learning to barefoot

Swatkinz wrote: I only had enough in me for about 3 or 4 runs (yes, I'm out of shape). What instructional sites do you guys recommend that could provide good insight on proper barefooting stance/form/technique. I need to get the basics down so that I can have a more enjoyable ride given the speed limitations.

consider that a lot...I sometimes get burned after 1 long set (if I haven´t done for at least 3 weeks). I complain all the hassle of leaving office early, 30 minutes cruising to the ski spot..for 5 minutes of footing..lol..then I see the city from the water and feel happy to be able to be there!!!

Actually when I got started in the sporst my foreamrs where the first I got burned...

crappy water today..though I was able to nail a good clean dolphind start....no pcitures ...
I know HW will have some commnets about,,lol

didnt happen

hey guys...still no video yet....went out for round 2 of the season for me this year. another 4 or 5 barefoot runs directly from the boom. I had a couple of runs where the stars lined up and had a decent ride (posture/stance/foot position I guess....judging this by spray in the face, feel, etc.), but still way more spray than I wanted.

wife thinks that the boom is too high and that I'm not leaning back far enough I tend to agree. I'd say it's more head high than chest high and this was due partly to the people and way we had them loaded this time out. that problem is easy enough to fix next time.

I've watched and read lane bowers talk about the "point and flex" deal with your foot. this seems incredibly difficult for me so far.

I'm also puzzled in that I can ride more comfortably long line at this point (stepping off of the kneeboard) than I can directly off of the boom. thinking of going to the 5ft. line next weekend to see if I can improve the feel of my ride. also thinking of putting the tennis shoes on too to until i get the feel right, but I think that will hinder my progression. what do ya'll think? right now it's miserable, but I am committed to improving.

dealing with a less than perfect driving situation too so i'm unsure of how much, if any, that's effecting my performance.

if any decent barefooters are at the WL gathering this weekend, I'd love to have you in the boat with me to observe, drive, etc.

hope to have some footage from the next outing for critique/examination very soon.

Swatkinz wrote: hey guys...still way more spray than I wanted.

When my friends had this problem, I would remind them to get thier hips low, thier knees further out in front of them, thier feet under and wider than thier knees. This worked about 99% of the time to eliminate spray to the face.

SN206 wrote: I would remind them to get thier hips low, thier knees further out in front of them, thier feet under and wider than thier knees.

I don't know what you mean by "low" but by bringing your hips closer to your hands/handle it will naturally flatten out your feet.

Yeah I've seen that vid - pretty cool

Steve- Stay directly on the boom until you can ride both of your one foots confidently.

And keep your head up/eyes up on the horizon or looking straight ahead and not down at your feet or at the peeps in the boat.

The sinking feeling will go away...kind of

Update on my bacerds...
well no updates actually as all the gear I bought(foot skis, and neck brace) are still in MIA...my friend who was supposed to get them to me never got to pick up the stuff, so its there...
I´m waiting for someone to travel to FL within this month and be able to do the favor of getting the stuff for me...
Steve(skutsch) I should have dealt with you and had them mail directly to my house....

I think we need more footing time on the water

hey steve..looking good!!
I was able to do long line deeps..almost 1 year after I started on the boom...
first attemp I good!! LOL, I also liked the wife? comments..lol...

Hey Roy!!!
how are you?!! are you footing? really miss your videos!!!

[/QUOTE]

A slower, smoother pull out by the driver might help the massive stern rollers you are encountering. If you are going to edge outside the wake, try it at a slower speed (28-32) then have the driver hammer it when you get out.[/QUOTE]

I think Greg was trying to help me get outside of the wake to the sweet spot. As you can see in each video, I was pretty much out of control while on my butt. Wasn't able to get a good feel for how to steer (cheek?)

Can't wait to get back on the water. The weekend only fueled the flames.

Kap, thanks for the encouragement.

Those photos reveal that you are leaning too far back on the toeholds---CRUNCH forwards...they will be easier and better

I was in the ski show at Sea World and yes it was many moons ago
I was in the Barefoot show and I always taught from the boom with a short rope and a kneeboard or surf board, However the surf board will tend to rap you in the Kahuna's if not careful. At that time I was 220lb and me personally loved wide open with a slight ripple. You can teach better from a boom using a wireless ear piece as well. Thats my 2 cents what it is worth.

I will not take the driving comment personally. That Ronnie Meeks is a great person and you would be hard pressed to find any better instruction. Give him my best.