Learn To Barefoot Water Ski

Time and effort will be involved when you learn to barefoot water ski.  This is an exciting activity that can be done with a certain amount of trial-and-error.  Here are some basic steps to learning how to barefoot water ski.

In order to barefoot water ski, you will need:

• Boat
• Driver (experienced one preferred)
• Boom (much preferred for beginners)
• Protective gear (padded wetsuit; gloves, cup, neck brace optional)

1. Starting position.  Hold onto the boom with an overhand grip, which will be used exclusively.  You can choose to start out on your stomach, which will allow you to flip toward your back later to stand  Bend your knees toward the back of the boat, so that you will ride on your left hip (either hip is fine).
2. Begin moving.  After you are ready, the driver should take you up to 30 mph.
3. Flip onto your backside.  With your knees angled, once you are moving you can plane to your backside.
4. Try to stand.  Once you are in the crouched position on your backside, you can begin to stand.  Quickly, with your knees bent, spin on your left hip.  Do this quickly to avoid getting a lot of water/spray.
5. Finish the standing motion.  Keep your knees together and your feet apart.  Keep your toes up as well.  Once you are in this three point position, you will be able to stand up when you are comfortable.

Warning:

•   Remember to keep your knees bent at all times; if you don't you will likely fall on your face.  Also, try to learn from an experienced skier and have an experienced driver with you, as this can take a few runs to get a bit comfortable.