Feb
18
Written by:
WaterplayUSA
2/18/2010 2:48 PM
Waterskiing is pretty tough. First of all, there’s the whole issue of actually getting your body and skis upright after being partially submerged in the water, which is so challenging it could be a sport in and of itself. But once you’re up, then there’s maintaining your balance, making sure your skis don’t go askew or tip too far in either direction, avoiding the wake waves (if you’re an amateur like me), etc.
Now imagine doing all that…barefoot. I’m not making this up. Check the picture below while you clean your jaw up off the floor.
Barefooting seems to be an underground, “stick-it-to-the-water-skiers” water sport that is growing all across the United States. They do all of the same stunts and tricks as regular waterskiing, except without the ski part. In fact, it has become so popular, the 2010 American Barefoot Tournament is coming this summer. Men and women compete separately in a few different categories: tricks, jumps, slalom (barefooting between two very close together buoys) and tandem barefooting.
If you want to check out some of the barefoot tournaments, or if you’re interested in getting lessons in this unique sport, head over to the American Barefoot Waterski Club website for more information, and some pretty amazing photos of barefoot skiers.
I’ve never tried it, but I imagine without the extra surface area of skis helping to keep you afloat, it’s really, really difficult to stay above water. Which makes what they’re doing even more incredible. Has anyone ever tried it? If you have, submit your photos to WaterplayUSA’s Post & Play Contest for a chance to win $1,000 and your choice of a sponsored trip!
These guys hold world records in Barefoot Waterskiing!