SANTA ROSA BEACH — To the unsuspecting, Shortline Lake Estates is just another South Walton development. But this little piece of land boasts one of the most elite water ski schools in the world.
The Pickos Ski and Wakeboard School and Camp sits among rows of homes with well-manicured lawns. The only difference between this neighborhood and every other one is that is surrounded by two lakes with ramps and cones set up year-round.
People from all over the world drive down the narrow streets in search of the school at 105 Jump St.
“We just celebrated our 21st year here,” said Cory Pickos, who runs the school. “We teach people how to be in control when they’re skiing. They learn balance and athletic position.”
The school caters to anyone interested in learning the craft or honing their skills. Pickos said skiers range from as young as 4 riding alongside the boat to older people who haven’t skied in years or who have never skied.
“This is a place for all ages,” Pickos said recently while watching a skier being pulled behind a boat he was riding in. “We’ve gotten busier and busier. A lot more tourists, people in town are coming here.”
On his dock about 11 a.m. were students from Chile, Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and the Czech Republic. They come to South Walton because they want to be the best.
“He’s known for his training,” said 17-year-old Paulina Chapoy, who came with her older sister from Mexico. “He’s broke a lot of records and we wanted to train with Cory and learn tricks.
“This place is perfect for that.”
Pickos said word of his school always has been global in the small international community of elite water skiers.
“This is a world-class site right here,” said Max Brock, who came on vacation from Georgia so his two teenage daughters could train with Pickos. “They’re learning the mental, physical and technical side of this for when they compete.”
Pickos has won every major title in the world, including the U.S Masters Championship and U.S. Open Championship 10 times each and the World Championship twice.
His typical day runs from 7 a.m. until the sun sets, seven days a week.
“It makes for a busy day, but this is fun,” Pickos said as he threw a rope from his boat to allow one skier off the line and another to prepare for her lesson.
“I really think doing this and playing in the water makes it more fun than every other sport.”
