The Water Ski Podcast

hosted by Matteo Luzzeri

EP19: Ski Talk with Thomas Gustafson


In this new episode of The Water Ski Podcast, Matteo interviews Thomas Gustafson

Thomas is a skier, a respected coach, and especially one of the best photographers in water ski and wakeboard history. With countless magazine covers and spreads, Thomas has grazed the eyes of water sports enthusiasts with some unique and spectacular shots. Thomas is also a keen coach. Working primarily in Italy, Sweden, and the United States, he has influenced over three generations of skiers, including the likes of Marco Riva, Oskar Vikström, Jakob Bogne, and Leonardo Boldini.

Join Matteo and Thomas as they discuss:
  • Thomas' early skiing experiences and successes
  • How coaching became a part of his experience while competing
  • The focus shift from jump and tricks to slalom due to injury
  • How he realized photography became a passion
  • Thomas' early days a photographer and those who helped him shoot
  • The first few shots that made it to publication
  • Some fun shooting stories
  • Thomas' advice on how to improve your photos
  • … and much more!

In addition to the episode, we also launched another Apple Podcast review contest! Thomas and I will raffle a winner on Instagram Live and the winner will get a print of a famous shot, autographed by Thomas.

Here are the rules:
  • Click on "Write a Review" in Apple Podcast
  • Rate and write a review telling us what you thought about Episode 19 with Thomas Gustafson
  • MAKE SURE to take a screenshot of your review before you submit it.
  • Submit the review
  • Send the screenshot to matteo@thewaterskipodcast.com
  • We'll raffle the shot on Wednesday, March 4th


Follow Thomas on Instagram and check out his website to see some of his work. In addition, Thomas organizes a cool water ski tour in Italy, brining guests to 10 different ski sites in the old country.

Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) … and let's keep the momentum going!
If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation.

EP18: Ski Talk with Mario Pigozzi



In this episode of The Water Ski Podcast, Matteo interviews Mario Pigozzi.

Mario is the owner of Catalina Ski Lake in Boca China, Dominican Republic, and widely considered one of the best water ski drivers in the World. With numerous World Championships, Pan Am Games, Pan-American and Latin-American Championships, and tens of Pro Tournaments, Mario is one of the most experienced people behind the wheel. He is also Robert Pigozzi's dad and coach, one of the sensations of the Pro Men slalom scene.

Join Matteo and Mario as they touch on:
  • How Mario found out about water skiing
  • His early days working at a ski club in Africa and learning about the sport
  • The summers skiing at Jolly Ski in Italy
  • Mario's move to the DR and carrying on the passion about water skiing
  • The creation of Catalina Ski Lake and Robert's early days on the water
  • How his passion for driving pushed him to improve
  • The importance of driving all levels to become a good driver
  • What he believes good driving should be
  • … and much more!

Follow Mario and Catalina Ski Lake on Instagram.

Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) … and let's keep the momentum going!
If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation.
Read the Transcript…

EP17: Ski Talk with Adam and Cory Pickos


Matteo sits down with two 2-time World Trick Champions Adam and Cory Pickos.

Cory is a IWWF and AWSA Hall of Fame skier and one of the innovators and legends of trick skiing, with 24 World Record, 2 World Titles, 10 US Masters and 10 US Open Titles. Adam, his son, also owns two World Gold Medals at home and a bunch of other accolades. It was an honor sitting with them to hear their favorite stories, pick their brain on trick skiing, and talk about the upcoming Junior World Championships to be hosted at their ski school in Santa Rosa Beach, FL in August.

Some of the things Matteo, Adam, and Cory talked about:
  • Cory's early days in water skiing with his dad in Wisconsin and the early rise to success
  • Cory's first World Title in 1981
  • Adam's early days in skiing and the role of Cory in his progression
  • Adam's first World Title in 2015
  • How the manage to maintain a healthy coach-athlete, father-son relationship
  • Their favorite part about trick skiing
  • Some of the tricks they struggled to learn along the way
  • The effects of being surrounded by friends and competitors at all time at ski school
  • Life at Cory Pickos Ski School in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
  • The organization of the 2020 Junior World Championships
  • … and much more!

In addition, a special episode of The Water Ski Podcast is now available on Swerve, a new social network for water skiers. To listen, create a profile on https://swerve.mn.co or download the Mighty Networks app and search for Swerve.
Watch the trick run that put Adam at the top of the 2015 World Championships, and check out this hand pass by Cory in 1987 with the famous Wake 720 front to front.
Follow Adam and Pickos Ski School on Instagram and check out his page on World Water Skiers.
Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) … and let's keep the momentum going!
If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation.