Orlando, Florida - Over 26 years, the World Wakeboard Association has established itself as the leader in wake sports around the globe. The WWA today announced that the 2015 Wakeboard World Series presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will consist of nine rounds featuring the world’s best athletes, partners and locations.

The 2015 Wakeboard World Series is unlike anything wake sports has seen in the past including the largest payout ever offered, a women’s World Series and includes the Nautique Wake Series, Malibu Evolution Pro Series, WWA Nationals, and the WWA Wakeboard World Championships.

"The WWA is taking the next step in promoting and growing the sport of wakeboarding," said WWA President Shannon Starling. "We have always been the leader in global events and moving the sport forward. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series is now the next giant step in showcasing the very top riders on a world stage. Partners such as Rockstar Energy Drink, Nautique, Malibu and Supra Boats have joined us and are committed to setting a new standard in wakeboarding."

The Wakeboard World Series will offer the largest payout the sport has seen in its 26-year history with a total of $425,000 to be handed out to the men and women throughout the series. This increase is just one of many avenues that the WWA have stepped up to further legitimize wakeboarding along with an increased focus on attracting media, sponsors and consumers.

"The WWA is really raising the bar for 2015," said Rockstar Energy athlete Rusty Malinoski. "I’m excited to participate in the full World Series and I am aiming to be No.1 in the WWA World Rankings. The Wakeboard World Series is the largest it's been in years and with the increase in prize money, returning to Tokyo, and having the WWA World Championships in Portugal for the first time, this is set to be a breakthrough year."

2015 Marks the first time that women will compete in the World Series. Women’s wakeboarding continues to elevate every year and now has it’s own place on the world stage. The WWA continues to be committed to all wake sports from grassroots events through to Pro.

"I couldn't be more excited about the WWA bringing women to the Wakeboard World Series," said Nautique team rider Meagan Ethell. "It's huge for women's wakeboarding and it puts us onto a new level with the best riders in the sport. This year is going to be awesome."

This year’s Wakeboard World Series is the largest World Series in recent years, making it the only true global wakeboard series. The 2015 Wakeboard World Series will travel to four rounds within the United States as well as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, a return to Japan, and for the first time, the WWA World Championships will be held in Portugal.

2015 WWA Wakeboard World Series
1. Nautique Wake Open: April 16-18 - Waco, Texas
2. Malibu Cancun Pro: April 24-26 - Cancun, Mexico
3. Brazil Pro: May 15-17 - Brazil
4. Nautique Pro-Am: June 11-13 - Lathrop, California
5. Wakestock: August 7-9 - Ontario, Canada
6. Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships: August 13-16 - Miami, Florida
7. Malibu Tokyo Pro: August 21-23 - Tokyo, Japan
8. Supra WWA Wakeboard World Championships: September 16-19 - Portugal
9. Malibu Houston Pro: October 2-3 - Houston, Texas

For more information on all nine events of the WWA Wakeboard World Series presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, please visit thewwa.com.

About the WWA
The World Wakeboard Association is the global leader in wake sports sanctioning. The WWA owns and operates the WWA Wakeboard World Series, WWA Wake Park World Series, WWA Wakeboard National Championships, WWA Wake Park National Championships, WWA Wakeboard World Championships, WWA Wake Park World Championships, WWA Wake Park Triple Crown, WWA Pro Card and WWA Rider Experience. With 27 affiliate countries worldwide, the WWA is a rider-formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the primary source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards. For more information on the WWA and its events, check out thewwa.com.

About Rockstar
Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 25 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit RockstarEnergy.com. Also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.