Learn How to Barefoot Waterski

Teach yourself to barefoot waterski in an afternoon: it only requires a good set of abs, and a friend with a ski boat and a boom.

Step 1 Boom

The boom is a long metal pole protruding from the side of the boat. It's usually attached to a fixed post in the center of the boat thenrests against the side of the boat, and is stabilized by lines running to the bow of the boat. The boom can be raised and lowered to accommodate different activities and user heights.

A boom is quite necessary for beginners, as trying to learn barefooting on a long line generally results in heavy bruising and very little successful barefooting.

Comments

[tharnden]

As one who has done barefoot the first time I tried without a boom and at the end of a 50 foot tow rope I believe this was possible for me because of 10 plus summers of slolem sessions including many of continuing duration of 3 to 4 hours continuous 2 or 3 times a week. I always started by droping out of a slolem ski at speed. Note: Used 10 Canadion gallons of gas per session by quickly switching tanks at midpoint.

[wirecutter]

A Very Good Tutorial.  A very long time ago it took me about two weeks to go from waterskis to feet on the sea.  But I have stress the importance of a wetsuit  otherwise when you come off the "plain" (when you slow down) you give yourself an cold Enema !! Something not recommended  I can still taste it.....

[mmonette]

When I was learning to barefoot, I tried three methods: the boom, a kneeboard, and stepping out of a loosely bound ski. I found that the boom required more upper body strength than I had at the time (I was ~13). For those without a boom or without the requisite upper body strength, I'd recommend a kneeboard start. The basics are described at http://www.ehow.com/how_7762_water-ski-barefoot.html.

[canida]

Pre-boom, my brother tried all of these with varying success. (Ben, maybe you can offer some comments here?) We've found that the boom is by far the easiest way to teach barefooting, largely due to the increased stability you get from two fixed handholds. With good technique, you really don't need much upper body strength; you predominantly use your abs and shoulders during the start when you try to spin in the wrong position (see step 4). Of course, everything is easy once you get the hang of it.

[pacey_waring]

combine the methods -- a loose slalom "drop" ski, while holding onto the boom. The ski makes getting up to speed a breeze, and builds confidence/familiarity with the sensation of skimming across the water using the boom...

Then you cautiously test adding weight to the non-ski foot - be sure to squat down REALLY low!  Standing up too tall = crash.  Then bend the knee of your ski-foot and let the water pull the ski off - no need for kicking or thrashing.  Quickly plant the former-ski foot... and away you go!

Also, don't expect to Foot all the way around the lake-  just go a couple hundred yards. Otherwise your body will get lazy and you'll catch a foot ... BLAM, brutal crash!  Instead, squat down to 3-point and lean back into a "mummy" pose, gliding to a ker-plunk.

[schlimmerkerl]

It's fun, but your toenails will degrade (turn black) and fall off. Don't worry-- there are new ones underneath. It just takes a while for them to appear.

[dapaintballer331]

Better way for beginners to start - especially if they aren't really strong: 1. Get on top of the boom, with the boom above the bottom of your jacket, just below where the bottom of a bra strap would be. Once the boat is at 25mph(120lbs) or 30mph (140-160lbs) have the driver notify you. Then, tuck your legs in, and swing them ahead of you, and drop them in the water. As you let your arms out (if you're stable), make SURE you keep your feet way ahead of you. Don't let your feet get under you. Also, unless you'll die if you drop from tired legs, try to avoid putting your knees together. I couldn't stand for 2 days after. I have VERY strong quads, I can dead-lift over 250lbs, however when you put your knees together like that, you inner knee supporters (rarely used) will swell up by the next morning, and you'll definitely need to take a bath - showers will be too hard to stand up in. Of course 1, this only works on the boom and 2. you need to eventually do it like the guy in this tutorial, but until then this is a good way to learn without the "getting up" frustration of barefooting. A third way to do this, is off the boom, hold on, and put your feet UP on the boom support cords. When you're at the right speed, just un-wrap your feet and let them drop in.

[lanedawg]

check out this massive 320lb barefooter doing it BeABarefooter.com

[canida]

Sounds like good advice, but I'd be a bit worried about the failure mode of starting a weaker person propped on the boom. When/if their feet get swept, there's a distinct chance of faceplanting into the boom and chipping some teeth. (Maybe it's all the dentists in the family brainwashing me.)

[soapdude]

Not trying to brag, but I am really good at waterskiing. I live in maine and i want to know where you can buy a boom cause that looks outragously fun

[lanedawg]

You can learn to barefoot with a free 5 day video course at DawgTvLive.com and get a free barefooting tips ebook at TheFootersEdge.com

[Sunbanks]

That looks like that would be a lot of fun but really hard. I can barely waterski with waterskis so I don't think I'll be doing this anytime soon... Also no one I know has a boom so that's another reason I won't be doing this anytime soon...

[dapaintballer331]

It doesn't hurt your feet at all. If you have "glass" water, after skiing for maybe a minute, once you drop your feet may feel numb for a second. Normally it doesn't do anything to your feet. I've never seen someone hit themselves on the boom. Normally as you fall the water decelerates you from the boom faster than gravity accelerates you towards it. Another tip FOR THE BOOM, NOT SHORT ROPE: Raise the boom as much as possible. It doesn't train you for the short rope really, but it's good for beginners. It keeps most of the spray out of your face, and you from hitting the water (if you hold on). My boom is about 6 feet above the water (before someone holds on to it)

[dream210x59]

hey theres my brother.... and my cousin... and my cousin posted this.... woah.... this is a cool instructable!!!! very explained.... on a chart of 10.. this is 20 :)haha

[canida]

When you try it, post some pictures!

[KoolKat]

great explanations. If only I had balance!

[theRIAA]

howbout barefoot SUBMARINEING (my boat only goes 23mph...)

[canida]

Cut yourself a big enough plywood circle and you can plane off behind just about anything stronger than a trolling motor. It's not as much of a chick magnet as barefooting, but it makes pokey boats a bit more fun without springing for expensive gear.

[austin]

ive alwayas got that fear that a rouge branch will skewer my feet.

[canida]

That's what your driver is for! If they can't properly see the water directly in front of the boat, post a small cousin in the bow to check for drift. Once you're up and skiing you can see what's coming and edge sideways (or jump if you're good) to avoid anything suspicious.

[TheCheese9921]

THAT WOULD SUCK

[mrbob1000]

doesnt it hurt and cut your feet tho

[leevonk]

nice dude, this is great.

[farky]

Great in-depth tutorial! Well Explained! I have got to try this next time I go boating. Thank you!