How To Do a Barefoot Start Behind the Boat

Here's How:

1. Attempt your first barefoot start on a calm day with glassy water.
2. Get in the water behind the boat and take the towrope handle and a wakeboard or kneeboard with you.
3. Sit on the board with your feet towards the boat. The tip of the board should be above the water and pointing towards the boat.
4. With your arms straight out hold the towrope handle between your legs. Your legs should be just slightly bent and above the water.
5. After the towrope is tight and there is no slack left in the rope the boat should then slowly accelerate until the board planes and rides above the water, your feet still above the water.
6. Ease your way to the front of the board to prevent the board from bouncing.
7. As the boat speed reaches about 15 miles per hour bend your knees towards your chest and slowly place your feet onto the water. Do not attempt to stand up yet.
8. When the boat driver sees you have your feet on the water they should then accelerate up to your barefoot speed, which is your weight divided by 10 and then add 20.
9. As the boat is reaching your barefoot speed slowly apply more weight to your feet and stand to a barefoot position; arms straight in front of you, head up, feet shoulder width apart, and bend knees to a 90 degree angle.
10. As you stand up the board should fall down behind you.

Tips:

1. Wear a life jacket when learning the barefoot start behind the boat.
2. Find a boat driver who has previously pulled barefoot water-skiers.
3. Make sure you have a spotter that can point out obstacles (sticks, logs, etc.) in the water.

What You Need:

• A boat
• A driver
• A spotter
• Barefoot suit or shorts
• Towrope
• Kneeboard or wakeboard
• The desire to be thrilled