learning to barefoot

Which start methods do you guys prefer? My barefooting partner and spent last Sunday working on tumble ups using the 5ft. rope on the boom. Prior to that, we' had been working on 3 point, 1 foots, stance etc. directly on the boom. We were both able to tumble up within the first couple of attempts but they were sloppy (especially for me). They weren't that difficult. I have been able to do a deepwater start but positively hate it.   Which start do you guys prefer?

I tumble up as well, but keep in mind when I have gone to barefoot schools they always have students hook toes over the 6' rope and start off on your back/butt. (saves energy they say). just be sure not to rush standing up. "butt glide" forever... then 3 point.... then up slowly. that is the key. do not plant your feet fast/hard. as your core gets more tired you will have tendency to just drop your feet from the glide, resist resist resist that temptation. send us pix as you improve good luck.

Feet forward longline and tumble up short

LL always feet forward..short line I do both...
depends on the mood I´m having...

handle to the hip and glide..you are planting the feet to soon

GottaSki wrote: Wow, Brute force! Lets add more technique before something strains. Also, the boat speed seemed excessive to me on the start.

actually all through out. You should be able to ride that 3 point around 28 to 30, practice that, not only will it give you confidence, its the ultimate defensive position.

I second the feet to the azz, flex your ankle like your trying to touch your toes to you shin (don't lift/bend your toes) you want to keep that foot flat. when you push up, your doing exactly that pushing up, not stabbing your heals. you should be able to do this at 38 to 40 mph. Remember slower is safer.

Gotta love the effort though, keep at it, your footin! Have fun! keep video taping

John, your driving was good given that it was our first time doing this. These guys intend the criticism constructively. I'm sure they'll find issue with my driving when you post your attempts. We're just learning bro. This is an excellent thread with lots of good amateur footers.

For your viewing pleasure I present "Brute Strength vs. Lack of Skill"

1st Ever Short Line Attempt

If I can get my 2nd run uploaded, I actually show a little more improvement in the 3point. Oddly enough even though my brain was saying pull handle to hip, maintain 3-point, shoulders back... My body was saying Spin the F$#@ around and stand up already

Per everyone's suggestions I think on the next outing we're gonna slow the speed down to 30ish and practice the tumble technique and 3-point mastery.

You need a bit of clean up, but that was a good run! A few tips:

- Lift your leading hip a touch and you wont catch it and bounce tumbling up. The 2nd half of that attempt was very good.

- Once youre spun around and facing forward, do NOT get impatient. Youre plant was a little squirelly because you hadnt settled from the tumble up yet. Once you stop spinning and swinging and start tracking straight, it will be much easier to get both feet in the water at the same time. Do everything slowly.

- Otherwise, your plant looked awesome! The fact that you had your feet under your a$$ and stood up nice and easy is what allowed you to pull it off. Nicely done.

- Once standing, straighten your arms. Bend your knees a touch too. Your form isnt bad, but youre awfully proud (straight). Skiing just a *touch* more defensively until youre more comfortable will help avoid those head packers.

- Boat speed looks too fast when youre on your feet. If youre under 200 lbs, then 32-34 MAX.

Appreciate the input, yea that faceplant/piledriver at the end knocked the poo out of me. My neck was sore for the next 2 days. Im still not positive my name is really John or if my wife is just playing games!

Man it was a heck of a rush getting off the boom and onto the rope. Whole new game, but my smile says it all.

After far to much tiime off the water (since New Years Day) I have finally been able to get back to my feet. Tomorrow is going to be rough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncX73SZbs6c

I think you guys look good, slow the acceleration a little bit, don't rush, -don't rush-, don't look down(don't look at your feet on the water) look where you are going, more knee bend, let arms out straight as you get up, keep knee bend.

Use the boom directly to practice stand up sit downs , one foots, hops, one foot stand ups. The boom can always be used to get you better for the rope(avoiding faceplants) Directly on the boom is how you learn to sideslide. People sometimes feel they need to "graduate" from the boom and not go back but that's a mistake, it's a tool to make you a better barefooter faster.
I love a fun boom run.
   

Looks like it's gonna be a real nice day for footin

Footing lessons with Tim for Eric and I

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