of the year.

The field was narrowed to six of the sports best wakeboarders on Saturday. Austin Hair, Bryan Hutton, Rusty Malinoski, Phillip Soven, Danny Harf and Olivier Derome competed for the top spot. Malinoski was top seed going in, but his performance didn't measure up to two-time Pro Tour titlist Soven.

It was a Backside 720 off the double up that sealed the deal for the Malibu Boats Pro, with Malinoski and four-time X Games gold medalist Danny Harf rounding out the top three, respectively.

“I rode really well, stuck my Back 7 and came out on top,” said Soven. “I didn’t expect to win; really thought Rusty [Malinoski] had it, but I ended up taking Fort Worth."

Soven and Malinoski are tied with 180 going into the 3rd PWT stop of the season next week in Kentucky, with Soven taking the tie-breaker due to his win on Saturday.

Way to go Phillip! Everyone at Malibu Boats is pulling for you! Keep it up!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | Pro Tour | pro wakeboarder | factory team | wrapped backside 720 | wakeboard move | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | PWT | Fort Worth

Team Malibu Pro Phillip Soven Lands Another Monster Move

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) just stomped a wrapped backside 900 off the double-up behind his Malibu Wakesetter VLX and got the whole thing on film. Check it out. Phillip's Wrapped Backside 900 is posted on the Wakeboarding Magazine web site.

He adds this extraordinary performance to his podium topping finish at the finish at the Masters a week ago and the season has just started. Phillip is on a huge high and he is poised to get even higher with the momentum this historic move brings. Phillip joins only 3 other riders to have landed this technical monster move, ever!

Way to go man! Keep pushing limits! We are so proud of you!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | Masters | pro wakeboarder | factory team | wrapped backside 900 | wakeboard move | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat |

Soven Wins China World Cup Stop

Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) beat out Harley Clifford and Rusty Malinoski in Liuzhou City, China over the weekend. Overall World Cup Champion in 2008, Soven was determined to take the Chinese stop and get himself one step closer to an overall victory in 2009. Soven struck first blood in the finals with a whopping score of 75.44 points. Clifford landed a huge 720 off the double-up, but that move was only good enough for second. Soven took the victory and added to his super-human World Cup win total over the past five years.

Team Malibu's Dallas Friday scored second in the Women's Wakeboard competition and Team Malibu's June Fladborg took home a 3rd-place finish in Women's Jump.

Way to go Team Malibu! We're proud of you all! Congratulations on a another win Phillip!

Visit iwwfed.com for a complete recap of the Waterski And Wakeboard World Cup Stop In Liuzhou City China.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | Harley Clifford | Rusty Malinoski | Dallas Friday | June Fladborg | China | World Cup | Waterski And Wakeboard World Cup | Liuzhou City | wakeboarding | Liuzhou City

Team Malibu Phillip Soven's Moby 7 Video

Phillip Soven's Moby 7 Video from Chad Sharpe.

Here it is... Teammate Chad Sharpe (@chadesharpe) posted the video he captured of Malibu's Phillip Soven landing the first Moby Dick 7. Yesterday we reported this history-making move and this morning we're linking to the video posted on Chad Sharpe's blog.

Chad shot this video from Kevin Henshaw's Malibu Wakesetter VLX on Lake Haiwassiee in Florida.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | Chad Sharpe | Kevin Henshaw | wakeboard video | Wakesetter VLX | Moby 7 | Moby Dick 7 | wakeboard boat | Lake Haiwassiee | wakeboarding

Soven Lands a Whale of a Move Behind Malibu VLX

Last night we received word that Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Pro Rider Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven) landed a Moby Dick 7 behind Kevin Henshaw's (@KevinHenshaw) Wakesetter VLX. Kevin also rides for the Malibu Boats team. Phillip was riding with him in Clermont, FL yesterday afternoon when he harpooned the big fish... a Moby Dick 7!

A typical Moby Dick is a wakeboard move that combines a Tantrum with a handle pass backside 360. This move was co-invented by former Malibu Boats pro rider Brannan Johnson. (explanation provided by StokeCity.ca) The Moby Dick 7 that Phillip was the first to land yesterday joined a typical Moby Dick with an additional handle pass backside 360! That is a Tantrum plus 720 degrees of rotation. You have get pretty high to do all that. Leave it to the Wakesetter VLX wake to help make it happen.

Phillip Tweeted this reaction after landing the monumental move.
@PhillipSoven: Woooh just hit the first moby dick 7 behind henshaws @malibuboats vlx there's a reason I ride for them can't beat that wake!

Kevin just returned to Florida from a 3-month road trip and yesterday was the first time he put his Wakesetter VLX on the water since leaving. What a way to get back at it! His newly launched VLX pulled the first Moby Dick 7.

The guys did capture video of Phillip sticking this never before landed move. It should be posted on http://WakeboardingMag.com soon and we will link to it from the Malibu Boats blog. Congratulations, Phillip! We're so proud of you and you too Kev!

Tags: Malibu Boats | Moby Dick 7 | wakeboard move | wakeboard trick | Wakesetter VLX | Phillip Soven | Kevin Henshaw | Clermont FL | wakeboard boat | first ever

Team Malibu Boats Riders Sweep Pro Wakeboarding in Reno

The final stop of the Pro Wakeboard Tour went off in the greater Reno area of Sparks, Nevada over the weekend. History was made when Rusty Malinoski landed the first 1080 ever in competition, but even this monumental move was not enough to eclipse the winning performance of Team Malibu's Phillip Soven (@PhillipSoven). Soven picked up his second consecutive Pro Wakeboard Tour Stop win this season and collected $1000 along with the Rockstar Best Trick Award for his Backside 720 off of the U.S. Air Force kicker. Team Malibu domination didn't end with Phillip's victory. Pro Female Rider, Dallas Friday also took home gold in her event earning a win at the Reno Stop after a four-year drought in "The Biggest Little City in the World". Dallas made up for her win-less streak in Reno, extended her lead in the Queen of Wake series to 25 points and put herself in prime position to take the five-stop pro tour for female wakeboarders. All that hard work behind the Malibu Wakesetter VLX is paying off for these pro riders. Congratulations Phillip and Dallas! We are so proud of both of you and we continue to cheer your victories.

Pro Men Final
1. Phillip Soven (USA) - 93.00 (Team Malibu)
2. Rusty Malinoski (CAN) - 85.50
3. Harley Clifford (AUS) - 84.00
4. Danny Harf (USA) - 77.50

Pro Women Final
1. Dallas Friday (USA) - 92.00 (Team Malibu)
2. Nicola Butler (ENG) - 90.50
3. Amber Wing (AUS) - 76.25
4. Melissa Marquardt (USA) - 73.25
5. Hayley Smith (AUS) - 68.00
6. Ashley Leugner (CAN) - 38.75

For more information read the Reno Pro Tour Stop article on WakeWorld.com.

Tags: Malibu Boats | Phillip Soven | Dallas Friday | Reno | PWT | Nevada | Queen of Wake | 1080 | Rusty Malinoski | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat | wakeboarding | wakeboarder

Team Malibu's Brian Grubb Wins Wakestock Canada

Team Malibu took the #1 wakeskate spot with Brian Grubb's win at Wakestock. Way to go Grubby! Tweet Brian some props on Twitter @BriankGrubb. Team Malibu Boats Pro, Phillip Soven nearly won the wakeboard competition as well, but just missed the top spot. You did great Phillip! Tweet Phill some atta boys @PhillipSoven. Wakestock was a super fun event for the crowd and all of the riders. Malibu Boats congratualtes all riders on a great showing. We were happy to pull and sponsor the biggest wakeboard competition on the continent! Brian Grubb photo taken by Richard Roth for WakeWorld.com.

Read the entire Wakestock event recap on WakeWorld.com.

The final day at Wakestock was highlighted by sunny, hot weather and calm water, although an early morning thunderstorm threatened to put a damper on the day's festivities. Once the storm cleared, the day kicked into high gear as the world's best wakeboarders and wakeskaters took to the water of Collingwood Harbour to battle out the final rounds of the WWA World Series for an overall prize purse of $25,000 and the coveted Wakestock belts.

The action got under way in the Malibu Boats Pro Wakeskate Championships with a six-man semifinal. Leading the way into the final round was past Wakestock wakeskate champs, Stuart Shinn and Brian Grubb. They were also joined by Wakestock rookies Grant Roberts and local Ontario rider Dan Brown. In the end, it was Grubb walking away with the win; his 5th Wakestock title overall.

Up next was the Billabong Pro Wakeboard Championship, which saw a 16-man quarterfinal cut down to an eight-man semifinal. Canadians made a strong showing by filling up half of the field with Rusty Malinoski, Aaron Rathy, Olivier Derome and Raphael Derome all advancing.

The four-man final was comprised of the hottest riders in the world at the moment; Phillip Soven, the WWA World Brian Grubb (pic: Richard Roth)

Series overall points leader, Aaron Rathy, the King of Wake overall points leader, Harley Clifford, the PWT overall points leader and Bob Soven, the Jr. Men's PWT point leader. Buoyed on by the hometown crowd, Aaron Rathy had two flawless passes, which included a Heelside Wrapped Back 7 and a Toeside Backside Off-axis 5 to take home the Wakestock title.

"This is unreal. I'm super stoked to win Wakestock," claims Rathy. "Especially considering how good everyone was riding here. The Wakestock crowd is so big and so close it really makes riding a lot of fun. Rusty [Malinoski] told me that I'm only the third Canadian ever to win along with him and Jeff Heer so it feels good to be in that company."

Wakestock is presented by Monster Energy in association with Billabong, Malibu Boats, Coors Light, Gordon Bar Marine, Paris Marine, SBC Skateboard Magazine and SBC Wakeboard Magazine.

Billabong Wakestock Pro Wakeboard Finals
1. Aaron Rathy, CAN
2. Phillip Soven, USA (Team Malibu)
3. Harley Clifford, AUS
4. Bob Soven, USA

Malibu Boats Wakestock Pro Wakeskate Semifinals
1. Brian Grubb, USA (Team Malibu)
2. Grant Roberts, USA
3. Stuart Shinn, USA
4. Dan Brown, CAN

Tags: Malibu Boats | Wakestock | Canada | Brian Grubb | Phillip Soven | wakeboarding | wakeskating | tournament | Wakesetter VLX | wakeboard boat