Red Bull Wake Open: Day 1

Raph Derome working to keep his Wake Open title.   Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

The infamous “Blue Lake” outside of downtown Tampa was a perfect site for the second Red Bull Wake Open kick off day. That is until Mother Nature got involved. But between the rain squalls the lake calmed down for epic conditions for the Malibu to offer perfect ramps for the boys to make the most of. From today, Bob Soven and Aaron Rathy were big standouts, but everyone making it through to finals completely ripped.

The crew making it though to the finals for tomorrow created the Uber Final – Bob Soven, Raph Derome, Aaron Rathy, JD Webb, Jimmy Lariche and Rusty Malinoski. Look for the hammers to fall form the sky tomorrow morning as this crew fights for the top position going into the Big Air event on Thursday.

Making it happen despite a lack of cooperation from Mother Nature    Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

Rain, rain, go away…   Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool

Dowdy, ready to ride   Photo: Chris Garrison / Red Bull Content Pool