PRESS RELEASE - Bobby Martinez Awarded ASP Rookie of the Year

San Diego, CA (February 26, 2007)- Reef’s WCT powerhouse, Bobby Martinez was awarded ASP Rookie of the Year this past weekend at the 25th Annual ASP Banquet held at Conrad Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Bobby’s 2006 performance earned him the prestigious title ASP Rookie of the Year after two electrifying victories at Teahupoo and Mundaka, a feat only conquered by 8X World Champion Kelly Slater. Martinez who finished the year in fifth place on the final ratings, humbly accepted the award in front of his peers, heroes, and opponents in a packed venue of 600 people.

Martinez stated, “This past year was amazing and I am honored to receive this award. I’m just really excited to get back in the water and use the experience from my rookie year to move forward and focus on this year’s tour. My goal is to go out there and try to win every heat, and every contest I can.”

Surf royalty turned up for this red carpet affair to honor the many achievements of ASP athletes along with the customary crowning of ASP’s Men’s and Woman’s World Champions. Newly crowned champion, Kelly Slater was also supportive of Bobby’s efforts highlighting his dual WCT victories as a first year competitor.

After one phenomenal year, Bobby has his eye on the World Title and has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with as the 2007 Foster’s ASP World Tour kicks off on February 27th on Australia’s Gold Coast. Global Reef Team Manager, Heath Walker, commented, “There are many more triumphs to be told in Bobby’s story and 2007 will surely be an exciting chapter to watch unfold.”

You can take an in depth look at Bobby's 2006 accomplishments and much more by checking out Reef Mixed Tape: Bobby Volume 1, set to release June 22, 2007 http://www.reefmixedtape.com