One of the most driven athletes we have ever had the opportunity to talk to, Thomas Degasperi A.K.A. TGas, works hard every day to get better and better. Thomas is from northern Italy and has been skiing ever since he was a young child. TGas, now a Men’s Pro Skier, has been killing it this season, winning tournaments such as the Moomba Masters and the Masters here in the USA all in the same year. He is a 2 time and Current world champion, and whether he is at a competition, with family, or riding with friends, you will always find Thomas in a Malibu Boat.

We caught up with Thomas and asked him a few questions, enjoy our one on one interview with the best slalom skier in the world.

Q: First off, congrats on winning the Moomba Masters and the 55th Masters this past weekend. Has the win sunk in yet? Can you describe the feeling after your final run? Whats next for you this season?

A:”Well that was a hard score to best but the other competitors were tough. To be honest, I still don’t realize what I have achieved. It will come. I am very happy that I won that one and the Moomba Masters are very hard to win and one after another one I was like wow what’s going on lol. But can’t stop. I want to and have to look forward and not stop there are still many tournaments I want to do good in like the Malibu open and the Europeans Diablo Canada pro tour”

Q: In your opinion, out of all the ski boats and Wakeboard boats, why are Malibu Boats the best boats in the industry?

A: “Because no matter where you are Malibu boats always feel the same and I know that when I train behind my TXI I have the best pull and the best wake ever had. There is nothing better than a Malibu!”

Q: What are you most proud of in your career and why? What is your PB?

A: “Winning 2 times in the world title was the most rewarding. But each win has a special meaning to me. My pb is 1@43 off.”

Q: Who was your biggest influence growing up skiing? How old where you when you started?

A: “I started at 5 and my hero, my coach, my best friend, my advisor, has always been my dad”

Q: What would you tell the kids that are buying their first pair of skis and wakeboards? What are the keys to start strong, start right, and have fun?

A: “First you must be able to have fun and learn a new sport. Then, if the passion is still there, do what makes you happy and live every day at your best.”

Being ranked number 1 in the world is no easy task, but Thomas makes it look very easy. His up beat attitude and love for the sport makes everyone around him fall in love with skiing, even if they have never strapped on a slalom ski. Make sure to follow Thomas this seasons throughout the events and cheer him on if you get the chance to make some of the competitions.

Come in to Memphis Boat Center to find a great selection of skis to match every level of rider!