Locate a Footer
anywhere in the world



Save BIG $$ while supporting the sport shopping on BFC

Sign our Guestbook

View our Guestbook

Click to send us an email

Please be sure to support the companies that help support the growth of the sport:

DAVID TANIS
from Lansing, Illinois was selected as the 
June 2004 Footer of the Month

Here's why:

I would like to Nominate David Tanis of Lansing Illlinois.  He has been Foot'n for over 40 years. ( 68 , April 16th 2004) Dave learned to foot old school, hard core. No Barefoot Booms, No Training Videos, No Kneeboards, No special low stretch ropes, or fancy handles, No wetsuits with Flotation or cinch straps , or a boat that could pull an honest 40 MPH . Drinking the lake was more like it. He started with shoe skis and straddled an old slalom ski. He finally managed to get up and when he did he would not let go ( unless he crashed). 

In the 70's Dave purchased his first of several inboard tournament boats, that solved the power issue. Also in the mid 70's the HydroSlide Kneeboard came out and he bought one for the kids. Included with the kneeboard was a "How to Barefoot" page, so he tried it and was successful but still no Barefoot wetsuit Ouch!.  

In the 80's he bought a Barefoot wetsuit and a no stretch line. He didn't know it was a no stretch line he just wanted to get way behind the rooster tail.  In the 90's ( his late 50's ) Dave decided enough with the pain in the feet and went foot'n exclusively with tennis shoes on. Can you blame him? This man is near 190 lbs and wears a size 8 shoe.  The shoes allowed his runs to increase 2x.  It is very inspiring to all that watch him foot. Gritting teeth and flying gray hair, young and old are equally impressed. In the 2000's he has been hooking up to the Fly High or wake board tower.  The upward pull has allowed his runs to yet increase further and his speed to drop a few MPH.  The picture included is from last season at the young age of 67!  He is looking forward to getting the boat in the water this season and show off some more.

Dave is not a selfish man when it comes to skiing ( just don't try to take his dinner away) he has taught dozens and dozens to ski, kneeboard, and BAREFOOT ( now using all the modern equipment and techniques) his sons can barely keep up with him and his Grandsons are starting to make a run for him. Dave really enjoys Foot'n with the kids as much as taking a nap. If ever near Indian Lake, Dowagiac, Michigan on a summer weekend, come on by, the boat is always ready.

Dan T 
Midskier

Dan:  Thanks for nominating Dave.  Sounds like he's is a true hard-core barefooter.  His family should get together and treat him to a week of training at a barefoot school such as Gliding Soles or Ron Scarpa Watersports.  It's never to late to teach an old dog a new trick or two.

Congratulations Dave!  You are now eligible to be voted the 2004 BarefootCentral.com Footer of the Year.  You could be recognized by thousands of footers around the world.  Good luck!