Barefoot Skiing is an art, the thrill of which makes one feel as though they have rocket attached to there heels. The innovators of this style taught themselves but today there are a number of schools to learn from.It originated in Florida in 1940’s and was worked upon further by the Aussies. Say’s Brian Heeney, a nationally ranked barefooter since 1991.
‘It’s not you and a million dollars of research and development spent on water skis. It’s just what Mother Nature gave you. Hold on to the rope and let’s go.’
Barefooting means a lot of falls since the surface area offered by the feet is much less than the skis. It entails for the sportsmen called Barefooters to normally lie in the water holding a drag rope and as the boat speeds up, double themselves in half and get to their feet, with their heels dug into the water and toes outwards. Maintaining balance is a challenge.
The forthcoming tournament run by the American Barefoot Club under the banner of Barefoot Water Ski National Championships is to be held on Aug. 8 to 12 in Polk City, Fla., and winners will qualify for the biennial world championships to be held this fall in Dana, Wash.
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Via: The New York Times
