ROKA News

DALLAS, Texas, December 22, 2015 – ROKA Sports, Inc. today announced that three-time Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Soni, one of the most dominant swimmers of all time, has joined its roster of athletes. Soni’s Olympic victories also include three silver medals, giving her a career total of twenty-two medals in major international competitions. Having broken multiple world records during her astounding career, she currently holds the world record as a member of the 4x100-meter medley relay (short and long course). Soni was also named American Swimmer of the Year for three consecutive years, and Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year for two.

Soni has retired from international competition but her love of swim continues, and she has transitioned into a “life-athlete,” pursuing a daily quest for self-improvement that echoes the path of achievement in athletics. Through the RISE Mentors program, she is teaching a balanced approach to athletics and life, inspiring tomorrow’s champions in the journey to success.

“I’m on a quest to create my future the way I choose it to be, and I chose to be part of the ROKA family because it’s a company of athletes, for athletes,” said Soni. “I want to share everything I’ve learned with the next generation and show them that reaching their true potential requires dedication, drive and the right attitude throughout their lives. That sentiment is echoed at ROKA. There’s so much performance designed into everything ROKA makes, and that’s because they know and respect the passion of athletes.”

Rob Canales, Co-Founder and CEO of ROKA said, “We are honored to have such a talented and celebrated athlete join the ROKA family. We jumped at the opportunity to work with Rebecca as she takes on new challenges. We are excited to leverage her passion and unrivaled expertise. As Rebecca inspires the next generation and continues tackling new epic challenges in open water, triathlon and beyond, she will rely on innovations that reflect our uncompromising drive to create the very best.”

DALLAS, Texas, October 29, 2015 – ROKA Sports, Inc. today announced the release of a new collection of training and racing apparel for cycling. The company’s Pro Cycling Collection for men and women has been crafted with impeccable attention to detail, delivering the highest technical performance, a range of precision fits and best-in-class comfort to athletes who demand the highest quality.

Rob Canales, Co-Founder and CEO of ROKA said, “ROKA is about performance – full stop. As we expand our relationship with multisport athletes from race day to everyday training, we will always strive to deliver the best performing technologies in our products, and this cycling collection honors that commitment.”

To engineer their cycling collection, ROKA fused the insights of world-class cyclists with technologies proven in the pro peloton. Features range from aerodynamic fabrics and strategically-placed mesh panels to intuitive detailing for optimal convenience and comfort. The new designs are available in a wide assortment of sizing, including tall size options. ROKA fit sets the company apart and underscores its commitment to being known and revered for its focus on this critical aspect of performance apparel.

Canales added, “The ROKA Pro Cycling Collection is the result of years of R&D. Our development and testing teams include experts, both internally and externally, who are deeply rooted in the sport, from Tour de France racers to product designers from preeminent cycling brands. Their achievements with this new collection will empower amateurs and pros alike with gear that performs better, fits better and helps athletes get the most out of their preparation.”

The Pro Cycling Collection features seven styles, and ROKA engineered the designs with special attention to sizing for the men’s and women’s collections.

ROKA created three performance cycling jerseys for the collection. A race fit crafted with moisture-wicking polyester, the Pro Race Short Sleeve Jersey offers breakaway speed with strategic placement of aerodynamic fabrics, a raw-edge sleeve finish, and a mesh back panel that maximizes breathability. The Pro Summer Short Sleeve Jersey offers minimized wind resistance, moisture management with mesh panels, and convenience features. Optimizing versatility, ROKA’s new Pro All-Season Short Sleeve Jersey is a year-round performer and a must-have for cyclists’ toolkits. All jerseys in the collection have three deep back pockets – each big enough to fit a water bottle deeply enough to prevent ejection while riding – along with a media pocket lined for water resistance.

The collection includes premium performance editions of both a bib short and non-bib short. Leveraging decades of experience from Tour de France riders, the ROKA Pro Bib Short is one of the most technically advanced designs available. The comfortable compression fit conforms to the body and takes advantage of a range of innovations to eliminate restriction, binding, pinching, and edge curling and rolling. On training days when a bib short is not called for, serious riders can take advantage of the Pro Short for cycling. The ergonomic pro-level chamois in the men’s design of each product utilizes carbon to reduce odor over time. The cycling shorts have a gradient silicone print and a raw-edge leg finish that prevents the “sausage leg” look and feel of conventional designs.

In cycling jackets, ROKA engineered the ultimate in wind-block shell designs. The Pro Wind Block Jacket is ideal for training days that call for a thinner, water-resistant and windproof layer to shield riders from the elements. Four-way stretch offers a performance fit, while venting on the back and underarms provides cooling. For core protection from wind and cold, ROKA created the Pro Wind Block Vent Vest. It too offers a comfortably slim performance fit that minimizes wind drag, and both jackets pack small enough to fit into a jersey’s rear pocket.

In addition, the cycling collection includes Unisex Thermal Arm Warmers, Knee Warmers and Leg Warmers, each designed with a compressive performance fit that offers both comfort and shape retention.

DALLAS, Texas, October 16, 2015 – ROKA Sports, Inc. today announced that more athletes in the 2015 IRONMAN® World Championship relied on ROKA swimskins than any other brand. Elite athletes from around the world took advantage of the company’s premium swimskin design, the Viper, at the renowned triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii last weekend.

Ryan Dolan, VP Sales & Marketing at ROKA said, “There is no validation greater than having world-class athletes put their trust and faith in a performance product, and we are honored that so many chose to rely on ROKA swimskins for the world championship. Performance products truly matter to triathletes, and we are proud to not only meet but exceed their uncompromising standards for excellence, quality and comfort.”

According to the annual swimskin count conducted by Lava Magazine, at the 39th edition of the world championship, nearly 25% of the field of more than 2,000 triathletes wore swimskins made by ROKA.

ROKA built the Viper from the ground up, leveraging the expertise of elite swimming experience within the company to achieve the ultimate swimskins with no compromises. The designers focused on every detail, from the world’s fastest materials and hi-tech, bonded seam panel construction to low-profile zippers and hidden stitch reinforcement. In addition to its tremendous showing at this year’s competition, the suit was First Out of the Water at the 2013 and 2014 IRONMAN World Championships. Multiple editions are available for men and women.

ROKA was founded in 2011 by Rob Canales and Kurt Spenser, former Stanford All-American swimmers, after they entered the sport of triathlon. Frustrated by the offerings in the market, Rob and Kurt set out to make the fastest wetsuits on the planet — first for themselves and then for others. The result was the award-winning Maverick Pro Wetsuit that debuted to critical acclaim and mass adoption by triathletes of all abilities. ROKA followed Maverick with the Viper, and the company has since expanded into premium performance apparel for cycling and swim training.

Dolan added, “ROKA entered the sport in 2013, and in just two short years, the Viper went from being unknown to achieving #1 status at the 2015 IRONMAN World Championship. That’s a great affirmation of our passion for performance. Based on the numbers, we’re encouraged that we’re on the right track.”

DALLAS, Texas, September 30, 2015 – ROKA Sports, Inc. today announced the release of its performance training swimwear. Developed specifically to meet the training demands of high performance athletes, the new suits are crafted with premium materials and engineered with technologies that maximize durability, comfort and fit under stress.

“We are excited to launch this new product line and bring the best of today’s innovations to our athletes in a line of training wear,” said Rob Canales, Co-Founder and CEO of ROKA. “From wetsuits to swimskins, we have redefined what is possible in performance on race day. That same passion for performance defines ROKA’s training swimwear -- products that perform and fit better, helping athletes get the most out of their preparation.”

In developing the line, ROKA applied its same stringent requirements developed in wetsuits to create swimwear that fit the needs of virtually any athlete’s body type. This required a combination of premium materials and unique designs created for optimal performance. Durability was a focus, as the company’s performance criteria demanded the textiles stand up to everything from excess chlorine in pools to levels of repeated use that come with full-time training. Darwin fabric by Carvico met ROKA’s high standards.

The new swimwear achieves flexible comfort and fluid movement with strategic two-way stretch while maintaining a streamlined fit with lasting shape retention. Darwin is a premium Italian polyester that resists surface pilling to remain smooth. Chlorine-proof and rated at UPF 50+ UV protection, Darwin is engineered for low water absorbance and the comfort of quick drying.

Canales added, “ROKA set the standard of performance for competition gear in triathlons. We take our expansion to training very seriously. We want to give athletes what they need to perform at the highest level while looking and feeling great. The invention of the SIM short and the SPCTRM goggle collection bridged the gap between training and competition. Our new elite swimwear is part of our continued efforts to push the limits of performance in training apparel. It is an exciting arena for continued ROKA innovation.”

Founded by All-American swimmers from Stanford, ROKA knows that preparation for competition requires focus, consistency and attention to detail. For those who wish to perform at their highest level, the company believes training apparel should be built with the same passion athletes put into preparation. That passion, persistence and attention to detail inspired the product line.

Swimwear for women in the new line includes one-piece designs (Elite 1PC Triangle Back, Elite 1PC Strap Back and Elite 1PC Tank Back) as well as separates to offer the freedom of two-piece swimsuits. The bottoms (Elite Triangle Tie Bottom and Elite Cross Back Bottom) vary in coverage to suit customer preferences, and the tops (Elite Triangle Back Top and Elite Cross Back Top) provide excellent athletic support. For men, the new swim bottoms range from ROKA’s Elite Racer to the Elite Square (offering more coverage and drag for training), the Elite Jammer (delivering performance, coverage and comfort), and the Elite Drag (engineered to fit comfortably while creating drag during training). All the menswear is made with close attention paid to seam placement, and it utilizes innovative pattern construction for maximum comfort.

ROKA has set out to design not just for performance innovation, but for the ultimate fit and the aesthetics of original style. The classic training silhouettes have been updated with bold colors and new styles that are refreshingly different from anything currently available in the performance space.

Canales continued, “We’re dedicated to empowering pros and amateurs alike with products that make them faster. Reaching the next level doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work. It demands commitment, perseverance and the kind of vision that sees opportunity where others see limits. ROKA shares that drive and honors that devotion by delivering the best of innovation in every category we enter. The materials and fit of this swimwear are proof of our ongoing commitment.”

DALLAS, Texas, September 23, 2015 – ROKA Sports, Inc. today congratulated two of its pro triathletes, Gwen Jorgensen and Javier Gómez Noya, on their two historic accomplishments at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series (WTS) Grand Final in Chicago this past weekend.

Jorgensen repeated as world champion, completed an undefeated season, and extended her record of consecutive WTS wins to 12 races. Gómez finished second in the race to ROKA athlete and Spanish Federation teammate Mario Mola, and in doing so secured enough overall points to win a record-breaking fifth ITU WTS world title. Both Jorgensen and Gómez wore ROKA’s flagship Maverick Pro wetsuit and F1 goggles in the swim segment of the race. Jorgensen also wore a custom triathlon race uniform that ROKA has been developing with her over the past year.

“We are always ecstatic to see members of the ROKA family reach the podium,” said Rob Canales, Co-Founder and CEO of ROKA. “Gwen and Javier are once-in-a-generation athletes, accomplishing things in the sport that many did not think possible. Working with them on their most critical equipment is a responsibility we take very seriously, and seeing them win these unprecedented world titles is a pride shared by the entire company.”

Entering the competition as the defending ITU World Champion, Jorgensen had already tallied an unprecedented winning streak of 11 consecutive WTS races ­­­­– a heroic feat unmatched by any athlete, male or female, in the history of the series. In August, Jorgensen also won the qualifying event for the next Olympics, securing her place on the 2016 US Olympic Team. Finishing this season with her second world championship title and 12th consecutive WTS win makes Jorgensen the overwhelming favorite to win in Rio next year.

“To have executed my race over so many different courses and conditions successfully against the best in the world – it’s crazy to think about, something I never would have imagined,” said Jorgensen. “I have to execute on all three legs of the race and that starts with a great swim. When I’m in the Maverick Pro [wetsuit], my custom race kit and the SPCTRM goggles, I know I have world-class equipment to perform my best – no matter the conditions.”

Seven-time world champion and 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Javier Gómez finished second in the Chicago Grand Final to become the first athlete ever to win five ITU world crowns. As the most successful triathlete in ITU history, an IRONMAN® 70.3 and Xterra World Champion, the native of Spain has earned his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport. It also places him in rarified air among the most dominant athletes in the world regardless of the sport.

“It is just amazing,” said Gómez. “I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet. I have so much respect for the great champions that have come before me. There are still many goals left, including Rio 2016, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead, but this one feels very special.”

Gómez continued, “Working with ROKA over the last several years has given me confidence on the starting line while the competition has gotten faster. I need to work with a partner who understands the performance needs at the top level. The Maverick Pro wetsuit is simply the fastest and most comfortable wetsuit I have ever worn. Their F1 goggles give me the clarity I need to compete in any condition.”

ROKA continued its dominance with Mario Mola winning the men’s race, achieving his best swim ever and the fastest 10k ever run in an ITU event. In the women’s race, pro athletes Katie Hursey, Flora Duffy and Carolina Routier also wore the Maverick Pro and finished first, second and third out of the water, respectively.

Jorgensen, Gómez and many other ROKA pros take advantage of ROKA’s patent-pending Maverick Pro wetsuit, which has been engineered with smart, swim-specific buoyancy to encourage the fastest body position possible, more power and faster rotation. The Maverick Pro leverages physics, the world’s fastest materials, and 30+ years of elite swimming experience to optimize speed, fit and comfort.

The champions also relied on ROKA SPCTRM™ swim goggles from a comprehensive optics collection that delivers the best of quality, comfort and clarity along with the optimal tint for every condition. Jorgensen utilized ROKA F1 goggles with clear mirror lenses to match the overcast conditions while Gómez saw his way to victory with F1 goggles optimized with amber mirror lenses to handle the high contrast of a sunny swim start.

Canales followed up, “ROKA continues to build on a foundation of designing the most innovative products for race day and training. With passion for performance and dedication to achieving the very best for today’s athletes, we are expanding our offering this fall with new lines including premium swimwear, cycling and run apparel engineered to exceed the demands of daily training. ROKA is bridging the gap between training and competition by helping athletes get the most out of their preparation, giving them everything they need to carry confidence from practice to podium. Whether you are competing for world championships or simply against yourself, ROKA is dedicated to delivering the best performance on the market.”