I spent my spring break in Florida at Ron Scarpa’s. Barefooting for a whole week with the few of the finest barefoot water-skiers in the world is definitely better than partying for a whole week. I was actually doing something productive. 

I was so excited to actually be going. I thought I was going to bust. The first set was with Ron. Skiing with Ron was great. We worked on my back one foots, and perfecting what I already knew (tumbles, one-foots, and long-line back deeps.)  Ron Scarpa is one of the most respected, and well known barefooters and coach in the world. Skiing with Ron is kind of surreal. He believes that your position is the key to everything. You simply can’t move on if you are skiing in a bad position.

Now on the subject of bad positions, Paul McDonald taught me a very interesting lesson. I was sitting way too low doing my one foots. My butt was only inches from the water. I climbed into the boat and Paul said, “Take off your wetsuit and shorts. Next set you won’t be able to use them. Your doing your one foots in your bathing suit.” I laughed and pulled off my gear. He couldn’t be serious. Boy, was I wrong. Sure enough I was doing my front ones on the shoes in my bathing suit and heater shirt. Let me just put it this way, my one foots are pretty near perfect now, because I did not want my butt to touch the water.

My front to backs on the shoes never seemed to work. It was like my mind was telling my body to do the right thing, but my body just wouldn’t comply. Paul made a deal with me. I was going to have my front to backs on the shoes before the end of the summer. He wanted a videotape of the trick, or he was going to come and visit so he could pull me around the lake until I got it. 

I absolutely loved skiing with Elisa Scapa. Elisa is the smoothest skier on the water today. Elisa believes in finessing and not muscling the trick. I worked on my back toe holds on the shoes and more turns with her. On one particular afternoon, she told me to do my back one and its reverse and then turn around; however I thought Elisa said, “ Do your back one reverse and turn.” I looked at her quizzically and she nodded, so I went for it. I actually made the one foot turn, but was so freaked out that I let go. When Elisa came back around to pick me up, she wanted to know what I thought I was doing. 

All in all I had an awesome time skiing with Team Scarpa. I met skiers form all around the world, even some from Team France and Team Canada who are competing in South Africa at the Worlds. I still have a lot to learn, but I am having fun with it.

My Suggestions!

Ski, Ski, and ski some more. There is nothing like skiing to get you in shape for skiing! If you don’t, you will be hurting by day 2.

If you are looking to ski all week, try skiing in the mornings only. This will give your body a break.

Toes UP!
Marissa
Marissa@BarefootCentral.com

Thanks so very much to my sponsors: Barefoot Central, Eagles Sports, and US Gear!