“I’ll be skiing until the day I die”

Dodging barges on the Ohio River since the 70s, a Pittsburgh Native whose age holds no boundaries for her love of the water continues her annual tradition of skiing every day she can.

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival - 2024.png

Judy Albretch is a lifelong Pittsburgh native whose passion is deeply intertwined with the city and its rivers. Having learned to waterski with friends in the early 70s, she has relentlessly perused a mastery of the sport ever since. Even now in her 80s summer after summer you’ll find her on the river, chasing “her record”. Each year she’s trying to ski more days this season than she did the last. Time after time she gets pulled out of the after with grace and poise that very few can match. Once she’s in the water the river’s “magical powers”, as she puts it, make any barriers that age may present vanish in her wake.

Featuring: Judy Albrecht, Bob Kelley & Max Conaway

Director/Editor: Jared Ziegler

Producer: Max Conaway

Camera Operator: Alex Gao, Greg Mezey & Anthony DiRienzo

Original Score: St. Gao

Camera Boat Drivers: Todd Fichera & Bob Kelley