Mike Seipel's Corner

First of all, it is not safe to learn without a boom. We now have booms that fit every type boat used for waterskiing; plus booms are not only used for learning to barefoot but people can learn any type of waterski or wakeboarding off the boom in a fraction of the time it takes to learn long-line. A boom is more fun to barefoot off of than the long-line for the skier as well as the people in the boat watching.

After I teach a first timer to barefoot and fall correctly, I teach them how to do deepwaters and tumble turns. Then I teach 3 points and one foots, and finally I move them into wake crossing, backwards and toe-holds.

If you don’t have access to a boom, the best rope length behind the boat is 100 feet or more unless you have an AWSA tournament approved barefoot boat. Tournament rated barefoot boats have good wakes to start behind and cross at 75 feet.

You can barefoot off any boat that will hold a speed of about 40MPH when you are barefooting behind it. There are many used boats for less than $10,000 for sale out there. You may not find a competition ski boat for less than $10K, but the most important thing is that you make sure the boat your are buying has been well cared for and is mechanically sound and is going to keep running well for you.

As for "Must Have" equipment, you will need to start with a boom. Make sure you don’t compromise safety for anything. Our boom has a lifetime warranty and has been engineered with safety as the #1 priority. You don’t want to try to skimp and save $100 if that may end up putting your life, or your family’s lives, in danger. Our boom costs $429.99. Next, you need a barefoot wetsuit and Iron shorts. The good thing about our wetsuits and iron shorts is we double glue the double thick flotation padding in them everywhere which allows them to last longer and slide on the water better when doing deep-waters and tumble turns. The only downfall is they are very stiff and tight when they are new because the glue is hard. After about 6 or 8 times using them, they will loosen up and be very comfortable. People think the Iron shorts are for protection, but they also allow you to slide better in deep starts and tumbles.  An Iron barefoot wetsuit costs $269.99, a pare of Iron shorts costs $69.99.  Your final "must haves" should include a 15" Barefoot Handle at 39.99, and 100 ft TAK line at $49.99.  Our TAK line is low stretch and winds up extremely easily. This line is less expensive than Spectra, as a safe thickness, coils up easily, doesn't knot, looks great, floats and is very light weight.  Most importantly, it is the safest and best performing line because the little give in it eliminates the hard jolting on your body making it easier and safer to land jumps and flips.

Total cost for equipment must-haves:
Boom $429.99
Iron Wetsuit $269.99
Iron shorts $69.99
Handle $39.99
TAK Line $49.99
Total $859.95

This leaves $10,000 - $859.95 = 9,140.05 for a good used boat.

A new way to save some money on your equipment is to become a member of Team Barefoot Central. For a $50 annual membership fee, you would get a minimum 15% discount on all BI products. Your new equipment total would then be $730.95, which would free up more money for the boat. Check this out at www.barefootcentral.com.

Thanks,

Mike Seipel

Visit Mike Seipel's web site at www.barefootinternational.com