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A Conversation With Phillip Soven

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2007

Eighteen-year-old pro wakeboarder Phillip Soven, of Longwood, recently became the youngest rider to win the King of the Wake World Cup, which is one of the top wakeboarding series of the season.

With the win, Soven became the first rider to win the Pro Wakeboard Tour, the WWA World Series and the King of the Wake in the same year and take home the largest cash prize in the history of the sport, $25,000.

When did you first get into wakeboarding?

I got into wakeboarding when I was about 6. I started water skiing when I was 2. I've just always been around water.

When did you turn pro?

I went pro when I was 11, but I didn't start winning contests until I was around 14 or 15. I was 15 when I won my first pro stop.

How did it feel to make history as the first to win the Pro Wake Tour, the WWA World Series and King of the Wake in the same year?

To be the first to do that is amazing. All I wanted to do was win one series, but to win all of them? I couldn't ask for more than that.

How did it feel to be the youngest rider to win the King of the Wake?

I mean, I'm sure there will be a younger person to win the King of the Wake. Eighteen is really not that young.

Do you think the sport's popularity has grown over the past few years?

Definitely. Without a doubt. A couple of years ago, the best wakeboarders could go to contest and only a few people would recognize them. Now, a couple of the top guys can walk through downtown Orlando and people will just come up and start asking for autographs.

You've won 11 of 13 major tournaments this year. What's the secret to your success?

It's got to be just consistency. I do the same thing over and over and it comes natural to me. I just go out there and I just stand out my run. I don't fall on my face.

What's your signature trick?

The Whirly 720. It's a backflip with a 720 degree spin and you put the handle over your head on the first spin and on the second, you handle pass it behind your back.

Does the term "action sports athlete" sit well with you?

Yeah. Wakeboarding is an action sport. I don't know how to answer that, actually. I thought I had something going but I confused myself (as he laughs).

You can make more money from winning a few contests that most people make in a year. How surreal is that?

Yeah, the money issue is definitely a little something, something you've got to like. I just like to win. I'm competitive. But I just bought some property and I just bought a 550 BMW.

Do you live the life of a normal 18-year-old?

It's not a normal life. I'm traveling all the time. When I'm home, I try to stay low key. I do go to Valencia Community College next to UCF. When I'm home, I just relax and hang out with friends like a normal kid.

Nick Williams

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