PPT Slide
Although barefooting has been around since 1947 to most it is a relatively new sport. Barefooting has joined the ranks of the exciting , unusual and growing Extreme sports. The 3 events of Slalom, Trick and Jumping are similar to those in traditional water skiing, but the difference is in the speed of the boat ( 38-44 mph) and the lack of buoys for slalom. The jump for barefooting is also different, measuring 18 inches compared to the 5-6 feet for traditional.
Slalom consists of the skier crossing from wake to wake. Points are awarded for as many full crossings and partial crossings a skier can do in 15 seconds. Skiers ski forwards then backwards, on 1 foot or 2. The most points are awarded for crossing the wake skiing backwards on one foot.
Barefoot Tricks is the most demanding of the disciplines requiring each skier to perform as many tricks as possible in 2 - 15 second passes. Forwards and backward, no repeat tricks allowed. The trick event can be very exciting at the world class level with skiers doing multiple surface and wake turns and front flips and wake flips.
Barefoot Jumping is the most spectacular, dangerous and extreme. Imagine, flying over a fiberglass ramp at speeds over 43 mph. A jumper must start the jump on their feet in barefoot position, ride up and over the jump and stand back up into barefoot position before the marker known as the “Ride out buoy”. High tech video recording systems now ensure that instant and accurate jump distances are available to the spectators, judges and skiers. The current world record is 90ft.and it is constantly being challenged because of new and changing techniques for jumping.