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Peter Fleck's Corner
Question #1:
I've just taught myself to barefoot. I'm excited about learning tricks, but don't know where to start. What are the best tricks to learn first? I don't have a boom, so what would be the best rope length to use when learning?
The best start, would be to learn good body position and how to glide. This will help your progression rate faster than trying to learn tricks without a solid foundational stance. Than I would recommend a 1/2 day at a barefoot school with the goal of getting started on as many tricks as you can, 1foots, tumbles, backwards. This should give you a lot to practice on your own, but also start you off on the right foot.
Question #2:
I'm new to the sport and have decided I've mooched off my friends enough. I want to get my own boat and barefoot gear, but I only have $10,000 to spend and new boats cost over $25,000. What advice can you give me that would allow me to acquire a barefoot boat to learn on? How much money should I set aside for gear and what gear is a "Must Have" for a beginner?
2 The Barefoot Nautique from 1980-1986 should be able to be purchased around $7500, some more some less, depending on condition. This age range is the best, they made a boat in 1979 but the hull did not have a notch for a 14" prop which made it slow, and after 1986 they moved the drivers seat forward which slowed the boat down. These were excellent barefoot boats and should be affordable for you.
As for equipment, you should buy a good barefoot suit and padded shorts, a
non-stretch rope and 15" handle. Don't be cheap with the suit. A good suit
slides across the water better and will make things a lot easier. Look to spend
about $350-$400 for suit and shorts.
Peter Fleck
Peter does not have a web site at this time. If you would like to email
him, his email is PKFleck@aol.com.