Redmond, WA – Today, HO Sports Company, Inc. announced the signing of  22 year old Josh Palma of Maitland, Florida as the company’s first apparel contracted athlete. Palma has been representing the company’s wakeboard division (Hyperlite) since 2004, which is the same year he won the Global Rider Search.  The Global Rider Search was the first-ever online wakeboarding competition; it required participants to send in footage of themselves that was eventually reviewed by a panel of industry judges.  This event, which quickly put Palma on the map, was sponsored by Ambush Boarding Co. and Buywake.com.  Palma is now officially part of the team through the signing of a multi-year deal focusing on the apparel segment of the company.
 
Palma, who recently graduated from Rollins College with a degree in Psychology and a 3.9 GPA, is coming off a knee injury that prevented him from finishing his first year on tour in 2006.  With seven months having passed since the injury and a grueling conditioning regiment on and off the water, Palma is solely focused on wakeboarding and training for the 2007 season.  As a result of becoming involved in competitive wakeboarding just several years ago, Palma looks forward to gaining more tournament experience in the upcoming year.  His future in competition is promising due to his consistent performance in collegiate events.  Additionally, Palma tied for first in the Sport City Shootout of 2006, which is a Pro-Am Invitational held in Ocala, Florida. Hyperlite will be launching their exciting 2007 Apparel line this April.  The apparel line will be critical to retailers and distributors, as it provides them with an opportunity to increase sales while simultaneously promoting the Hyperlite/HO brand through a high-end apparel line.

After signing with HO Sports Company, Inc., Palma noted the following: “Ever since I rode the Juvi 131 when I was fourteen, I’ve always dreamed of riding for Hyperlite.  Hyperlite’s cutting edge products have made them an industry leader for years, and the upcoming apparel line will only affirm that position.  I am extremely grateful and fortunate to be a part of the Hyperlite family.”