Paul Stokes' Corner

Dear Barefoot Central,

I don't have an expensive barefoot boat to ski behind.  As a matter of fact, my dad's boat will barely reach 40 mph after taking several minutes to get up-to-speed.  I've tried several times to get up deepwater behind the boat, but can't hold my breath long enough.  Some people have told me that footers used to start on kneeboards or wakeboards first, then stand up once the boat is up to speed.  I've tried that as well, but my driver & I just can't figure it out.  Can you describe how this is done.

My first reaction to this question is you need a different boat.  These days there are enough footers around the block for you to hook up with.  Use the "Locate a Footer" tool on Barefoot Central.  Find a footer near you to try foot'n with.  Hopefully this person you hooked up with his a boat, equipment, and know how.  If you enjoy foot'n after a few experiences then it may be time to look into a new boat.

This question does bring back memories of my first years as a footer.  I first learned how to barefoot behind an inboard/outboard that moved about 38 mph coming off a knee board and then kicking a ski.

Using a knee board, wake board, or surf board. This is definitely the easiest way to learn how to barefoot long-line.  The hardest part will be getting into position on the board.  You need to assume a position were you are sitting on your butt with your feet in front of you. 

This position can be obtained by starting in the water like this, or starting on your stomach and moving around to this position.  Full size adults will find it easier to start balancing on their butt with their feet in front of them until the boat takes off.  I have found that smaller people and kids find it pretty easy to move to the position from taking off on their stomach.

Once in a sitting position, you should cruise at a comfortable speed (12-20 mph).  Your butt should be as far forward on the board as you can get it, your chest should be proud, your arms should be relaxed, and your feet should be wider than shoulder width on the water with good knee bend.  Get used to your feet riding on the water.  I would spend as much time as possible riding around like this.  The more comfortable you are on your feet pretending to barefoot, the better.  At this point you need to position yourself just beside the wake in the "curl".  Once settled in the curl shake the handle to signal the boat you are ready.  Let the boat accelerate to around 35 mph.  As the boat speed increases continue to support more of your weight with your feet.  As the boat reaches 35 you should be supporting all your weight and the board underneath you will get light, bounce, and disappear.

Note:  Continue these thoughts:

• Arms Straight
• Knees Bent
• Head Up

This should get you going on your feet.  Hope all goes well. Learning at a ski school or with another footer with some equipment will help.

Stokeman OUT!

Check out more cool stories from Paul in our Stories From the Road Section.  If you would like to email Paul, his email is paulstokes@fluid-distribution.com.