The method I am using is called the tumble-up method.  It consist of starting out on your stomach until the boat gets you on the water's surface.  When you feel the water get firm enough, you rotate over on your side.  Then while holding your feet out of the water, you swing around to position your feet in front of you.  You then slowly press your feet into the water until you are footing.  At least that is the goal.   

     On this time out, I made two attempts to barefoot. This one was my first attempt (and less painful one).  I have a older MasterCraft which has low sides compared to the newer boats. Where the boom was attached to the pylon was too high off the floor. This resulted in the end of the boom being too close to the water.

     But the position of the boom wasn't the only problem I was having.  My first mistake was trying to rotate around too quickly before the water became firm enough.

     I started my tumble forward then began to go back because the boat wasn't quite up to speed and I wasn't on a full plane.  On my second attempt to rotate the boat speed had gotten up and I was able to bring my feet around and out front.

     The position of the boom didn't cause any problems with my rotation.  In fact, I think it's easier to rotate when your arms are closer to the water.  But because the end of the boom was low, when I did rotate around it threw me forward into the water as soon as I came around.  May not be a problem for an experienced footer, but for me it was too much, and too soon.

     And here is where it came to an end.  As you can see from the photo my rear was just a few inches off the water due to the low position of the boom.  Next time I attempt barefooting, I will have the boom mounted differently to get more height off the water.  This will allow me to glide on my backside until I feel comfortable to stand up on my feet.

     Now you may be wondering what you can learn from watching me barefoot incorrectly?  Well, maybe you will learn not to make the same mistakes I did this time out.  So the next time you are out barefooting, water skiing, or wakeboarding, have someone video you so you can look back at your own performance.  It can be a great learning tool.

Here are a few tips to help you learn to barefoot.

     First, I would recommend going out with someone who knows how to do it. On my first time out, I went with a guy who was very good at it and he showed me the correct way. That time out I was able to barefoot on my first attempt.

     Second, if you don’t have a boom get one. Or find someone who does. But if neither is an option you can always try some of the more dangerous methods (mentioned below) to learn.

     Third, get a good barefoot suit with LOTS of padding. It can save you from getting black and blue.

     Forth, look at any resources you can find to help you learn. Photos, articles, discussion boards, or attend a school.

     Fifth, and most importantly.  Realize that barefooting can be very dangerous.  Take every safety precaution you can to minimize your risk of injury.

Now back to the other tried (and failed) methods to barefoot.

     There is the old ‘stepping off a slalom’ method. You simply get up on your slalom ski, get the boat up to speed, extend one foot out front into the water and begin putting more weight on that foot and less on the slalom. Now you lift your foot on the slalom and get it out, and into the water, before you face-plant. Not my method of choice to learn but it can be very entertaining to watch.

     Other methods I’ve heard about but never seen are sitting on a kneeboard, or wakeboard, getting up to speed, placing your feet into the water, and standing up onto your feet.

     As a beginner, I can show you more of the wrong way to barefoot than I could the right way. But here is one pointer that can save you some injury. Whichever method you choose to get to your feet, be sure to keep your knees bent and keep your feet out in front.  I told a guy once to keep his feet out and knees bent. He remembered keeping the feet out but his legs were locked and he ended up doing a face-plant.  Ouch!

     Take a look at this article for the correct way to barefoot using the tumble-up method shown above.  And here is a list of barefooting resources to help get you started.

Happy Footing!

Kerry Lloyd

Disclaimer: Use the information provided at your own risk.  As with any extreme sport, there are risk involved that could lead to personal injury or death.  Following all safety precautions will help reduce the risk involved.