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Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for Episode 81 with Dorien Llewellyn! Dorien is a professional water skier and the current World Champion in Tricks, just to cite his most recent success. Born and raised by water ski royalty, Dorien had the opportunity to foster his passion for skiing. And yet this didn't refrain him from pursuing another sport at a young age, thereby truly exploring through sacrifice what was going to be his path. Matteo spent a long time interviewing Dorien, and this first part covers those formative early and teenage years, that most certainly made him the skier and person he is today. Enjoy Part 1 and see you next week ;-) _________________________ This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

(click on the image to see it bigger) Moving along with Men Tricks. Akin to Women Slalom, this is another graph that "makes sense" after the season we witnessed last year. Notice how the Top20 average (11217.25) is the highest of all time, Top5 and Top20 have been improving steadily in the last 5 years, and the general trend across the last 23 years is that the Top20 competition is getting tighter than ever! Interesting to compared these merging trend lines with Women Tricks where they are diverging over time. A few numbers: For 2021, 18 scores are averages, 2 were single scores. Widest top-bottom gap: 1998 (984.61) Narrowest top-bottom gap: 2020 (490.58) (here the argument could be made that this is due to the 2020 RL using 2019 and 2020 scores combined. However, 2021 comes right after with 498.36) Top score of 2021 season: 12280

@BigGerald3 Thank you so much, tho the main props go to John Waldron from TWBC.

Welcome back for Episode 80, the second part of The Water Ski Podcast interview with Jon "JT" Travers! JT is one of the best slalom skiers in the world, and a constant force to be reckoned with at any of the top tournaments worldwide. Akin to past guests of the show, JT's involvement in the sport of water skiing goes beyond his competitive side. In this second part, JT covers what it is like to experience his ski school and how it runs, including lessons he learned from his father Jack. He also covers in length the history and people that got him passionate about tech controlling, and the project of installing slalom courses around the world. Matteo also asked about Edge Bindings that JT created, including some of the motives to embark in that project. This is a really fun conversation, full of stories shared between two friends. Enjoy and see you next week! _________________________ This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

I know Michale Briant won W Tricks US Masters in 2007. I can't recall if she was 17 or 18.

(click on the image to see it bigger) Next, Women trick. Here the trend that jumps out visually is the consistently increasing gap between the Top5 and the rest of the field. Additionally, this is one of those events that suffered from lack of competitive opportunities during 2020/2021. By opportunities I don't necessarily mean big events, which occurred to a degree. More so the RC and L events where trickers go to push their runs or test new ones. A few numbers: For 2021, 17 scores are averages, 3 were single scores (1 utilized for Top5, one for Bottom5). Widest top-bottom gap: 1998 (4.6) Narrowest top-bottom gap: 2021 (3346) Top score of 2021 season: 10840

@MrJones extremely happy to read this update! A huge hug to all five of you.

(click on the image to see it bigger) Next up, Men Slalom. Maybe a visual surprise given how fierce the competition was at all the events. However, this is a good reminder of the difference between tight competition outcomes and performances. The people know well enough this difference from other discussions, so I'll leave it at that. There might be a little COVID effect here, but realistically slalom skiers weren't short of tournaments at great sites last year (different, as we'll see, for tricks and jump). A few numbers: For 2021, 20 scores are averages, 0 were single scores. Widest top-bottom gap: 1998 (4.6) Narrowest top-bottom gap: 2006 (1.55) Top score of 2021 season: 1.5@9.75m (73.5)

(click on the image to see it bigger) Let's start with Women Slalom. Probably not surprising to most of those who followed the 2021 season, but the Top5 further improved. This is despite the top skier's average going form 3.75@10.25m to 3@10.25m. Very cool to see the Top5 pushing it to the highest level recorded to date. Also, note that in both 2020 and 2021, the gap between Top5 and Bottom5 went over 6 buoys for the first time since 2014. As you'll see throughout the various graphs, the lower end of the Top20 was generally the field to suffer most from Covid (lack of tournaments, travel restrictions, etc.). A few numbers: For 2021, 20 scores are averages, 0 were single scores. Widest top-bottom gap: 2012 (7.45) Narrowest top-bottom gap: 2015 (4.95) Top score of 2021 season: 4@10.25m (70)

Back at it after a couple of years off. If you are not familiar with this, you can see past editions here and here. This time, getting some good data was messy as, due to COVID, the IWWF Tournament Council decided the following: The 2020 ranking list was the average of the two best scores across both 2019 and 2020. Here, I used exactly those averages The 2021 ranking list only considered the best score (not average). Here, I inputed averages of the two best scores and, importantly, if a skier had a single score for the season and that score was among the top 20 averages, I retained the skier. As always, the data is available for anyone to check. I will be posting graphs in the next few days :smile:

@Mastercrafter Fully agreed. He's also 12 years younger than me, so I didn't really know him before the interview besides some short conversations at tournaments and other occasions. Getting to really know people is most definitely one of the things I love about doing this podcast :)

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for the first of a two-part interview with Jon "JT" Travers! JT is one of the best slalom skiers in the world, and a constant force to be reckoned with at any of the top tournaments worldwide. Akin to past guests of the show, JT's involvement in the sport of water skiing goes beyond his competitive side. In this first part, Matteo digs deep with JT about growing up as Jack Travers' son, and the environment that he grew up in. JT covers it all in detail with a strong sense of gratitude while narrating the foundation that made him who is today. Enjoy and see you next week! _________________________ This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

@Gloersen thank you :smiley:

@DangerBoy tried to write you through SIA but no answer. I'm very interested in these

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for this fun Saturday episode. Episode 78 is a rapid fire question session with Dorien Llewellyn and Joel Poland. At the end of their interviews for the podcast, Matteo asked them a series of questions, some related to skiing, some not so much. It was a decent editing effort to rearrange it all, but the result is fun and entertaining :) Enjoy the episode and see you next Tuesday! _________________________ This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

These are pure gems!!

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for the first episode of 2022 with Nicholas Benatti! After covering his progression in tricks in part 1, Nicholas discusses the role of slalom in his skiing, and how this event became e more prominent part of his training throughout the years. Matteo and Nicholas go in fine details about slalom skiing and the events that led the now Italian Trick Record holder to get noticed among the six buoys. Nicholas also shares his ideas on how to change the current trick judging system and reflects on how important his role and that of other Italian skiers can be for the future generations. Enjoy the episode! _________________________ This episode is brought to you by Real Frequency College Consulting, a company founded by Evan Moore that helps students get ready for the challenging task of choosing and getting into college. Want to get into your favorite NCWSA program? Get 6% off by mentioning "TWSP" or "Matteo is the man" during your first free consultation! This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

@braindamage more than welcome to come ski with us anytime! We plan on putting the boat in mid-february (dry suit skiing). Shoot us an email once you are in the Old Continent ;)

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for Episode 76, this time with Nicholas Benatti! Matteo and Nicholas started their ski journey together pretty much from day 1. Arguably, they know everything about each other as skier and friends. Yet, there is always something novel or interesting to (re)discover through a conversation in front of microphones. In this first part, Nicholas goes through his tricks journey, which started early but really took off after a very significant event at the Open Nationals in 2009. Since then, the ascendance to significant podiums across Under 21 Europeans, World Games, Pro Tournaments, which culminated with breaking a 22-year-standing National Trick Record with 11250. Matteo and Nicholas dig deep through this one, and what emerges is the image of a humble and dedicated athlete who, by all means, has yet to express his full potential. Enjoy and stick around for Part 2 next week! _________________________ This episode is brought to you by Real Frequency College Consulting, a company founded by Evan Moore that helps students get ready for the challenging task of choosing and getting into college. Want to get into your favorite NCWSA program? Get 6% off by mentioning "TWSP" or "Matteo is the man" during your first free consultation! This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for Episode 75 with Joel Poland! Joel is the current World Champion and World Record Holder in Overall. These two facts alone are enough to sanction him as the most dominant water skier on the scene today. Joel also has a strong following on social media, where he shares very entertaining content about his everyday life a water skier. In this second part of the interview, Joel talks about the last two years, starting with a remarkable performance at the 2019 U21 World Championships, which brought him close to beat the World Overall Record. From there, the ascending of water skiing new shining star took exponential speed, culminating with winning the 2021 World Overall Championships by breaking the World Overall Record. Matteo spends also some time to ask Joel about his social media approach and some tips for younger skiers and their parents. Enjoy Part 2 and stay in the look for a future episode involving Joel ;-) _________________________ This episode is brought to you by Real Frequency College Consulting, a company founded by Evan Moore that helps students get ready for the challenging task of choosing and getting into college. Want to get into your favorite NCWSA program? Get 6% off by mentioning "TWSP" or "Matteo is the man" during your first free consultation! This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for Episode 74 with Joel Poland! Joel is the current World Champion and World Record Holder in Overall. These two facts alone are enough to sanction him as the most dominant water skier on the scene today. Joel also has a strong following on social media, where he shares very entertaining content about his everyday life a water skier. In this first part of the interview, Matteo brought Joel back to his early days in the sport, covering beginnings to the first podiums and wins. The picture that arises is of a talented athlete who never lost the sight on the paramount importance of having fun on the water. Enjoy and stick around for Part 2! _________________________ This episode is brought to you by Real Frequency College Consulting, a company founded by Evan Moore that helps students get ready for the challenging task of choosing and getting into college. Want to get into your favorite NCWSA program? Get 6% off by mentioning "TWSP" or "Matteo is the man" during your first free consultation! This episode is also brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

I would say if your goal is to learn flips, 1 inch longer and hard edge ski like a Quantum are good considerations. Plus, a bit of a longer ski lets you go down with speed, which is always a good strategy to learn flips (or other tricks).

Welcome back to The Water Ski Podcast for Episode 73 with @TFIN ! In this episode, Matteo and Trent look back at the 2021 season and discuss what impressed them, what they have noticed, and specific achievements obtained by some incredible athletes. From Jacinta Carroll's World Record to the rise of Dane Mechler and Brian Detrick, and everything in between. Also, check out Spraymakers, the podcast Trent co-hosts with Chris Rossi, where they dissect slalom skiing for the rest of us to learn and improve :) Sit back and enjoy this new episode! And stick around, as more episodes are ready in the pipeline ;-) _________________________ This episode is brought to you by the FlowPoint Method, a revolutionary and holist approach to water skiing created by Jenny LaBaw and Marcus Brown. Learn more about the FlowPoint Method by going to thewaterskipodcast.com/flowpointmethod. Take a few seconds to write a review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it really helps :-) If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider a donation. If you are interested in advertising on The Water Ski Podcast, please reach out.

Still doing in, still trying to figure it out. Water 13C, Air 11C. Right in that grey area of wetsuit vs. dry suit.

@dchristman no there aren't. AquaFlyer makes everything on order, so you order directly to them. Let me know if you need help