Tips for Learning to Barefoot Water Ski

Cliff Davis, pictured here, is an avid water skier. Growing up on the lakes of Tennessee and then enjoying the Florida waters as an adult, skiing has always been a big part of his life. Barefoot skiing in particular, is one of the ways Cliff enjoys his time on the water. Learning to barefoot water ski is not easy and requires significant time and practice. Here are some tips to help you learn how to barefoot water ski.

Boom

Using a barefoot boom is the quickest and easiest way to learn how to barefoot ski. It is not required, but it will make the learning process go more quickly and smoothly. Cliff used a boom to learn how to barefoot and found it extremely helpful.

Get on your feet

There are multiple ways to get up onto your feet without a boom. Some people use a deep water start method, and others start on a kneeboard or wakeboard.

Body position

Your body position is crucial in barefoot skiing. Do not plow your feet. They should glide across the water. If there is a lot of spray coming from your feet, then you are likely pushing too hard. This causes strain on your arms and back. When your spray is light, you know you are in the correct body position.

Gear

There are a number of training tools available and gear specifically designed for barefoot skiing. One of the most important items you will need is a barefoot wetsuit. The wetsuit used for barefoot skiing has special design features. For example, it is thicker in certain areas like the seat. It should also fit extremely well, so not to allow water inside. For this reason, your barefoot wetsuit should not be shared with others. It should fit your body and frame perfectly.

Barefoot water skiing is a fun and exciting hobby. It is not something to rush into. Take your time, practice and learn how to do it properly so you can fully enjoy the sport.