Everybody’s style of barefoot skiing varies just a little. Barefoot jumping is no different. Some people jump in the chair position and others jump inverted. It’s pretty much common knowledge that the inverted style produces bigger jumps and longer distances. But even the inverted style varies from skier to skier. Some inverted jumpers hold the handle high while others push it down a bit. Some have a slow raise starting on the water, and some do all the work on the ramp. Some hold on with both hands and others with one.

Why would you want to let go with on hand and risk missing the handle when trying to grab back on? 

• Do you let go with one hand because it looks cool? 

• How do you stay square? 

These are some of the questions people me all the time about my jumping. Here’s a few things to think about:

As you approach the ramp and begin to rise, a common mistake is to pull in on the handle. If your right hand is coming off the handle during this process, the chance of pulling in is far less likely. 

While on the ramp the boat is clearly to your left. With one hand on the handle it’s easier to keep your shoulders square to ramp. Once you’ve been booted off the top of the ramp, it’s much easier to follow the rope and get a smooth extension in the air. As your feet start to fall, you still have to grab the handle with your right hand, and then you can put the handle where it needs to be. This eliminates the tendency to pull in early. (Not all the time but it helps).

If all goes well, one handed inverted jumping is extremely smooth. If not the crashes look just a good as the two handed crashes! I believe there are many benefits of the one handed style, and YES I think it looks very cool. 

If there is one tip I could give a barefoot jumper it would be: 

Respect the ramp!
Go Big or Go Home!

Bill Brzoza
U.S. Elite team member
#1 World ranked Barefoot Jumping