Malibu sponsored athletes put on an impressive showing at the 2008 Malibu Open in Pontiac, MI last week. In a total of five events, Malibu skiers and wakeboarders amassed four first place finishes, leaving little room for anyone else to share the glory.

Malibu team riders Philip Soven and Dallas Friday proved too much to handle on the wakeboard side of things. While Soven’s win was impressive, given the season he’s had, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Right now there’s no one else in the world that can compete with him when it comes to the shear number of tricks he throws, and the technical nature of his riding.

Friday’s win is even more spectacular, given that she is still on the comeback from what could have been a career ending injury. The fact that she has been able to return to the caliber of riding we’ve known her for so quickly makes it clear that she’s still the best female wakeboarder in the world.

It was another successful year for the Malibu Open, and with this year’s event wrapped up, all attention is turned to next year’s contest. We’ll let you know as soon as Malibu announces the location.

Can anyone beat Phil Soven this year? He’s currently 3 for 4 on the Pro Wakeboard Tour, and after sharing that he hasn’t missed a switch crow mobe 540 in over two years, we have to wonder if anyone has a chance to beat him as the race to the end of the season draws near.

Photo Courtesy of TheLiquidCircus.com

Despite strong competition and rough water, Soven was able to lay down a solid run, and dealt with the rollers better than most others, including local favorites Chad Sharpe and Rusty Malinoski. Kelowna knows how to put on an event, with a sell out crowd that has us wondering what’s missing from Pro Tour events in the US. Fans lined the shores and packed the beer garden to check out some of the best, and most competitive riding in the world.

Although Phil has proven himself on tour this year, a quick look at the standings shows him leading Rusty in 2nd place by only 10 points, which means the season finale in Portland is going to be the perfect finish to a year of great riding on tour. We’ll see you in Portland for the conclusion, along with a party that only the Pacific Northwest can put on.