Below are tips on how to do a successful barefoot start with use of a boom connected to the side of the boat. The boom is the easiest method of learning to barefoot waterski.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 15 seconds
Here's How:
- Attempt your first barefoot start on a calm day with glassy water.
- Enter the water by holding on to the boom and walking your hands on the boom until you reach about a foot from the end of the boom.
- Have the spotter hand you a wakeboard or kneeboard.
- Sit on the board (center of gravity towards the back of the board) with your feet in front of you. Lean back and the tip of the board should be above the water.
- With your arms straight out hold onto the boom. Your legs should be just slightly bent and above the water with your toes resting on the front of the board.
- When the barefooter is ready and in position, the boat should then slowly accelerate until the board planes (rides above the water), keeping your feet still above the water. The board should plane at about 10-12 miles per hour.
- Ease your way to the front of the board to prevent the board from bouncing.
- As the boat speed reaches about 15 miles per hour bend your knees towards your chest and slowly place your feet onto the water. Do not attempt to stand up yet.
- When the boat driver sees you have your feet on the water they should then accelerate up to your barefoot speed, which is your weight divided by ten and then add 20.
- As the boat is reaching your barefoot speed slowly apply more weight to your feet and stand to a barefoot position with arms straight in front of you, head up, feet shoulder width apart, and bend knees to a 90 degree angle.
- As you stand up the board should should slide out from underneath you.
- For an easier approach, attach a tow rope handle to the end of the boom, allowing the handle to act as a seat. The barefooter can place their bum on the handle for added support.
Tips:
- Always lean back. This helps prevent face plants into the water.
- Wear a life jacket when learning the barefoot start behind the boat.
- Find a boat driver who has previously pulled barefoot skiers.
- Make sure you have a spotter that can point out obstacles (sticks and logs) in the water.
What You Need:
- A boat
- A driver
- A boom
- Kneeboard or wakeboard
- A spotter
- Barefoot suit or shorts
- The desire to be thrilled