Bob Soven

CARLSBAD, Calif.—SPY® is happy to announce Bob Soven—self-proclaimed world’s tannest redhead—has been named the 2013 Rider of the Year (ROTY) by Alliance Wakeboard Magazine. The award tops off a year littered with gold, where Bob earned top podium finishes at the Red Bull Wake Open and Wake Park Triple Crown.

“For Bob, it’s not just about riding his board and getting on the podium,” says Aaron Grace, SPY wake team manager. “He’s about spreading the love of the sport and enjoys every minute of it. Bob is truly a happy person, which is why he’s a perfect fit for SPY. He wants everyone to experience the stoke he has and spread Happy vibes.”

Bob’s impressive contest results in 2013—along with his riding style and technical ingenuity—only further cemented him as the Alliance ROTY. Soven is the fifth SPY wake team rider to win the award, joining the likes of Parks Bonifay (2002), Chad Sharpe (2004), Danny Harf (2006), and Tom Fooshee (2010).

“SPY has the same view as I do: live life to the fullest and be sure that you are happy and having fun,” says Soven. “It’s a privilege to ride for a company that not only supports me, but also supports the entire sport of wakeboarding. As for being named the Alliance Rider of the Year, it’s awesome to receive such a respected award. I guess I must be doing something right.”

At the forefront of wakeboarding for over 10 years, SPY sponsors the top athletes and events in wakeboarding, and the lifestyle that comes with it. SPY’s team of top wake athletes includes Parks Bonifay, Tom Fooshee, Jimmy LaRiche, Shane Bonifay, Daniel Grant, Melissa Marquardt and Danny Harf.

For additional information about Bob Soven, go to http://www.spyoptic.com/athlete/bob-soven. To learn more about the Happy Lens™, go to http://www.spyoptic.com/happy. For more information about SPY, log-on at www.spyoptic.com, www.facebook.com/spyoptic, Twitter @spyoptic and @spyoptic on Instagram.