Barefoot skiing is one of the most exhilarating and technically demanding disciplines in water sports. With no skis, boots, or bindings, barefoot skiers rely purely on their feet to glide over the water at high speeds—typically between 30 to 45 mph (48 to 72 km/h). The rush is unmatched, and the skill required is immense.
For beginners, one of the biggest challenges is simply getting up on the water. Unlike traditional waterskiing, barefoot skiing requires more speed, better body positioning, and precise timing. But with the right approach, practice, and instruction, anyone can learn how to get up barefoot skiing.
This article will provide a detailed, professional guide on how to get up barefoot skiing, covering everything from body mechanics to different techniques suited for various skill levels.
What Makes Barefoot Skiing Unique?
Before diving into techniques, it’s important to understand why barefoot skiing is so different from other forms of water skiing. Traditional skiing relies on equipment to create lift and reduce the surface tension between your body and the water.
In barefoot skiing, your feet are the only contact point, and you must compensate with higher boat speed and excellent posture.
This combination makes barefoot skiing both challenging and rewarding. Once you master getting up, you’ll unlock the door to a whole new world of tricks, slalom runs, and high-speed thrills.
Basic Requirements for Barefoot Skiing
1. Equipment
To begin, make sure you have the proper equipment. While the sport is “barefoot,” some gear is still essential for safety and technique:
Barefoot wetsuit or padded suit: Protects your body from water spray and impact.
Boom or longline: Beginners often start using a boom (a metal bar extended from the boat), then progress to longline (rope off the tower or pylon).
Barefoot handle: Wider than a regular waterski handle, allowing easier body positioning.
Speed-appropriate boat: Capable of maintaining steady speeds of 35–45 mph.
2. Ideal Conditions
Barefoot skiing demands smooth, glassy water. Early mornings or windless days provide the best conditions. Choppy water makes getting up far more difficult and potentially dangerous.
Understanding the Physics: Why Speed Matters
To support a skier’s full body weight on just the soles of their feet, the boat must travel fast enough to generate lift and reduce drag.
The general rule:
150 lbs (68 kg) skier = approx. 39–42 mph
Lighter skiers need slightly less speed; heavier skiers, slightly more.
The faster speed minimizes the surface tension between your feet and the water, allowing your body to plane on the surface.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Up Barefoot Skiing
There are three primary methods to get up barefoot skiing:
- Deep Water Start (Front)
- Step-Off Start
- Dry (Beach or Platform) Start
Each has pros and cons depending on your experience, boat setup, and comfort level. We’ll begin with the most common for beginners.
Deep Water Start (Front)
The deep water start is the most basic and most commonly used method for getting up barefoot skiing, especially when using a boom.
Step 1: Get in Position
Put on your barefoot suit and enter the water with the boom or handle in hand.
Lie on your back, feet floating up, knees bent, and arms straight.
Position your head facing toward the boat, not sideways.
Step 2: The Power Position
Arch your back and engage your core.
Tuck your knees toward your chest with your heels close to your buttocks.
Keep your hands on the handle with arms straight and elbows locked.
Step 3: Initiate the Pull
Signal the driver you’re ready with a nod or arm signal.
The driver should accelerate smoothly but powerfully, reaching barefoot speed quickly.
As the boat gains speed, keep your heels down and resist pulling in your arms.
Step 4: Glide on Your Butt
As you gain speed, your body should begin planing on the water in a seated position (commonly called the “butt glide”).
Keep your weight evenly distributed and stay relaxed.
The butt glide stage is crucial for building speed before transitioning to your feet.
Step 5: Plant Your Feet
Gently lower your heels into the water while maintaining your posture.
Slowly roll forward from the butt glide into a crouched standing position.
Keep arms extended and knees slightly bent as you rise.
Step 6: Stand Tall and Ride
Once on your feet, rise slowly into a full standing position.
Maintain a soft knee bend, arms out, and a centered stance.
Look forward, not down at your feet.
Step-Off Start
The step-off start involves beginning on a traditional ski and stepping off at speed to barefoot.
Step 1: Use a Ski
Begin on a single ski with one foot in the binding and the other on top (barefoot).
Hold the barefoot handle and start as you would in slalom skiing.
Step 2: Accelerate
As the boat hits barefoot speed (approx. 38–45 mph), shift your weight to the back foot (barefoot) gradually.
Step 3: Step Off
Release the ski by lifting your front foot out of the binding.
Drop the ski and smoothly place your foot onto the water.
Transition into a crouch and stabilize your balance.
The step-off start requires balance, precise timing, and experience. It’s not ideal for first-timers but becomes a favorite for intermediate and advanced barefooters.
Beach or Platform Start
If you have access to a floating dock, swim platform, or beach with a barefoot setup, the dry start is the most visually exciting way to begin barefooting.
Step 1: Ready Position
Stand on the edge of the platform with knees bent and arms forward.
Hold the rope or boom and lean slightly forward, preparing to leap.
Step 2: Launch
The driver accelerates to 35–40 mph.
At the right moment, push off strongly and land feet-first on the water.
Absorb the impact with your knees and transition into a stable ride.
Tips for Success
Timing is crucial. Launch too early or too late, and you’ll fall.
Confidence is key. The more tentative your jump, the harder the landing.
Dry starts are high risk and should only be attempted after mastering deep water and step-off starts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pulling with Arms: Many beginners try to muscle their way up. Keep arms straight and let the boat do the work.
Planting Feet Too Early: Wait until you’re planing on your butt and have enough speed before attempting to stand.
Standing Up Too Fast: Rise gradually to avoid faceplants.
Not Wearing Proper Gear: A padded wetsuit helps reduce drag and protects against impact.
Improper Boat Speed: Too slow, and you’ll sink. Too fast, and you risk injury. Work with an experienced driver.
Training Aids and Coaching
Barefoot skiing is best learned with a certified barefoot coach or school. Many professional barefooters teach at camps or schools with dedicated barefoot boats equipped with booms, towers, and padded suits.
Video analysis can also help correct body mechanics and timing issues.
Conclusion
Learning how to get up barefoot skiing is a challenging but immensely rewarding journey. The thrill of skimming the water at high speeds—balanced on nothing but your own feet—makes all the effort worthwhile.
By starting with the deep water start, progressing through the step-off start, and eventually mastering the platform start, you can build a solid foundation in barefoot skiing. With proper technique, the right conditions, and a little patience, you’ll be gliding across the water with confidence and style.