Conference vicki::boats

    Alright Rick!  Good stuff.  When do we get a try?  I've been 'footin
    for a few years now but never used the boom.  I wanna try!  When's
    the next gumball?  I'm booked this week, but next week?
    
    As for 'footin news, I tried (unsuccessfully) to do some tumble
    turns this weekend.  I had the right speed (around 38) but my knee
    kept getting in the way.  Gotta get this stuff on film so I can
    review what I'm doing (or not doing) and also give those who can't
    be in the boat some entertainment.  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Roger,
    
    	I start with a tumble turn on the boom, I find that the turn
    itself is much easier at slower speeds ~25-30 mph. Then once you're
    around have the driver take it up to barefoot speed. Of course I'm
    sure it's much easier for me to say since I'm on a boom and you're
    on a rope!
    
    	Another thing I noticed was that since I cut my foot (not skiing)
    on Sunday, I wore tennis shoes Monday to foot' (Well shoe') and
    the speed I could put my feet in was considerably slower than
    actually being barefoot; about a 2-4 mph difference. With tennis
    shoes I could foot' at 35 mph. I think that's a little slow for
    185 lbs...?
    
    Rick

    Yeah Booms are great for learning everything.   I just want to add
    a few things that we do, but I don't recommend it for everyone.
    We get the boat up to 40 then climb out gently and just walk
    out to the end.  I'm just learning and I use sneakers when it's
    real rough or my feet are bruised.   We also have those teflon
    shoe skis and they are good for learning tumbles.
    
    My cousin owns the boat and boom and is very good at barefooting.
    He's on Quinsig and he does deepwater `backward' starts as well as
    `back to front' and one foot toe holds and 180, 360 and 720 degree
    `tumbles'	He's jumped off the high dive at the old "Tatasit Beach".
    He does have a video  camera also.   I'd like to invite you guys down
    for some footin off his boat (18' - 150 Yamaha).  He's away on vacation
    til next week, so after that if anyone is interested I'll set it up.
    He really gets fired up with people who like to foot, and I'm sure you
    can learn from each other.
    
    We find the best start time is 5:30 AM til about 7 or 8.   Can you
    guys come down to Quinsig some day during the week, or maybe some
    saturday morning ?    It'll be easier to reach me by DTN.

    RE: .2
    
    Yeah, Rick, using sneakers is the way I learned too.  But after
    a while you start hearing the "real 'footers don't wear sneakers..."
    stuff and go to your bare feet.  But that's OK, since 'footin is
    such a different feeling than regular skiing it's good to try it
    with shoes first.
    
    RE: .3
    
    Say the word George.  I live on the corner of Plantation St. and
    Lincoln St. in Worcester from which I can toss a stone into
    Quinsigamond (but I wouldn't do that in fear of hitting you guys
    as you 'foot on by :-) ).  Let me know when you guys hit the lake
    and I'm there!  A pre-work ski would be just what I need to get
    cranked up the the morning...
    
    					...Roger...

      
 >>We get the boat up to 40 then climb out gently and just walk
 >>out to the end. 

             Whoa!  You mean like the boat is moving???  Thats'
pretty neat.....

      Those shoe skis seem like they'd help you get the feel for
    footin'.  Is it possible to do a deep water start on them?
    
    Jeanne

    	Jeanne,
    
        Yeah, you sit on the edge of the boat (side-saddle) and hold
    	on to the bar after its going 35-40, then you just ease your
    	feet down using your arms to hold you up until you're barefootin.
    	Then you just arm over arm pull yourself out to the end.  Yes
    	the little shoe skies allow deepwater starts - you can get up at
    	about 10 MPH and top speed is comfortable to 25 MPH !  Both
    	of the above methods are pretty pain free, but like I said not
    	for everybody.	If you can make it down @ 5:30 some morning
    	you're welcome to try it !
    
    	Roger,

	Your location is close, my cousin Frankie and I both live on the
	lake (near edgemere) and many a morning it's just us two out there.
	We usually can't count on the third guy showing up, not everyone
	likes skiing that much - but at 5:30 in the morning - no one is on
	the lake and it's usually like glass.    After you ski that early
	you may never enjoy skiing after work again.	The boat is quiet
	and no one gets disturbed.  We ski til 7 or 8 and then go into work.
	You can leave anytime you want, one guy we ski with has to quit at
	6:30 so we just drop him off.

	We can pick you up at the new ramp, if its convenient for you.

	I'll set up some dates and times with Frankie this Friday or Monday.
	PS - bring a blank tape if you want video taken (VHS).

	Rick,

	Can you make it down here during the week ?  I believe you're in NH
	is that right ?                   

    
    
    George,
    
    	Close enough... I'm in Lowell so I might be able to make it
    but certainly couldn't make it a habit. 7:00 am is early for me!
    
    	Did you know that the boom manufacturer warns against climbimg
    out on the boom while the boat is in motion? In school they tried
    two methods on the boom, the first of which I couldn't do.
    
    	#1 Hang on the boom holding the boom about waist high, with
    the chest forward over the boom. Once the boat is up to speed
    slide down into the water and plant both feet. My feet kept
    coming out from under me with this method once I started to plant
    them.
    
    	#2 Tumble turn - Hold onto the boom with arms extended above
    the head. The boat driver takes off easily yet firmly. About 25-30
    mph the skier pulls in on the boom, flips over on his side then
    back then turns on his back into a forward sitting position. At
    this point both feet can be planted. 
    
    Rick

    RE: .6
    
    Oh boy, George, I may have finally found the central Mass. crazies
    I've been looking for :-) ... count me in!  I can drag my buns out
    of bed for a 5:30 AM ski/'foot.  I doubt I could do it every day
    but I'm willing to shoot for a couple of times a week depending
    on how often you guys get out.  Friday I'll be out of town but let
    me know about Monday...I'll have the wetsuit ready to go.
    
    RE: .7
    
    Rick, I agree with you about the mfg's warning, but as in all things
    it is subject to interpretation.  The warning is there because there
    is a risk of falling VERY close to the boat...you just have to evaluate
    the risks yourself and make your own decision.  I've seen the "walk
    out on the boom while the boat is in motion" performed flawlessly
    many times by folks at our lake...never a problem.  Of course, it
    only takes once.  With the high speeds associated with barefoot
    skiing, just about anything you do has a high risk of injury, some
    things more than others.
    
    And finally one last footin' note...we're planning a new stunt this
    year for our ski show.  Those of you who have been reading this
    file might be familiar with our now-famous slalom ski 360-degrees
    around-the-boat stunt.  Well, a skiing buddy of mine has decided
    to 'foot around-the-boat!  Yes, you read right, 'foot around-the-boat.
    In fact, we tried this at the end of last year and we did it once
    (it was sloopy, but we did it).  I drive the boat, he hangs on for
    his life (which my be a brief one if he keeps trying these kind
    of stunts) and around we go!  I'll try to get video of this to prove
    it's not a gag.  The crazies are out again!  :-)
    
    					...Roger...

    Yeah Rick, REAL footers don't wear shoes. 8-)  I've never tried it
    with shoes, I learned on long line from the kneeboard.  As for the
    boom, yeah that's about the funnest thing in the world.  I didn't
    get a manufacturers warning on my boom though, I made it myself.
    No easy does it for me though, when I get up to speed I just jump
    out of the boat.  Most times I land on my feet, if not just hang
    on and tumble up.
    
    Rob
    

    
    re: Rob,
    
    	Are you driving the boat at the time you jump out?
    
    Rick

    Rick,
    
         No, I don't drive the boat when I do that.  I don't have
    one of them off brand boats { 8-) } I have the good kind.  That
    Master Craft drives itself.  How 'bout that?
    
    Rob
    

    
    
    	By the craziness exhibited in this file lately (maybe just by
    me) I strongly recommend that we all take the remainder of the
    summer off just to ski!!
    
    Rick

    Let's get the gumball gang together, including all honorary out
    of New England members, and just travel around the country skiing.
    Digital ain't gonna need us for the first quarter anyway.
    
    Rob
    

    I'm there!  I've got over 4 weeks vacation I can take (plus my personal
    holiday and a number of mental health days :-) ).  Where/when shall
    we have the first (annual?) all-summer gumball?  Ladies and gentlemen,
    start your engines!  :-) :-)
    
    					...Roger...
    

    re .14
    
    Roger, 
    
    	I'am in the same boat as you are..no pun intended. When is the
    next gumball...?
    							-mike-

    
    
    re: Last few....
    
    	I'm ready to go for an all summer gumball, but unfortunately
    my wallet is not. oh well...
    
    For the purists... Last night I footed' on FEET! My little cut
    is all healed and it was great. I'm starting to feel comfortable
    and working on getting my body position just right..
    
    Rick

    Since all this is being carried on in the "barefoot" note, I guess
    this next gumball is a "No Skis Allowed" gumball, right?  :-)
    
    Wetsuit and harness at the ready...
    
    					...Roger...

    
    Boooo.....thats means me and Mike can't go ....
    
    Hi Mike! 
    

    re .18
    
    Hi Jeanne...
    
    Last night Rick and I spent 1 1/2 hours going up and 1 1/2 hours
    coming back from his lake...for 2 hours of skiing and watching Rick
    footing...it was still worth it though.
    
    The next Gumball should be for both skiing and footing...what ya
    say...
    
    							-mike-
    

    Re: .17
    
    What's the harness for?
    
    twe

    Re: -1
    
    The harness is a rope/handle designed for barefooters.  You
    can get a front barefoot harness/back barefoot harness.  These
    usually come with a toe strap for one foot footin'...
    
    

    
    Last week I had a first go at footin' since Barefoot International
    in Feb.  Doing front deep water starts on the long line
    behind my Glastron.  First time felt good up to about 30 sliding
    on my back and but my wife slowed down, and I drowned in spray.
    
    Next attempt I started bouncing, and I forget what Seipel said to
    do, or how to avoid the bouncing.  Any hints?
    
    Oh, does a nose clip make sense?  My sinuses are just now recovering.
              
    Don

    Remember? "Pull the handle into your gut!" That's engraved in my
    brain. Now if I could only afford a Barefoot wetsuit, boom, etc...
    
    Doug_who's_anxiously_waiting_to_try_GUITAR SKIING.
          (But jumping off and footin' away?...later in the season :^)

    My footin' suit has still not arrived from Ski Limited, starting
    to loose patience.  Used just the lower part of my SCUBA suit
    like I did last time lin Littleton.
    
    Don

    Yup, pull the handle in and you'll sit up, then voila, no bounce. 
    Don't plan to sit there too long though because you'll start to rock
    and roll.  Once you're on your butt (i.e. handle is in and you're
    sitting up) *SLOWLY* plant your heels in the water.  I remember someone
    down at B.I. trying to put their feet flat on the water and paying for
    it!  Remember that Don?  Anyway, get those heels down, apply pressure
    slowly, and stand up.
    
    Because you're a bit heavier than your "average" 'footer, you'll need
    at least 35mph to stand up, and closer to 40 would be even better,
    especially since you'll probably slow down the boat when you stand.
    The driver is critical to your success, so I suggest you ask your wife
    to cast her fears into the wind and when you say "Hit it!" she should
    pull you up to about 25-30 to get you sliding on the water, then PUNCH
    IT when you're in the ready position (handle in, sitting up, feet ready
    to come off the rope and be planted).  She should then monitor the
    spray you're experiencing and slowly back off the throttle once the
    spray clears.  If the spray doesn't clear at full throttle, go to your
    nearest Correct Craft dealer for the solution!  :-)  Good luck.
    
    					...Roger...
    
    who's_off_the_water_for_a_couple_weeks_due_to_an_ankle_operation  :-(

    Roger,
      Got those bone spurrs taken care of?  Well, you can still HAND-SKI,
    right??   ;^)    
    
    Seriously,  Hope you have a speedy recovery.
    
    Doug.

    re .25
    
    Thanks Rog, hope you recover soon.
    
    My wife is refusing to drive unless I wear a nose clip.  Last time,
    my sinuses were out to lunch for a week.  Is a nose clip feasible?
    I am a little worried about getting hit in the eye with one.
    
    I think the solution might be to have the driver punch it and leave
    it there until about 37, as the startup turbulence does not seem
    too bad with my boat.
    
    I think my boat has enough power, if not, then a 15" prop, and if
    that doesn't do it, then a Ski Centurion with one of those big
    Yamahas will probably do the job.
    
    See ya,
    
    Don

    RE: .27
    
    Don, I would think that, just like with the contact lens discussion
    that's been going on in this file, you would probably close your eyes
    in a fall so that getting hit by the nose plug wouldn't be that much of
    a factor.  I think the idea of a nose plug is a excellent one.  I don't
    really have sinus trouble, although I have been known to be stuffed up
    in the evening when I do some face-plants during the day.  I would
    think that as long as the plug has a strap around your head you could
    reduce the probablility of losing it, unless they float.
    
    Thanks for the supporting words everyone.  Here's the dialogue with the
    doctor at yesterday's post-operative visit:
    
    	Roger:  So Doc, how long before I can resume my normal activity
    		level?
    	Doctor: Well, I wouldn't go out running or playing tennis for
    		about 6 weeks.
        Roger:  Really?  Wow, what a bummer.
    	Roger (to himself): Hmm, he didn't mention waterskiing at all. 
    		I guess that means I can do that right after the stitches
    		come out!  :-)
    
    But I'll probably be a good boy and wait a little longer (very little).
    
    					...Roger...

    Hi Rog,
      I'd think that since a ski-binding gives SO-much support, you
    could probably use slalom as *therapy* after the stiches heal. :^)
    I wouldn't do any tick-tocks, slam-dunks or side-slides though,
    and Footin' is out of the question.  Heal Quick!
    Doug_who_went-sno-skiin'_4_weeks_after_MAJOR_abdominal_surgery.

    
    Hi Roger,
    
        No *TENNIS* for 6 weeks (I'd die).... :>)
    
        Glad to hear you're in good spirits and will *eventually*
    be back out there in 6 shorts weeks (or sooner).  You CAN
    barefoot as of right now, on your hands of course!
    
        Happy SPEEDY recovery!
    
    jd/
    

    
    Hey Rog,
    
    	Didn't you know you're supposed to do this kind of
    stuff in the winter time? I also hope you heal quick, 
    afterall we need our craziest skier around... :-)  !!
    
    Rick

    Doug, you're an inspiration to us all...4 weeks after major surgery!
    With that in mind, I should probably go out this weekend and see if I
    can still ski on two skis.
    
    Jeanne, if I didn't need my feet (or at least one foot) to hang from so
    I can hand ski I'd probably try it.  Hmm, maybe I should have the boys
    strap me to the boom by my knees (inverted of course), have of of them
    sit on the boom side of the boat so the boom is lower to the water, and
    try hand skiing that way!  What a great idea!  Only problem is keeping
    the stitches dry...ah ha...the old duct tape and trash bag method! 
    We're there!!!!
    
    Rick, believe me I wanted this done back in January.  I started this
    process on Nov. 28th, went through 4 visits to an orthopedic surgeon, a
    month of taking drugs that did nothing (and I mean NOTHING, not even a
    good buzz), and one visit to a diagnostic center for a Magnetic
    Resonance Image scan (sort of like a cat-scan but higher resolution for
    soft tissue).  Finally they said "Yup, there's something there" like I
    didn't know that already.  So they schedule surgery for April 14th, the
    day before I leave for my vacation to California.  I said, "No can do,
    I'm not hobbling around Disneyland on crutches."  So, O.R. time being
    at a premium, I had to wait till May 26th for a new surgery date, and
    so here I am.
    
    Just call me the Hop-A-Long Kid!  Waiting patiently...
    
    
    					...Roger...

    Hello!  What a great weekend!  Anyway, first of all, after hearing about 
    Roger's ankle operation, I certainly hope by now that he's doing all
    right, or at least back in the water!  
    	Now for my question:  for anyone out there who has had these
    experiences, I would like to know the easiest methods of learning to
    'foot.  I have tried the step-off, and kneeboard methods, but both with
    no success (and an ass full of water to boot!).  I also admit that I
    haven't tried for hours on end, but between my friends and I, we just
    hven't been able to pull it yet.  Now I'm hoping that you experts willl
    be able to pass on some helpful hints.  Thanks a lot.
    
    				Steve "won't be sitting today" Goldsmith
        

    Steve, thanks for asking about my foot.  It's all better now and I'm
    back on the water (and yes, sometimes "in" the water too) :-) ...
    
    As far as learning to 'foot, I think you'll find that all us guys who
    went to Florida (and maybe even some who didn't) will concur that the
    boom is the best, easiest and least painful (read: NOT pain-LESS) way
    to learn.  It allows you a way to "gradually" place your feet on the
    water and you can even correct certain mistakes without doing a
    face-plant.
    
    I learned on a long line off a surfboard with some nasty falls but
    nothing like the ones I took trying it from a step-off ski.  I mean
    even after I knew how to 'foot I took some serious diggers off the
    step-off ski.  It wasn't until I learned how to one-foot pretty
    consistently that I could step off a ski without falling.  If you don't
    have access to a boom, I'd have to go with the kneeboard/surfboard
    method.  My colleagues in R.I. agree also (we were just talking about
    it this weekend...reminiscing over the "good old days" when we first
    learned to 'foot).
    
    Lastly, I have no solution for your aching buns...that's a nasty side
    effect of 'footin (just wait till you try tumbleturns).  Even with a
    good barefoot wetsuit your buns will hurt.  I think the glutius-maximus
    is not meant to withstand bouncing around at 40mph!  :-)  The good news
    is that the pain subsides fairly quickly (like 2-3 days), so you're
    ready to go out the following weekend and torture yourself again!!!
    
    Good luck and let us know how you make out...
    
    					...Roger...

    Hello, My name is Myra, Im kinda new to this, so please bare with
    me.                                         
    
    My husband Dave is a barefooter, and when I saw this topic I thought
    I would print these notes up and give them to him to read.  Well
    he got a kick out of them, and asked me print them out daily for
    him.  
    
    He said he would like to meet all you guys, but impossible because
    you all live on the east coast.  We live in California.
    
    So if any of you are in the San Jose Vicinity, look me up.  I work
    out of the Santa Clara office.
    
    
    bye for now!
    
    Myra Camarena

    Myra (and Dave)...
    
    Welcome to BOATS ... always good to see (or actually *read*) new faces
    in the barfooting world.  If your husband has any good footin' stories
    I'm sure we'd like to hear them.  Perhaps you can relay them.
    
    Now where were you last year when I was out in CA (actually I was in
    Anaheim)???  :-)  I would have gladly drove up to San Jose to meet you
    guys and do some skiing!  I'm not shouting...but I would have killed
    (well maybe not to *that* extreme) to find someone to ski with while I
    was out there.  Maybe when this company travel clamp loosens up a bit I
    can schedule some sort of training in the SF area and make a detour to
    your area to do some footin'.  A well-planned business trip of sorts! 
    :-)
    
    What kind of boat do you have?  Does Dave use the boom or is he a
    long-line guy?  Backwards?  Tumbleturns?  One-foot?  Inquiring mind(s)
    want to know...
    
    					...Roger...

    
    
       I'm not a barefoot water skier, nor do I have the large anatomy
    to go out and do this either. But I thought all you "footers" might
    jump at the chance to inject a little humor and experience here.
                                          
    We live on lake winnisquam.
    
       My brother who will remane nameless, because Bill might
    not want me to mention it, came up from the water a few weeks back and
    said he was barefoot waterskiing. Well for the weeks to follow,
    every chance he gets he heads out early in the morning to go footing.
    over this period of time I noticed each time he comes up from the
    water he gains a new piece of equipment from somewhere. (is there
    a pro shop on the lake for all footers). First it was a padded suit
    with colors that would stop a patrol boat at 100 yds. Then it was
    a pair of matching gloves, and now a helmet. So i finnally told
    my wife that I had to see this for myself. Sure enough, thier he
    was out on one ski then dropping it with an explosive spray of water
    and he was doing it!. I said I'll be damn, that sucker is Bare footing.
    After this show was over I watched as the boat retrieved him. When
    he stepped up onto the swim platform I could notice that he feet
    took a terrible beating. From were I was, I could see how blue they
    were. Then as I got closer, A said, "I don't remember him telling
    me he got a tatoo". Why in the hell would anyone want to have NIKE
    tatooed to the side of their feet". when I got up to the ski boat
    his feet where still dripping wet from the size 9 nike running sneakers
    he had just been skiing on. Funning, I could have sworn he told
    me he was footin, not sneakin. When I questioned him on it he said
    that the water hurts his feet, makes them ake, gives him a boo-boo
    or something like that.
    
        Go for it guys. Don't hold back on this one!. I'm going to show
    him the replies (he can take it).
    
    
    
    bob.
    

    Well Bob, your nameless brother (Bill) is actually doing the right
    thing, for now.  I first learned to 'foot with sneakers on because
    it's much more forgiving on the feet and actually lets you feel like
    you're skiing rather than 'footing.  Also, you can ski for much longer
    periods of time with sneakers.  This is all the good news.  The not so
    good news is that if and when you finally shed the footwear you'll find
    that the tingling sensation will limit your performance until you
    toughen up those hoofs!  And the next-day pains (both feet and body)
    will convince you to stay off those feet for a little longer.
    
    OK enough of being nice...let's face it, using sneakers is not *really*
    B-A-R-E-footing.  And besides, using sneakers is for girly-men anyway!
    :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
    
    The cry of the Bad Boy Club ...
    
    "People use skis, bad boys use these!"
    (Picture: narly-looking dude with flat-top pointing to his bare feet)
    
    ...Roger...

    Tell him he's a total wimp, real footers LEARN on their bare feet.
    Sorry Rog. 8-)  I've never tried it with sneaks on my feet,
    I suppose it would be easier to learn, but still!  Anyway, like
    Roger says, if you aint bare footed you aint barefootin', and it
    don't count.
    
    Rob
    

    Could someone explain what a 'boom' is? I assume you mount it to
    the boat, and it overhangs out into space. Do you really hang off
    this thing next to a boat doing 30+ mph. Seems as though you could
    do some damage to yourself without trying too hard.
    
    Funny, pain seems to be synonomous with footin'. My neighbor up
    at the lake doesn't always walk to swiftly and he foots. Thoroughly
    enjoyed his deep water start. He is apparently an excellent skier.
    I thought people went footin' because it was cheaper than buying
    skis, then I saw his boat, 2001 B/F Nautique.
    
    ~jeff_who_doesn't_understand_how_you_can_ski_around_a_moving_boat

    re .40
    Yes it overhangs.
    Yes, but next to the boat at 40.
    Yes - damage is easy.
    Yes - lotsa pain.
    Yes its more expensive, $425 on equipment and $600 at the chiropractor
    and Xrays, and its easy to spend big bucks on boats.
    
    I think when your age gets larger than your footin' speed it might
    be time to just be a footin' spectator.
    
    Don

>    Could someone explain what a 'boom' is? I assume you mount it to
>    the boat, and it overhangs out into space. Do you really hang off
>    this thing next to a boat doing 30+ mph. Seems as though you could
>    do some damage to yourself without trying too hard.


	Hmmmm..., a definition for a boom.  Here's my best shot.  A
	boom is a metal/aluminum/etc hollow bar, about 2'' in diameter,
	which runs about 6 to 7' in length.  This bar attaches, to a
	pylon on a ski boat.  It is usually attached at a 90 degree
	angle to the pylon and perpendicular to the gunnel.  It extends
	about 5 to 6' away from the boat.  The skier holds on to it at
	the furthest point from the boat.  Good booms, such as BI's,
	taper the end of the boom to about the size of a ski handle for
	comfort.

	In skiing terms, a boom is a learning aid.  As you guessed, it's
	used mostly in barefooting, especially for learning new tricks!
	It's a lot less painful to learn off the boom, then to go right
	behind the boat.  I can to tumbles pretty smoothly off the boom,
	(actually off a 5' foot leader off the boom), but behind the boat,
	that's another story!  Doing them on the boom helps me to learn the
	right technique.

	As far as hurting yourself on the boom, I've never heard of it,
	never seen it, and never experienced it.  If you fall holding on
	to it, the boat is gonna keep going, leaven' you behind.  Of
	course, doing a teeth hold bacwards footin' on the bow side of
	the boom could be a little dangerous. :-)

	BTW, has anyone seen BI's hot rockin' feet video?!  It's a hot
	one!  It's about 20 minutes of hot footin', with Mike and a
	few others!  Check it out if you can...

	Speakin' of BI, I remember seeing that some of you might be
	going this year.  I'm gonna be visiting family during Christmas
	and will be at BI in FLA for one day.  Anyone gonna be down
	there around that time?

	Be skiin' ya,

	-ric.

    Hi Ric,
      A couple of things, Booms are in two 6 foot sections that connect
    together, so you really are out a good 7 feet or so next to the
    boat. Also the Barefoot International Boom (or "The Boom") is
    made from *solid* light aircraft aluminum. I'm saving my boat gas
    money over the winter to buy one.  :^)
      The Hot Rockin' Feet Video...EXCELLENT!!  Where did you get your
    copy?  (My copy got slightly munched by a VCR with filthy heads
    so can I borrow the master Don?  I'll be REAL careful)
      Don't know if we'll be going to BI again this winter or not, but
    if you go, don't let Mike and Nick talk you into "clubin' in
    Lauderdale.   :^)  :^)
    Doug.

	Doug,

	Goes to show ya how long it's been since I've skied off a boom.
	I don't own one myself; I do most of my skiing with the club!
	I like footin' behind the boat better than off the boom anyways!
	And it's been 2 weeks since I've even done that. :-(

	I ordered my copy of "Hot Rockin' Feet" about a month ago.
	Mike told me about it when he was up here in June, and said it
	was a must see (he's not too bias)!  So, when I got the flyer
	in the mail about it, I ordered my copy.  You're welcome to it
	if you can come by and get it.  I'd hate to send it through
	inter-office mail.  I'm at LKG, so if you know when you're
	gonna be in the area, let me know and I'll have it waiting
	for you...

	So Mike and Nick like partying, huh?  I can see Nick, but
	Mike?  He's so mello, ya know?  Anyways, I'll only be at BI
	for a day. :-(  I talked with Mike's sister when I made the
	reservation, and she said Mike might not even being around.
	I'd be bummin' if he wasn't, cause those of you who have
	skied with him know, that he's a tremendously awesome instructor.
	At least Nick (aka 007) will be there.  He's great too!

	If any of you guys are ever footin' around here, and need
	a third guy, or wouldn't mind havin' another footer around,
	I'd love to join in!

	Has anyone tried footin' on the Concord river?  As long as
	the water is deep enough, it looks like it would be awesome-
	nice and narrow, marshy on the sides to absorb backwash, glass
	calm and never another boat in site.  Kinda reminds me of the
	Quabog back in June...

	-ric.

    re Mike and Nick
    
    Mike would show up at dinner time during the week, and have milk
    with the ski gang.  Along comes Saturday night, and it is time
    to party at Lauderdale.  The place they took us to was like
    something out of Miami Vice.  Limos and characters and such.
    
    Anyway after a number of times of being warned that they were going
    to throw us out, they threw us out.  Mike falling asleep, after not
    returning a dancer's top, after splashing beer in the bouncer's
    eyes, after a number of other stunts like grabbing the glass off
    the bar with his teeth tilting his head back to chug the contents,
    and getting ready to pour a beer down the back of another patrons
    pants was a bit much for the management to take.
    
    Nick carried Mike out as he was not able to navigate under his own
    power.  A 63 year old footin' Doctor from Holland thought he would
    try footin' from the side of the Suburban as we were going along
    the highway at 30 or 40 mph.  Fortunately we stopped him before
    he got out the door.
    
    Yup good clean fun, but I would skip the Lauderdale trip on Saturday
    night.

    RE: .last few
    
    Good summary of the BI trip, especially the Lauderdale segment.  You
    just had to be there to see Mike...like a weeble...he wobbled but he
    didn't fall down.  I had one shift of holding him up near the bar as he
    performed some of the things Don mentioned.  The boy is solid
    muscle...I felt like I had my arms around a concrete pillar!  He's a
    good guy, just not a good drunk.  All I can say is that it's a good
    thing that Nick was there to haul him outta there...it would've taken
    three of us to do it without Nick.
    
    RE: .40
    
    Using the boom is very safe.  You need to see it to really believe it
    though.  On some falls it looks like the skier gets *very* close to the
    boat, and s/he does, but if they get too close on a nasty fall the
    spray from the side usually kicks the person away from the hull and no 
    impact results (and the spray doesn't hurt either).  I've never seen
    anyone get hit by the boat and we use my boom all the time (and do some
    pretty crazy things).
    
    RE: Ric...
    
    So when we going footin'?  Maybe we should create our own New England
    Bad Boy Club!  You'll be an official Bad Boy after the holidays!  Just
    one day @BI?  Bummer.  You need at least 2, I'd recommend 3.  More than
    3 is pretty painful, and you really need a day's rest before getting on
    the water for a 4th day.  Nick is a great instructor too.  Mike taught
    me the basics of backwards off the boom but I never quite got the hang
    of it (I was probably tired too).  The next day Nick took us out and I
    got up on my first try.  I think Nick is a better driver than Mike...he
    gave me more speed earlier.  Mike wanted me to ride for a while in the
    proper position and get the "feel" (which is probably the right thing
    to do when learning).  Nick just said "OK, you learned the basics
    yesterday...when (if) I see your feet are right, I'll hit it" and he
    did!  I was a beautiful thing.
    
    Oh yeah, another vote for Hot Rockin' Feet!  Unbelievable.  When I get
    depressed or just need a lift, I pop in that tape.  The music is
    awesome, and the footin' is outrageous!  I even have my cousins hooked
    on it...the first time I brought it down to RI they watched it *almost*
    as many times as we did at school (which, if I remember, was close to a
    double-digit number of times).  Oh, to be able to do that one foot side
    slide toe hold...maybe next year!  :-)
    
    ...Roger...

	RE: -1

	Roger,

	I did BI for a week back in June at the Eastern school, so can
	I join the New England Bad Boy Club now?  I even have a "Bad Boys
	Got These" t-shirt!

	I learned to foot at BI in June.  I figured a week would be
	great, but after the third day I think it was pretty much
	worthless.  I was so tired, that I was doing all I could to just
	maintain what I had learned!  I really went nowhere after the
	third day.

	I'd prefer to do at least two days at BI, but I'm going to FLA
	to visit family, and I'll have my girlfriend along.  I know she
	wouldn't be too pleased if I spent more than a day there. :-(
	I'll get as much out of it as possible.  I plan to work on
	tumbles (and get 'em behind the boat), one foots, wakes (which
	I love!), maybe start on learning backwards, and knee ski!
	Should be a full day!  I'm psyched, and I heard from BI this
	morning.  Mike will be there the week I'm down there!  FLA and
	BI here I come!

	I'm looking forward to seeing Nick too.  I did most of my
	training with him back in June.  He's really enthusiastic, and
	a great instructor!

	I have a question about sore feet.  Over the summer I foot about
	2 times a week, and every time I went out, my feet got really
	sore.  When I get out of the water, my arches are black and blue!
	I haven't foot for over two weeks now, and my arches are still
	swollen and red!  When I foot, I feel I could go forever, if
	my feet just wouldn't get sore!  I try to think about my body
	position, and it's right on!  I know it.  The guys in the boat
	say it is, and I'm never in the spray!  I haven't changed anything
	since BI in June, and Nick said I had really good position.  They
	hurt back then too!  To toughen 'em up for the season next year,
	I think for the first week I'll do a lot of skiing in the prop
	wash.  But for BI in December, is there anything I can do so my
	performance won't be hampered by sore feet?  I refuse to put
	booties on!

	So, is there any footin' goin' on around here?

	-ric.

    re: .47
    
         ric, maybe you could put a tiny bit less weight on the
    arches and a tiny bit on the ball of the foot.  I foot no
    where near as much as you and have no problems with my feet.
    This seems kind of unusual.
    
         Also, I finally saw the new James Bond movie this past
    weekend.  Did anyone else?  I'm surprised no one has mention-
    ed it yet.  There was some pretty cool footin' in it.  Not
    too fancy, just some tumbles and normal front footin', BUT,
    it was behind an airplane.  I had no idea it was going to
    happen until bang there it was.  What a surprise, I was
    jumping up and down in my seat and yelling at the screen.
    
    Rob
    

    Re: .47
    
    Ric, I have come to the conclusion that footin' is *NOT* an endurance
    sport.  You do short runs (a few hundred yards at most) and stop (or
    fall, whichever comes first).  Then go again.  It's when you go for
    these "let's make it across the lake and back" runs that the old arches
    catch fire.  Ya gotta either cool it a bit or do more tumbles (i.e. get
    off your feet for a short time).  My arches turn funny colors for a
    little while then return to normal, but the next day they hurt a little.
    Definitely not for 2 weeks though.  I think Rob has a good point, play
    around with where the water hits your feet...the further onto the ball
    of the foot the better.  Just wait till you start backwards...the water
    doesn't touch the arches at all (well, sort of)...my feet hurt after
    doing a few front tumble runs while at BI, then when I got up backwards
    I didn't feel a thing (except the incredible whiplash in my neck after
    the falls :-)).  I asked Nick the very question you are asking, and he
    told me that your feet get used to it.  I think the jury is still out
    on that one!
    
    Re: Rob
    
    In reference to your note about moving to warmer climates and skiing
    all winter...........<insert raspberry here> !!!   :-)  :-)  :-)
    So how's the skiing in NM?  BTW, did the screen yell back when you
    watched the movie?  :-)  I still haven't seen it yet.
    
    ...Roger...

	I haven't seen the new James Bond yet, but I've heard all
	about the barefoot stunt.  The skier who did it is Dave
	Reinhardt (sp?).  He told some guys in my ski club all
	about it.  He was in the area for a promo back in July,
	and one of the guys in my ski club (Pete from Sport Shak
	and Marine in Plaistow.  Some of you may know him.) brought
	him by on a Saturday.  Unfortunately, I had a wedding or
	something and missed it. :-(

	Apparently, the stunt wasn't as easy as it looked.  Maybe
	boom footin' isn't dangerous, but skiing up along side an
	airplane might be!  It is, because Reinhardt has the bumps
	and bruises to prove it.  It took millions of takes he
	said, and he had one serious injury.  He came up along
	side the plane wrong once, hit it, and got a good gash
	in the stomach.  Took a few stitches.

	I think I'll stick to the boom and behind the boat! Thank-you!

	RE: Roger

	My feet don't hurt anymore.  It's just funny that they are
	still swollen and red.  Maybe I was building up a tolerance!
	I'll see if Nick and Mike have any suggestions in December!

	Seipel's_disciples_walk_on_water!

	-ric.

    re: last 20 or so...
    
    		Me too! Me too! Hey Doug, how about cutting a copy
    of "Hot Rockin Feet" for me also... please oh pretty please?
    
    >Any footin going on?
    
    	Well... it just so happens that the Nautique is parked in my
    garage here in Lowell and the river is usually glass! So bring
    your feet to work with you and if we get an afternoon/evening
    that looks decent we'll head out... I don't think today will be
    the day, though...
    
    	last Saturday I finally managed to consistantly come up off
    the kneeboard (don't tell anyone I had tennies on :-) ) and then
    did some dual footin with a friend on the long line, pretty neat!
    Anyway the point is that if you have trouble footin on your
    feet, try tennis shoes, the stability is amazing. _
    
    	Rick Bracing_for_the_flames_from_Rob_and_all_the_other_footers!

	Rick,

	That was not a good idea admitting that you had tennies on.  You'll
	get razzed for that one a bit!!  Maybe you should start a new note!
	:-)

	One thing I've learned to do footing is to get a sense of where the
	water line is on my feet.  I can anticipate when I'm gonna take a
	header and tuck, cause I can feel the water line creaping up to my
	toes.  I'd actually feel a little insecure not being able to feel
	where the water is, or *can* you feel it?

	I'd be up for some skiin any day after work.  I can't get away
	during the day unfortunately-we're on the critical path on my
	project and the pressure is high!  Can you give a day's notice
	so I can have my stuff!!  I'd love to get in some footin' with
	people who enjoy it like I do!

	-ric.

    It's not that today is a *bad* day (the water would sure be calm), but
    the drizzle in your face is like getting hit with nails...not fun.
    
    I, too, wouldn't mind getting another copy of the Hot Rockin' Feet
    video.  Our copy-of-a-copy-of-a-copy-of... is getting pretty worn out. 
    It'd be nice to see things clear again.
    
    When do we hit the water?
    
    ...Roger...

    Hey Rick, Congrats on your tennieing, but what are ya doin'
    entering it in the barefoot note.  I think you should start
    another note...........for second class footers. 8-)
    
    Rob......I had to do it to you, right Rick?
    

    Maybe 'cause the barefeet are *inside* the tennis shoes?
    Don't buy that?...I didn't think so...  :^)
    Doug

    
    Anyone interested in going to Florida?
    
    Two friends of mine and I are planning to go to
    Mike Seipel's Barefoot International school in January,
    propbably either the week of the 15th or 22nd.
    The time we depend on the type of airfair we can get.
    Since there is power in numbers we are looking to find
    2 - 3 other people who are interested in going.
    The plan is to spend three days at BI and possibly one
    day at a ski/slalom site.
    
    Barefoot International is $85/day and about $30 a day
    for lodging.  If you are interested please get in touch
    with me as soon as possible.
    
    If it matters,  the other two guys are accomplished barefooters,
    and I have only "footed" from the  boom 5-6 times.
    
    Mike Smith    ZEN::SMITH    225-7237
    
    

re                        <<< Note 62.56 by BINKLY::SMITH >>>
>                   -< Barefoot Int. in Florida, Jan. 1990. >-

	I'd like to, but would prefer later.  If we could schedule it
for the February school break I might be able to recruit a couple of
teenagers (mine).  FWIW, I'm less experienced than you or your friends,
having  *_ALMOST_*  footed off the boom once. 

	R

    Mike,
      Would love to go again, but doesn't look to promissing for this
    year.. Give my regards to Mike and Nick and Dave and Gwen and Kathleen
    and ... and all the gals in that bar in Lauderdale. :^)  ;^) :*}
    Doug (Who's wife looked at the 4-foot long present to her under the
    tree, and with a P.O.ed look on her face said, "You didn't buy me a
    BOOM did you?!"   I just grinned)
    [Actually it's track-lighting for her sewing area]  :^)

	Don't forget that Mike might be back in June...that is if you
	can't make it to the school in Florida!

	I'll, uh, ask him next week about the New England ski school when
	I see him and report back! :-)  If he comes up here again, I think
	it would be a blast if all us DECfooters got together and went to
	the school for a few days!

	Countin' 'em down...just 8 days till BI!  I'm lookin' forward
	to bruised arches and burnin' heals!  A little maso I know, but
	Barefooters have this trait inbread!

	-ric.

>> Doug (Who's wife looked at the 4-foot long present to her under the
>>     tree, and with a P.O.ed look on her face said, "You didn't buy me a
>>     BOOM did you?!"   I just grinned)

Good thing she doesn't know that it would have to be a 6-foot package if it was
a boom!  :-)

Hey Ric, we're all jealous!  Have a great time!  Say "yo!" to the BI crew for me
too!  Hey Doug, you forgot about Casey...the hand that fed us!

...Roger...

	Hello!

	I bring greetings from BI...and Nick sends his greetings to the
	footers who attended last winter (Roger, Doug...).  He had a hard
	time remembering who you were--they see lots of students, but once
	I mentioned the party y'all had in Lauderdale, he remembered
	immediately.  Apparently Mike doesn't go out and drink very often,
	so it was a memorable occasion.  Consider yourselves privileged
	to see the man totally wrecked...not many people do!!

	When I first got to BI, the first thing I noticed was the lack of
	Ski Centurions (there was one in the water), and the populace of
	MasterCraft outboards (still powered by Yamaha).  Mike has changed
	his boat sponsorship to MasterCraft, and MasterCraft is currently
	working on an outboard barefoot boat.  I guess you could say they're
	getting serious about barefooting.

	The MasterCraft was good for footin' off the boom--no spray and
	all, but the wakes I was looking forward to for wake slalom just
	weren't there.  This boat had the typical ski boat wake--a real
	mess 75 feet back with the little wake inside the wake...know what
	I mean?  I guess that's why MasterCraft is working on a barefoot
	boat.  Hopefully it will have a flat table and better defined wakes.

	The water was cold from the freeze they had the previous week, and
	a dry suit was a must.  My guess is that the water may have been
	barely 60, if that!

	I was pleased with what I accomplished during the day.  I started
	in the morning with Nick.  First, I worked on wake slalom, and on
	the second set with Nick I worked on my one footers.  Is the strong
	foot always the forward slalom foot, or is this just a coincidence
	with me?

	Also during the second set with Nick I ventured into backward
	barefooting.  What a trip!  I got the glide of the feet at 10 mph
	down on my first try and remained consistent with it, but had a 
	b***h of a time gettin' my a** in the air.

	During the afternoon with Mike, we went right into the backward
	barefooting.  Either these guys like teaching this, or they like
	to see people suffer!  I'm not sure which!  Anyways, I got up
	backwards with Mike once, and quickly took a fall which I felt
	in my back and neck for two days!  Unfortunately, we didn't have
	a neck brace in the boat with us...Backwards footin' will be something
	to work on this summer and at BI in June (see note 334).

	On the second set with Mike, I got the one footers nailed down
	pretty good!  I can't wait to try them behind the boat!

	All in all a great day!  Did I hear somebody say "January thaw?"

	-ric.

Great news from BI.  So Nick remembered us by the Lauderdale trip eh?  Well, I
guess we'll take the recognition however we can get it!  :-)  Therefore, I *am*
honored to have been able to witness the rare occasion when even world champions
become human and partake of sub-human activities!!  It was quite a night.

It sounds like you did really well with Mike when you did backwards...that's
great.  I didn't seem to have as much luck with Mike as I did with Nick.  Mike
seemed to want me to glide too long on my chest, whereas Nick punched it as soon
as my feet were right.  That's why I got up right away with Nick.  Anyway,
sounds like we should get together for some backwards training this summer.  I
know I've got lots to practice!  I'd also like to do some wake slalom.  I
haven't tried that yet, and didn't do any while at BI last year.  Maybe we can
share our knowledge and become greater than the sum of both of us (pretty
profound, eh.?).

I think I'd be up for a day or two in June when Mike and Nick are here.  When
the official schedule comes out, let's post it and see if we can get a boat-load
of noters!

...Roger...

RE: Barefoot International  (Jan. 13- Jan. 18 1990)

Been so busy since I got back I have not had a chance to get in
here to write this until now.

Well I must say that I just spent one of the best weeks I have ever
had on the water down at Mike Seipel's Barefoot International school.
This was also my first ski of the new year, Jan. 13th,  I will have 
trouble beating that date next year.
If any of you are considering going down there I would say do it,
the people there are great and they are good at teaching.

I had been on a boom three times before I had gone down to BI.
At the end of the first day I was doing deep water starts off the
5 ft. leader.  The second day I worked on one foot
on the boom and stepping out of a ski on the 5 ft leader.
In the morning of the third day I got the long line deep water
starts down and in the afternoon I got the longline step out
of a ski down.  These were my goals going down there.

The weather everyday was 80 degrees and sunny,  the water temp
was cool but OK even without a wetsuit or drysuit.
Each day we would go out with Mike Seipel in the morning and
Nick in the afternoon.  There was four of us together and we
were the only ones ever in the boat.  In fact one of the 
afternoons two of the guys did not go back out so it was just
myself and my friend Grant in the boat,  and there was about
5 guys in the other boat that went out.

We got to West Palm Beach Sat. about noon and headed over to BI
after picking up a rental car.  It was a little windy and we were
just interested in a warm up so we went out for an hour or so and
did some slalom skiing.  This was a good warmup.
Sunday, BI is closed so since we had brought the golf clubs along
we played a round of golf and hung out at the pool.
Monday was the start of barefooting,  as I mentioned before my day
went well.  I never thought I would be skiing off the 5 ft leader on
the first day.  By Monday night I was BEAT.  It is amazing how numerous
face plants a body slams makes you tired.
Tuesday morning,  a handful of Advil later and we we back at it.
They are pretty good at trying to keep you form over doing it
and at the same time pushing you to excell.  This is way Mike had
mentioned me trying the one foot stuff as a change of pace. And again I
was pleased to be able to step out of a ski on the 5 ft leader.
Wednesday is the day that Mike skis so we all took the morning off
to watch him jump.  I had never seen barefoot jumping before and I
must say I was quite impressed.  To see this guy heading towards this
2-3ft jump at 42 mph and FLYING nearly 70ft landing and skiing away
ALL in his barefeet was something to see.  Well during the break we
heading out shopping fully intending to come back and ski the afternoon
set.  Well when the afternoon came it was obvious we needed more rest
and desided to take the full day off.  We ended up hanging out at the
pool for the rest of the day.  This turned out to be a great decision.
Thursday morning we got up and we were ready to go.  I got my first long
line deep water start, and worked on that and stepping out of a ski long
line for the rest of the day.  I had thoughht about trying some tumble
turns but I desided not to beat myself up anymore than I all ready was.
We flew out Thursday night.

Wednesday night, Mike, his wife Gwen, the other instuctors, and all us
students down at the school all got together to go out drinking and dancing.
I will have you guys know that your trip to Fort Lauderdale last year
is STILL being talked about. We had a pretty tame night in comparision.

One of the best things we brought with us was a video camera.
We got most of everything on film and it is both enjoyable to
watch at the end of the day as well as instructive to analyse
what you did that day.

The people down there and the accomodations were great.  We did not stay
in the bunk house, we stayed in one the the hotel/condos that they had
there.  We did not do the meal plan since we had a car, although 
we did get in on a couple of breakfasts ($5) and they were really good.
All in all a great week.  I was pleased with what I 
learned and felt that I got alot out of it.  Unless you are really in
great skiing shape before you go down there you really need to plan on
having a day off in the middle of the week.  I think I probably could have
done another day on Friday if we were staying but not much more than that.
As far as my feet getting sore I was very happy to find that I did not
need to use bootties while I was there.  My feet did turn black-n-blue
from my toes to my heals but it never got to the point where I could not 
stand on the water.

I told them that I knew you guys that had been down there before me 
either thru skiing with you or from the notes, and both Mike and Nick 
remember you guys being there.
I plan on getting out to see them when they are up here in June.
Mike said that he is planning on coming up to the New England Boat Show
Feb 17-25.  He said he would be there for a day or two to promote his school
in June and Mastercraft boats.   I got the chance to drive the Mastercraft
with the Yamaha 200HP OB once when Nick was demostrating one foot toeholds,
and I must say that the boat really gets up and goes.  I do not know much
about a good barefoot wake but I do know that the turbulance was tough on my
but when riding along in the deep water starts long line.
Mike said he is selling the Centurions, I think he said $14K for a one year
old boat/motor/trailer.

Like I said before I really recommand BI to anyone who is really interested
in learning to barefoot.  I had a great time and hope to get back to them
either in June or maybe again sometime in FLA.
I just hope that when the ice thaws I will still remember how to do
it again.

Mike Smith    Long Line Barefooter   (no tennies)

    Good stuff, Mike.  Sounds alot like like our trip, save for the Ft.
    Lauderdale excursion.  I'm proud to have been a part of BI history!
    
    Don't wory about forgetting what you learned...you won't.  It'll come
    back to you in an instant.  What stcuk with me most was the discipline,
    how to concentrate on what you're doing so that it becomes second
    nature (holding the handle close to your hip on tumbleturns, pushing
    your chest down hard on back deeps, etc.).  That you'll never forget. 
    Also what was good was to learn how to drive for many of the maneuvers. 
    As you probably found out, knowing how to drive makes all the
    difference in the world when you're learning barefoot tricks.  Just
    "punching it" doesn't work in most cases.
    
    Let's try to get together for the boat show in Feb.  Maybe we can
    organize another noters party to watch your video.  And perhaps we can
    get a group together for some time at the N.E. school in June.  I'm up
    for it!
    
    ...Roger...

	Mike,

	Wow!!  Sounds like you had a great time!!  And you accomplished
	a lot too!!  Congratulations!!  Footin' is a tremendous rush!!
	Isn't it?!

	So you got to see the Matador himself pop a few off the top of
	the ramp!  That must have been awesome!  And he makes it look
	so easy...did you watch from the boat or from the shore?!

	RE: BI in June!  You know you can count me in!  I think 3 days
	of punishment outta do it for me!  They aren't taking registration
	yet for the school in June, but they do know it will be in
	Brookfield.

	We should go out to the Quabog some time for a footin' gumball! 
	It's not that far from Worcester, and the conditions are perfect
	for footin'!

	Keep your toes up!

	-ric.

    Great Stuff Mike!  Glad you had a good time.
    Yeh, we should all get together for the boat show and
    discuss our future discounts and group rates with Seipel. :^)
    woah...14K for a (well) used Centurion!  sounds a little steep.
    You'd think he'd want to unload it. (Bad advertising from the 
    Mastercraft point-of-view)
    Doug

    Re: the boat show:
    One of my friends who went down to BI with me works for the Mariott,
    in Copley,  he is going to try to get Mike a deal when he comes up 
    for the show so I with find out which day he is going to be there
    and let you know. I plan on hitting which ever day he plans to be
    there.
    
    Re: BI in June:
    Definitely count me in for a couple of days.  I think there is a good
    chance we could work out a deal with him if we were to get 6-8 people
    to go together.
    
    RE: Mike Seipel jumping:
    We were watching from another boat about 50-100 ft from the jump.
    It was real impressive.  He will teach you to jump if you want,
    they even use the boom as a teaching aid.  I desided to pass on it this
    time but it looks like a really sick stunt,  I can't wait to be steady
    enough on my feet to try it.
    
    Looking forward to BEATING myself into the water again,
    Mike Smith
    
    

	I just saw (didn't read yet) Mike Seipel's article in the
	latest "Water Ski" on doing barefoot beach starts.  I've
	been wanting to try this, but there's one concern I have
	which probably isn't discussed in Mike's article:  What can
	this start mean to my wet suit?  Even if the sand is smooth,
	can I damage it?

	Does anyone have experience with beach starts?  If you do,
	I'd like to hear about it!

	-ric. (Tender Foot)

No problem, Ric.  I do them all the time, and the wetsuit doesn't seem to mind.
I'd think that after many (and I mean *many*) times you'd start to wear it down,
but you're not really on the beach long enough to so any damage.  I've scuffed
mine on the larger stones and sticks, but never ripped it.  I was worried about
this at one time and used to put on an old pair of cutoffs over the wetsuit.  It
works OK, but the wetsuit slides much nicer without them.  Besides, if you rip
the suit, it's a great excuse to get a new one!  :-)

This is one of the best stunts to do in a ski show.  The crowd loves it.
Picture it, there you are, standing on the beach with the handle in your hand,
talking to a little kid while the boat idles out.  The kid says, "Hey Mister,
whaddya doing?"  You say "Aw, just gonna do some skiing."  The kid says "Hey,
but where are your skis?"  You say, "Skis?  Who needs skis when I've got these
(pointing to your feet)!"  The kid looks confused.  The line tightens up and you
say "Sorry kid, gotta go...talk to ya when I get back!", you sit down, toss your
feet on the rope, the driver hits it and off you go!  You hit the water, bounce
a little, stand up, foot around the circle, swing back by the crowd and fall (in
spectacular fashion, of course).  The crowd goes wild!  It's a beautiful thing!

...Roger...

P.S.  Maybe if we can recruit you for the Suncook show this year we can do
	double beach starts!  Quite impressive.

	Rog,

	Double?!  I've been thinking of this lately too (honest)...
	not with a beach start, but from a deep start.  Have you
	ever tried it?  It must take good cheek control to keep
	from running over the other guy! :-)

	Maybe we can try that double beach start off the beach at
	Mattawanakee!

	-ric.

Double deeps?  No sweat!  My buddies and I did 4 (yes, that's four) deeps
altogeter behind one boat.  It does get crowded.  But with two, you can ride for
a bit then plant your feet when you're clear of the other guy.  The momentum
does tend to pull both skiers into the center of the wake, but with two it's
manageable.

We tried 5, but the boat didn't have the beef to keeps us all standing (wimpy
little 302 V8 :-)).

The way we do the double beach starts in our show is to use two boats.  Much
more exciting for the crowd to see two boats idling parallel to each other, then
jump out of the hole dragging an idoit, err skier, behind each.  It gets a
little tricky when making the circle back to the beach.  One boat goes on the
outside, one on the inside.  The outside driver has to be careful in the event
that the inside skier falls.  Other than that, standard barefoot hazards apply!

...Roger...

    
    	Well..... next week it's Hazelwood's for me! (go ahead Rick, rub it
    in)
    
    	While I think I'll forego the beach starts, I've been wondering
    what I should work on. And before someone else says it, I'll
    work on getting rid of my tennies... :-)
    
    	Some first thoughts are: hand skiing, correct tumble turns.....
    Is backwards do-able in a day or so?
    
    Rick

    Rick,
      I think you should work on the SKI-JUMP.  Isn't that what Hazelwood
    does best??  Save the Tennies for the courts. ;^)
    Maybe you should belay the hand-skiing until Roger (Bad Boy) Gaudet
    can give us a group lesson.  I want to learn too...
    Doug (Who is now picking up the phone to order wetsuit,handle,rope and
    tee-shirts.  Birthday's comin' dont-cha-know.)  

    Just a Foot-Note...(Nyuk-Nyuk)
    I just got off the phone with Mr. Seipel (You know-Mike's dad) and
    he told me about Barefoot Int'l new wetsuit line. The one I'm (now)
    interested in is made of Lycra (as opposed to Nylon II) is in the 
    colors of Blue/pink/yellow (ala Eagle Eliminator) or Black/orange/???
    (ala Halloween?) has a redesigned "Feet" logo on the back, (not the
    traditional Seipel/world champion logo) and is 259.95 WHICH INCLUDES
    MATCHING SHORTS!  Not a bad deal..
    The new catalog will be going out in about six weeks.
    Also, the Kevlar non-stretch rope is available in traditional
    blue/white or as Mikes dad put it, "They call it Magenta; looks PINK to
    me."    To eliminate confusion with line mix-ups, I might go with the
    PIN..;er MAGENTA!  
    Doug  (Just as I was nearing payoff of my VISA..Oh well) 

Sounds like you're thinking just footin' all week.  Did you read in Hazelwood's
brochure that they do lots of footin'?  The reason I ask is that Doug's comment
is true, Mike was a world class jumper so I'd think he'd be a great person to
help you learn to jump.  Of course, you may not want to, but I'd say "Go for it"
while you have the chance.  I'd save the hand skiing for when we get together,
it's not that hard and I think I know enough about the details to get ya up.
Besides, it beats the daylights out of your wrists and triceps, and ya don't
wanna be hurtin' *too* much!  :-)

My recommendations?  Slalom, jump and a little footin'.  Slalom early in the
week, and get them to help you with your technique (no offense! :-))  It's
probably easier to pace yourself on a slalom.  Then do some footin'.  Try some
one-foot off the boom, maybe a toe-hold, and then if you're feeling particularly
ambitious try a backwards start off the 5' section.  Bring nose-plugs!  Is it
learnable in a day?  I'd say so.  It took me one whole day of sliding on my
chest and doing back-flips before running out of steam, then I stood up on my
first run the following day!  One of the other guys in our boat was standing the
same day we first tried it (the chump :-)).  So it's doable.  Filter in some
jumping toward the end of the week, although Mike may recommend to at least try
it a couple of times earlier in the week.  They probably won't have you jump off
the top of the ramp the first few times.  Check out the diagram below.

  "Why am I doing this?" --+        +-- Point of no return!  "Ack!"
                           v        |
                        .......     |  ___________
                      .         .   | |           |
  You're            .             . v |           |
  pumped          .                 . |   ramp    |
  now! ------>  .                     .           |
              .                       | .         |
            .                         |   .       |     "I *love* this sport!
   skier  .                           |_____._____|    | Once more, Mike!"        .                                     .        |
        .                                     .        |
      .                                         . <----+
____._____________________________________________._________     _____
  .                    boat path                    .           |_____>
.___________________________________________________________      boat


Basically, you swing out wide (to the left) of the ramp, then drift across to
the center of the base of the ramp.  The momentum will carry you over about the
center of the right edge of the ramp (it's only about 2-1/2 feet off the water).
Three fundamental rules of jumping: 1) *NEVER* cut on the ramp (i.e. keep your
skis flat, knees bent), 2) Don't buckle at the waist (keep your back straight),
and 3) Keep the handle in tight to your gut (*don't* raise it over your head or
swing it out to your side).  In short, don't flap your arms like Mike Seipel
does over the barefoot ramp, at least until you're as good as he is!

Oh yeah, I'm jealous.  But enjoy yourself anyway!  :-)  And come back in one
piece so I can have a shot at beating on you with some hand skiing!!!

...Roger...

now_ordering_a_drysuit_and_other_non-essentials

(Hey Rick, should I order a helmet and neck brace too? :-))

  -< Barefoot Int'l invades Boston >-

    If anyone is interested in going to the New England Boat Show to
    Harass..I mean, Say Hi to Mike Seipel, he'll be at the Ray's Marine
    and RV booth (Mastercraft booth C503) on Friday night 2/23 and all day
    Saturday the 24th. (I don't think I can make it, so give him my
    regards and tell him I just spent $400 bucks on "Stuff".)
    BTW: David Harris says hi to all you noters.(was talking to him on the
    phone a little earlier...)         
    Doug

	If anyone visits Mike at Ray's booth at the Boat Show (I
	won't be able to make it unfortunately), see what kind of
	info you can get on MasterCraft's new outboard barefoot
	boat.  I'm not sure if it's out yet, but I have a feeling
	Mike might be there promoting it!

	Also, BI has still not firmed up their dates for the stay
	in Brookfied in June.  Stay tuned...

	-ric.

    
    Re: the boat show,  
    I am planning on getting down there on Saturday for a while.
    Definitely I will stop in to see Mike Seipel.
    
    Re: Doug and your new purchases,
    If you have bought one of the new BI wetsuits I think you will be
    plesantly surprised with the new material.  When we were down at BI
    last month we all tried out the suits.  I had never had a barefoot
    suit before so I had nothing to compare it to, but my friend who was
    using a HO suit previously could not believe how much easier the suit
    "slid" on the water.  He said tumble turns were "MUCH" easier.   
    Personnaly I can't do turmble turns but I liked the suit just the same.
    The "system" as he calls it with the suit and the pants is a nice
    combination.  I liked the back and orange colors, but that is all
    just a matter of choice.
    
    I hope that we can all get together and find a day that fits into
    all our schedules and get over to see Mike S. when he comes up.
    We should all be in MID-season shape by June.  :-)
    
    Mike Smith

    Well, to resurrect an old note... I'm finally beginning to earn my
    stripes. (you know, the colored stripes on the inside of your arches
    when you foot for more than a few hundred yards at a time?)  Due to the
    fact that our slalom course has been on the bottom of the lake for the
    past month or so (it's a long story) I've taken the opertunity to try
    and become somewhat proficient in footin'.  In the past, I've just been
    draggin around the lake (longline-I don't have a boom) on my butt, then
    up onto my feet (sometimes) then see how far I could go before I crash.
    But now - after much scientific research, extensive experimentation,
    and analytic data interpretation - By Jove, I've Got It!
    My research assistant/boat driver/wife now knows the required takeoff
    acceleration and top end speeds, knows how to keep the rollers under
    control and keeps a sharp eye out for any potential problems. (i.e.
    weekend wallys pulling multiple tubers in random directions.  
    From my end of the rope, I've used 75' and 90' (prefered), found the
    "nice" parts of the wake and don't have too much problem dealing with
    the self induced spray in my face (seems to be speed related).  
    So this past weekend I was finally on my feet until I *let go* rather
    than until I *crashed*.  And the water wasn't that calm either! Oh what
    a feeling!  So I was all excited when I saw the pink stripes on my
    arches. (I haven't yet graduated to purple or black/blue stripes
    yet - like Roger, Rick, Ric or Rob - But I'm on my way!)
    Roug Whynot 

    Hey Doug...welcome to the BBC.  I just put my "Bad Boy Club" sticker on
    the side window of my boat last weekend.  Makes me feel like a tough
    guy!  :-)
    
    Now it's time to get you doing some longline tumbles...almost as much
    fun as learning the slalom ski deepwater start!  :-)
    
    ...Roger...

    
    Check it out, there's an article in today's Boston Globe
    on the thrills of barefooting.
    
    jd/
    

	Hi!

	Pretty good article.  Until the end where it was discussed how new
	techniques have been developed to make the sport easier, I thought
	the author was painting a dangerous picture.  Any sport is dangerous
	when you do something like a start off of ice or at a dangrously
	fast speed.  I thought I did some silly things!  The guy who was
	barefooting at 55mph is lucky he walked away with only burnt feet.
	I can't imagine how painful a fall of any type at that speed would
	be without the proper training and equipment.  Have the stretcher
	ready.

	Barefooting seems to have a reputation as being a stunt man's or
	daredevil's sport, and it's nothing of the like.  (People who know
	me understand this.  :-) ) This conception keeps people who don't
	understand the sport from experiencing the thrill.  With a boom,
	barefooting can be learned at lower speeds and safely.

	Now, on to more important matters.  Anyone hear results from the
	Barefoot Worlds?

	-ric.

    
    Re: Ice starts
    
        Where do you think the idea of ice-starting came from???
    Water-ski mag, of course!  There was a picture in there
    of some guy sitting on the ice, waiting for the driver to
    HIT IT.  I bet a lot of skiers tried that manuever after
    seeing the photo.  Can you imagine what would happen if
    the ice let go before you reached open water?!  Ouch-ie mai!
    
    Anyways, I think the pictures I have of the "dual-footers",
    and others are much better than what the Globe has!  :>)
    
    Jeanne
    

    
    >Anyways, I think the pictures I have of the "dual-footers",
    >and others are much better than what the Globe has!  :>)
    
    >Jeanne
    
    	I still need to get ahold of your negatives for those
    wonderfully artistic photos....
    
    Rick

	What are the Dual Footers?

    
    Re:  Dual Footers
    
    They are pictures of two barefooters, behind the boat,
    Roger and Rick, taken in a sequence from deep-water starts,
    to stand-O'.s!  
    
    You bet Rick, I'll put the negs in the mail.
    
    jd/
    

    I got a call last night from Tom [owner] out at Valley Marina. He'll be
    sponsoring another barefoot session June 15 & 17. The teacher will be
    Brian Fowtz. Although I don't know Brian, I've heard good things about
    him. The cost is $65 for a fullday, and $45 for a half day. The message
    said that they would be using the Flightcrafts [I assume he means the
    new 200 XL O/B]. If anyone is interested the # is 603-899-3378. The
    weather and water should be much improved over the time I was there
    last month.
    
    ~jeff

    re; -1:   That's Brian Fuchs, (pronounced "FOX") who skis for
    Flightcraft.  I'm sure it'll be Flightcraft O.B. for this.
    He's also alot cheaper than Seipel ($500/day + expenses) at $265/day +
    expenses.  (maybe because he's a youngster. :^)
    
    Doug

    Sunday morning we were out on the small end of Lake Winnisquam
    wrinkling the water when we caught a confirming glance of what looked
    to be the new Flightcraft XL200 outboard with boom, piloted by Brian 
    Fuchs, and loaded up with 4-5 neophyte barefooters.  Someone on the lake
    had rented Brian for the day as had been rumored. By 10:00 the water had
    been sufficiently trashed by wind and wakes and they were gone. They were
    supposedly going to head off to Oppechee(???) when things got too bad. 
    There was talk of hiring Brian for an additional day by a second group of
    painseekers (friends of mine) but(t) the reluctance of having it on the 
    lake, and the $$$, squashed that idea.
    
    ~jeff
    
    

    	I'am very interested in learning to foot. I ski with some very
    experienced slalom skiers, but we don't have very much footn'
    experience. I first tried shoe skis off the kneeboard and found that
    easy to master. Second I tried sneakers of the kneeboard and was able
    to get off for a very short run, but it felt GREAT! Some of the
    problems that I was having was the Kneeboard starts to porpoising at
    the speed that it takes to come off. So I tried to do some deep water
    starts. Having read W S mags and this note from the start I have picked
    up a lot. But I just can't seem to get moving in the water when the
    boat starts. I have my feet up on the rope arms straight head back but
    somethings wrong. Should I have the boat driver nail it or a gradual
    pull? Any help or sugestions on deep starts or learning to foot?
    
    Thanks 
    
    Steve, ( in bad need of a boom )

A couple of tips for deep water starts:

Feet should be one over the other on the rope.

Boat should apply full throttle.

When boat takes off, lay flat with back slightly curved

When the boat takes off also apply pressure from feet on rope.  This will
create two pressure points feet and shoulder blades, thus creating an air
pocket.  Don't rush sitting up.  If you do water will come between your legs
into your face. (not pleasent)

Sit up with feet still on rope.

When boats reaches your speed (35-42mph) take feet off rope slowly.  Insert 
feet, heel first at shoulder width.   As more pressure is put on feet, your
seat will become lighter and then be off of the water.
There will be alot of spray in your face until all your weight is transferred
to your feet.

Good Luck.

PS If there is a boat wake coming your way, you can always sit back down 
on water to ride the wake out and then plant feet again.

	I agree with all these tips except one, and would like to add a
	couple.

	As far as boat speed goes, I wouldn't like to be on the end of
	a rope, pulled by a MasterCraft accelerating out of the hole
	with maximum acceleration.  You might need almost full-throttle,
	but I wouldn't "nail it."  I just gauge a barefoot start like a
	strong smooth slalom start.  If you have a ski boat, just
	picture a firm slalom start, but continue accelerating up to
	the barefoot speed.

	On the other end of the rope, when the boat starts, Mike Seipel
	(who I learned from) suggested that you try to arch back as far
	as possible, as if you're trying to scrape your head on the bottom
	of the lake.

	One of the keys to keeping your body steady at the
	point where you come out of the water is to keep the handle
	across your hips, with elbows bent, sitting slightly bent back.
	At about 15-20 mph, you should be able to sit up.  Keep that handle
	across your hips.

	When you're first trying the deep-water start, ask the driver
	to give you a little push outside the wake.  You'll be happier
	stepping off out there.  Also, ask for a signal from the boat
	crew when you're up to your barefoot speed.  It's hard to judge
	boat speed while you're skipping across the water on your butt.
	You'll be able to judge with more experience.  The key here?
	BE PATIENT!

	Stepping off can be quite easy if you remember a few things.
	Don't jam your feet!  Place your heals in gently and BEND YOUR
	KNEES.  Bring them up to your chest when you're stepping off so
	they  are at about a 90 degree angle.  At the same time you
	are placing your feet in the water, let your arms out.  This step
	is KEY.  If you let your arms out as your are placing your feet in,
	you'll be amazed to see how quickly you come up!

	One couple more things in closing: proper equipment is essential.
	To do a deep-water start, you need a barefoot suit.  No question.
	A barefoot line and rope will be a big help as well.  With a
	barefoot line you can get further behind the boat, where the water
	is calmer.  A barefoot line is also stiffer, so there's no bounce
	caused by a stretchy line (like slalom lines).

	OH, and one more thing: TAKE OFF THOSE SNEAKERS!  You ain't
	barefootin' unless your feet are bare!

	Good luck!

	-ric!

I'll second Ric's suggestion about handle position.  It makes all the difference
when doing deepwater starts.  Keep it close to your hips (or stomach).  Don't
let the handle get out over your thighs (i.e. your arms are straight) or you'll
start to porpoise.  Also, when starting on a kneeboard, try to get as far
forward on the board as possible.  That will help reduce the bouncing you're
experiencing when the boat accelerates to barefoot speed.  And yes, take off
them sneakers!  Remember, Bad Boys got *these* (pointing to *bare* feet)!  :-)
Actually you'll find that learning without something on your feet will improve
your technique with any start, deepwater, kneeboard or step-off ski.  You'll be
able to "feel" when the water is hitting your arches at the correct spot and
you can adjust your body position more accurately for various water conditions.

One more quick suggestion: come to a gumball!  NCP says your node is in area 56
which I believe is somewhere here in the Greater Maynard area (Littleton,
perhaps?).

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

...Roger...

    Nobody discussed breathing!  One of my biggest problems was getting
    water jammed into my nostrils on deep water starts.  This was
    alleviated by blowing out your nose as you're dragging through the
    water to offset the water coming into your nose...
    
    And concentration helps.  I find that it helps to talk to myself to get
    proper body position.  i.e.  Handle into the gut!...wait..wait for
    speed...feet!...GENTLY...FEET!..(keep them toes up)...knees...(position
    to control the spray)... *@%# W*A*V*E*S %@!@!!!!  SPLAT (end of run)
    
    Your mileage may vary  :^)
    
    Doug

    Thanks for all your information and suggestions. I'll ditch the
    sneakers and stick to long line. I rather be a Bad Boy than a
    girly-man. I have a barefoot suit to use this realy helps but took some
    work to convince the boat driver that I could't wear my jacket
    (thinking that if I knocked my self out that the suit wouldn't keep my
    head up -told him to get back quicker) My next atempt won't be until
    this weekend. I'll let you guys know how I make out. I work in Stow and
    live in Lunenburg most of are skiing is done at Lake Boon, At the
    moment I'am not a boat owner, waiting for Overton's to call telling me
    whan to pickup the new C.C. on the cat. cover. I'd love to atend a
    Gumball sometime. How did you guys come up with that name? I have
    enjoyed reading about them in this note. Sounds like you guys really
    have fun and are real skiers. 
    
    Thank again for the help
    Steve

    
    >girly-man. I have a barefoot suit to use this realy helps but took some
    >work to convince the boat driver that I could't wear my jacket
    >(thinking that if I knocked my self out that the suit wouldn't keep my
    >head up -told him to get back quicker) My next atempt won't be until
    
    	Doesn't your barefoot suit have flotation in it (albeit, not USCG
    approved)?
    
    	The term GUMBALL came from a former car race and/or movie in which
    "Gumball" is the code word to go racing or in our case skiing.........
    
    Good luck footin.... oh yeah, after hitting the stick on the merrimack
    I've been back to &*(!@(!@(<Data overrun>
    
    Rick

    The movie name is "The Gumball Rally." Back in my Navy days, my
    submarine crew took quite nicely to that movie, and it was played at
    least once every 3-4 days while on a 70-day patrol. There was something
    special about that flic, and it was chosen over at least 50 other
    movies as a repeat performer. Actually, now that I think of it, it was
    dead even with the "Revenge of the Pink Panther." 
    

RE: .98  Aw come one, you can't fool us.  You dogs just wanted to stare at
Adrian Barbeau (sp?) and her sidekick in that fine sportscar!  :-)  :-)  I'd
say they looked a wee bit better than Inspector Clouseau, wouldn't you?  :-)

Yeah, good luck Steve.  All the advice so far is excellent.  It's like riding a
bike ... you eventually put things together and do it all naturally (like
breathing, holding the handle in, planting your feet gently, etc.).  Maybe we'll
see you on the water before Mother Nature kicks us off!

...Roger...

    Is there any benefit to learning with a boom?  It would seem like the
    sense of security that comes from having something firm to hold onto
    would be like having training wheels on a bike.  Or do you also use a
    short ski rope off the boom?  What speed does the boat need to do to
    barefoot?
    Thanks, Wayne

    
    re: Wayne,
    
    	Yeah, the boom provides exactly what you stated: "A firm, solid
    bar to hang onto" Which makes footin much easier. Boat speed really
    depends upon skier weight. For instance, at 175 lbs I prefer 38 or
    so MPH, but a person weighting in at only 120 could easily foot at
    34 mph.
    	After graduating from skiing directly off the boom then the
    barefootin handle and it's 5 foot leader rope is tied to the boom
    as the next step. Not only is the 5 foot leader easier than the long
    line, but the skier is also *NOT* in the wake of the boat.
    
    
    Rick

re                     <<< Note 62.100 by SALEM::NORCROSS_W >>>
>                                -< Why a boom? >-

>    Is there any benefit to learning with a boom?  It would seem like the
>    sense of security that comes from having something firm to hold onto
>    would be like having training wheels on a bike.  Or do you also use a
>    short ski rope off the boom?  What speed does the boat need to do to
>    barefoot?

	Yes; to all of the above, also the learning footer has eye to 
eye contact with the boat crew and doesn't have to deal with the
boat's wake.  We're  REAL  beginners at this, but the boom provides a
couple of stepping stones to long line.  It often happens that people
can get on their feet the first or second run if they have reasonable
balance and coordination and if they listen to the instruction.
I find that giving a stationary demo and getting people to go through
the motions with the boat stationary helps too - just have them hang 
onto the boom with the boat at the beach and do the chin-up and back 
arching routine.  Speed depends on a lot of things, weight, position,
(maybe foot size, though I think this is less of a factor than the
jokes about it would have you believe), etc.  Larger guys who seem to
need 38 or 39 MPH on a long line can often start to learn as slow as
33 or 34 MPH.  Its a judgement thing and the spotter should tell the
driver to speed up or slow down according to where the water line is
on the foot.  Obviously, the spotter needs to be a competent foot'ist. 
"Generally"  beginners can start to plant their feet at a little over
30 MPH, we usually continue to increase the speed from there until 
they're up and comfortable, backing off if only their heels are in, 
etc.

Moving from the boom to a 5 ft handle off the boom seems to 
be a bigger step than going from the 5 ft handle to a long line.

	Reg  {about a dozen ad-hoc students this year, most of whom 
		are now doing better than me (-:}

    The Boom is a valuable training device for all kinds of sking. Anybody
    can waterski (guaranteed) by learning while holding onto it.  After
    they're up and can get the feeling of the skiing and proper body
    position, the 5' handle section the long line is a snap.  
    
    Doug

	The BOOM is a great tool for learning!  I highly suggest it.
	People who alread know how to 'foot behind the boat use a 5'
	leader off the boom for learning advanced maneuvers.

	As far as boat speed goes, there's actually a formula you can
	use for calculating an approximate minimum speed for 'footing
	behind the boat:

	(your weight / 10) + 20

	So, for example, I weigh about 175 pounds, therefore my minimum
	speed for 'footing behind the boat is about:

	(175 / 10) + 20 = 37.5 mph

	Other things like foot size (really) and your weight distribution
	also play a factor, but these are difficult to figure in this
	equation.  Just start with this formula and work from there.  I
	personally like to 'foot at about 39 mph for the firmer water.

	Speed off the 5' leader should be reduced and further reduced
	off the boom.  I'll 'foot off the boom at about 34 mph, and off
	the leader at about 37 mph, unless I'm doing one-foots (then it's
	a little faster :-) )

	Good luck and most important HAVE FUN!

	-ric!

All you guys who think graduating from the boom & 5' leader to long line is a 
snap should try backwards barefooting!  My body thinks I've been in a car
accident!  :-)  I got up backwards several times this weekend on the 5' leader,
no problem.  But long line is quite a different matter.  The two other guys I
skied with this weekend can get up on the 5' leader every time, but on long line
they were digging big time.  One should not underestimate the long line, for
neither forward nor backwards barefooting.  The vertical forces and speed timing
you rely on when using the boom and/or 5' leader just aren't the same at 75'+
behind the boat.  Proper position and technique are essential.  That's why I
recommend learning on a boom and perfecting your technique (and I mean doing it
with your eyes closed ... intentionally closed, that is!), then move out behind
the boat and have a blast!

I don't mean to alarm anyone, just to emphasize that good technique, especially
with regards to handle and body position, will go a long way in reducing falls
and maximizing your time *on* the water (rather than *in/under* the water).

...Roger...

    Well its good to see that I got this note moving a little. Now if I
    can get the 91 ski note going I'll be doing somthing. Thats the speed
    formula I've been working with, but I'am 6'2 200lbs and 40mpg hurts.
    But the good news is I'am getting better at falling, it doesn't hurt
    like it use to. Roger, come on we still have 3 months before mother
    nature kicks us off. The best part just starting, were in good shape
    and we will soon have the water to are selfs. I will admit that Sunday 
    morning with the 50 degree temps. and the fog coming off the lake that
    some of us needed a little kick to get us out there. :^)
    
    Thanks Again
    Steve

Oh I know we have 3 months left.  My drysuit is hanging in the basement, seals 
conditioned and ready for donning.  But heck, we still have a few weeks of
jumping in with the shorty, so no problem there either!  And then we graduate to
the full suit under the shorty for a few more weeks.  The drysuit's for those
"ice streaking off the face" days!  :-)

Yeah, in some ways I look forward to Labor Day ... most of the boats get yanked
and it's peaceful skiing on most weekends, unless Indian Summer swings by.

Steve, you said 40mph hurts...do you mean when you fall (I know it hurts then)
or just footin' at that speed?  I will agree that "marathon" runs at 40mph will
hurt the arches, but if it's hurting on just normal runs, you might want to
check your upper body position.  If you're leaning back too far and thrusting
your feet forward (and not bending your knees enough) you'll plow through the
water and it'll hurt a lot quicker.  FWIW.

...Roger...

    Roger,
    
    As I sit here thinking about our ski show that will be performed
    in June,I was trying to come up with a stunt that will beat last year's
    leap out of a helecopter to barefoot start as the grand finale.
    
    Having read most of your crazy stunts,I thought that you might just
    have something brewing in your head that would appeal to us.(Wayne).
    Tell me more about the barefooter around the boat,do you guys still
    do it,how successful are you,a percentage of failues and what the
    key ingrediants make it more successful.
    
    we do the trick skiers around the boat and a slalom skier,but the
    barefooter around would make the crowd go absolutely wild!
    I assume the footer has to ride a portion of the act out on his
    maximus paddus.??
    
    We don't have a jump ramp,city won't allow it otherwise we would 
    crank it up to about 10 ft and send the barefooter around the boat
    and continue to fling him over the ramp. He would then let go of the
    handle and parachute down!!!!!!  AWESOME STUNT! :-)
    
    
    matt

Barefoot parachute jump, eh?  Hey, now there's an idea!!  :-)  I think I'll watch
from the beach, thank you.

Um, let's see, the barefoot around the boat act, oh yeah I remember.  We haven't
done that one in a couple of years.  It really requires smooth water since the
skier gets in to a pretty serious whip and you can't afford to have him/her catch
a toe at 60 mph with all those boats lining the shore.  The problem at shows is
that you just can't afford to wait around for the water to calm down from the
previous act.  The crowd wants *action*.  Doing it after an intermission may help
(that's what we did the first year we tried it).  It also requires a really
deranged person both at the wheel and at the end of the rope.  Basically it's
similar to the skier around the boat, expect you do it at nearly full throttle.
The turn is similar (you just can't swing the boat around much faster than you do
with the skier version without the prop coming out of the water and/or the
rear-end sliding out of control).  It just takes tighter coordination between the
driver and skier so you (the driver) don't yank the footer's arms out after the
boat spins.  There's some room for error in the skier version (you can over/under
turn a little and get away with it, the skier can sink a little and still pull
out of it, etc.).  There's no room in the barefoot version.

And you're right, the skier basically gets into a whip, then as the boat turns,
s/he goes down into a butt-slide.  The critical thing is to time the slide so
you're not moving away from the boat when the rope gets tight.  That will ruin
your day (and probably your fingers too!).  What we did to "learn" this trick was
to try it one step at a time.  Get the skier into the whip, then spin the boat
and have them let go at the apex of the turn.  Ask them how they felt with
regards to their position relative to the boat's position.  They'll know (as will
your spotter) whether they could have regained control of the rope (that is, got
themselves in the deepwater start position) by the time you were ready to jump on
the throttle.  Then a nice smooth acceleration will bring them back to their
feet.  We hit one good one in a show.  A good one is when the skier doesn't sink
too much (if any).  That takes incredible timing (and luck).  Practice, practice,
practice.  But don't kill the skier!  This stunt is very taxing on the skier.

For a small fee (a few runs through the course and a couple of beers will
suffice) plus travel and lodging expenses, I will be more than happy to come out
there and show you guys the finer points of the act!  :-)

Now, how about a barefoot pyramid?  Do you guys do one?  We routinely do a
3-person pyramid, but have been known to do a 5-person (3 on the bottom, 2 on
top) when the bodies are feeling particularly chipper!  :-)  That always gets the
crowd roaring.  The 3-person pyramid is simple ... you need two burly
'I-never-fall-or-let-go-of-the-handle-no-matter-what' skiers for the bottom and
and one braindead lightweight for the top.  The top guy gets seriously abused on
this one.  Practice is a killer.  But hey, it's what we live for, right?  :-)

Good luck, and let me know what you guys decide.

...Roger...

Hey Matt,
	I've got one.  How about "YOU" start out parasailing (I'm sure our friend
at Prospect would be glad to pull you :-) ), and then just as you get to the 
crowd you cut away, fall into the water, and then come up footn?  It would be
an awesome stunt, but the two problems that I see are:
1)Going slow enough to get the chute down to a level where you have a 50/50 
  chance of surviving the fall, and then being able to time the 'hit it' to 
  get up to barefoot speed.
2)Cutting away from a chute makes an awful mess of the shroud lines.  Once when
  I was skydiving I had to cut away one side after I landed because of high
  winds.  It took me all day to untangle the shroud lines.

Notice I said YOU above, not me.  I just come up with the ideas :-).
I've still got Jeanne's and my chutes from our skydiving days.  I bet Butch could
modify one for parasailing if we could find out what the modifications are.  I
assume that they just cut out more of the back panels so more air can escape.
Does anyone know, or have the plans?  Since the chute doesn't need to be packed,
we could have a minimal harness so that it wouldn't get in the way.

    Roger, thanks for the great advice,the info you gave us will help 
    us aproach this stunt with some insight and safety,WAYNE being the
    skier,will now probably volunteer to be the whippin footer.
    
    We will let you know how WAYNE does.
    
    Wayne,are you feeling ok?
    
    Warning::before being pulled by Lumpy Larry in 25 mph winds (tail)
    in a chute,ya had better make a will. 
    
    For those of you that do not know LL,the president of the wally skier
    underground association,Last year during the water sports festival,he
    was giving para-sail rides for $10,well a storm was blowing in and
    the wind picked up to such a high speed that we were all concerned
    about even getting our boats onto our trailers,white caps for days.
    Anyway,that did not stop LL,he pulled the poor souls up into the wind
    and they achieved max heigth within about 1/4 sec. As LL would start
    going around the turn and begin heading with the wind,we could hear 
    that 454 power slot MC Prostar kick in the 4 barrels,all to no 
    avail,that chute would collapse and the skier would plunge almost 250
    ft. into the water going about 40 mph!!!!!!!! And LL did it again to
    the next victim,finally the police had to go over and order him to
    stop  before someone got killed!! unbelievable ignorance and one hell
    of a poor example of responsible boating/skiing for the public to 
    witness. The same weekend a slalom skier got ran over because a signal
    to stop at the side was confused with a P-turn,the skier is ok now
    but had to go through surgery to repair his sliced thigh muscles.
    
    I guess I got a bit carried away but when LL is mentioned,I cringe!
    
    later dudes,
    
    MATT

So which one of you guys gets the top spot on the pyramid?  :-)

...Roger...

    I'M TOO FAT.
    Wayne's too smart.
    But,I've got some chickee friends .

    I'm not too fat, I    m   2   cool

    One of the footers on my weekend lake hideout is hiring Brian Fuchs for
    a barefoot clinic in July I believe. I had hoped to get a spot with him
    but he has 8-9 people already for a one day clinic. Rather than wait
    for them to split the crew up into two days I thought I'd try
    organizing my own group. 
    
    SO...are there 3-4 of you out there who would be interested in spending
    a day footin' with Brian Fuch on the Concord River out of Bedford MA ? 
    I'm assuming the cost will be around $75 or so, not too sure. The boat
    will be provided and I beleive that it will be a maroon '92 Flighty
    with the 200hp Merc o/b.
    
    If there is enuff interest I'll try to put a clinic together, if not
    then.....:^(
    
    ~jeff

    Footin' on the Concord River in July at the Bedford launch?  Nice
    flat water, but,
    
    Yeccccch!!!!!
    
    Watch out for dead fish, green pond scum, and snappin' turtles!
    I'm not joking, I grew up near there, and there's some big'uns
    in there.  The water's a lot cleaner than I remember it in the 
    70's, but it's still got a ways to go.
    
    Rick
    
    P.S.  We should have the hydroplanes running down at the Bedford
          launch by then - maybe we'll see you.  We try to stay in the
          boat and out of the water!

    To anyone interested in the Fuch footin' clinic -
    
    Yes, as Rick mentioned so tactfully the Concord river wouldn't be my
    first choice of places to go, but it is sheltered from wind and the
    soft marshy banks help absorb the boat's wake. 
    
    It may be possible to have the clinic elsewhere ( the Merrimuck ?).
    Trouble is finding a body of water that isn't subject to random yahoo
    boaters or the effects of wind. I suspect snappin' turtles will be more
    afraid of a boat of hootin' footers buzzin o'er their heads then we are 
    of them. The clinic was held on the Concord last year without any
    issues.
    
    ~jeff
    
     

    I would be interested in this. I call a place last week that was
    advertised in last months W.S. mag. They call it the Summer long
    cellebrity water ski instructional tour. I noticed the 508 area code
    and called them. They are offering barefoot, slalom, kneeboard/skiboard
    and boat driving/ski safety. The dates they gave me were july 23,24
    at Long pond , Tynsboro (sp?) and june 17,18,19 at Ringe NH. I'am just
    a beginner and haven't mastered any deep water long line starts yet and
    am very eager to learn. So it looks were thinking the same way, tell me
    more! 
    
    Oh. the cost of the clinics above is $75 + $85 
    
    steve

    I've signed up for a day long clinic with Dave Reinhart,
    on July 23rd at Long Pond in Tynsboro, MA.  The cost is
    $85/day.  This clinic is for both novice and advanced
    slalom skiers, there is a course to practice on.  I've
    heard good things about Dave as a teacher.
    
    I wanted to take a day long clinic with Jennifer Leachman,
    but she's going to be in the Vermont and Northern New 
    Hampshire areas only.  
    
    Jeanne
    
    
    

    
    Jeanne,
    
    	Who would one contact if one was interested? or did you already
    sign us all up? :-)
    
    Rick

    
    Ha!  Yeah, I signed everyone that I thought needed
    a class!  :>)   And Dave said only *Connelly* skiers
    were eligible.  :>)  
    
    Call 508-777-2311, Vernon Promotions.  Sign up now,
    I think there are only 3 or 4 slots left, class is
    limited to 12.  
    
    Jeanne
    

                                                            
    Last Monday was the Fuchs footin' clinic on the Concord river, I went
    afterall. It was an interesting day. Although I didn't master as much
    as I would have liked I did retain enough of the verbal instructions to
    be able to work on my own. We were provided with a '92 Flightcraft
    20XLOB, with a Yamaha ProV200. One fast little puppy!
    
    I greatly improved my 2 foot position to the point where my feet don't
    burn & virtually no spray in front of my feet. I developed a mental
    block and wasn't able to do much with tumble turns. I tried some
    one-foots off the boom but just didn't warm up to the idea of having
    only one foot on the water. Plus the boom was mounted too low for my
    height. After lunch the water got chippy from the wind so we went long 
    line runs and Brian was showing us how to do wake crossing. By 5:00 pm 
    the 5 of us were beat. 
    
    Brain made about 6 runs of his own after we were done. It was humbling
    to watch someone so young crank off trick after trick without
    hesitation. We witnessed what would have been a record breaking wake 
    cross run. For a 15 second pass, Brian did 9 full one-foot front
    crossings,  and *11* one-foot backs on the next 15 second pass. His
    world record is 10 back, 9 front. His wake crossing speed is 46.5 mph.
    
    On his trick passes he was doing more tricks than I could count. One
    foots, 360's, tick-tocks, 180's, front to backs. He fell a few times 
    doing one-foot 180's but always manages to hold on the handle and do a 
    toe-up to continue on.  It was great to watch. I'm looking forward to
    getting back out on the water in a few weeks when my red-rig pulls into 
    town. :^) Oooops :^)
    
    ~jeff    
         

    
    Jeff,
    
    	Sounds like a good time, gee I guess I'll have to get back out
    and start beating myself barefootin some more rather than beating
    myself kneeboarding, huh? (boy, are my legs stiff from continuous
    wake jumps)
    
>    getting back out on the water in a few weeks when my red-rig pulls into 
>    town. :^) Oooops :^)
    
    		DO TELL!
    
    Rick

    I heard that one of the regular barefooters on Lake Winnisquam got a
    visit from the Marine Patrol new_kid_on_the_lake. When the visit was
    over the barefooter had a $65 ticket for skiing without a life jacket.
    There are now four different people who alternate duty, the new guy is
    the only one to ever press the issue of type V floatation devices and
    actually issue a ticket. 
    
    Has anyone else heard of similar incidents? I sure would like to know
    what is required to lobby a change to the law to reflect that of Mass.
    
    ~jeff

    re: .124
    This sounds like Rick Suter's "incident" from a while back.  Check
    note 698.0 for details.
    
    Rick

    Has anyone had any success, or ever tried a barefoot front-flip off the
    5' leader & boom ? I imagine there'd be a substanstial load on the boom
    after the landing. For no good reason, I attempted a front-flip over
    the weekend. Had I not thrown the handle away, I might have pulled it
    off. I landed correctly but panicked and tossed the handle. The boat was 
    rapidly running out of shoreline and had I held on we both would have 
    beached. The WS magazine article has Steve Merrit doing it longline. Seems
    less abusive to the tow boat.
    
    Anyone done one ?
    
    ~jeff
    

Jeff, you sick mo-fo!  :-)  No, I haven't done one, and would not even attempt
one without the supervision of someone who can do them *repeatedly* right before
my eyes.  I know of such a person (on my lake, in fact), however since our lake
has been dry (and I mean *dry*) since the 4th of July I haven't done much skiing
this year.  It just doesn't seem like something you can read about in a magazine
and then go out on the water and do it.  That's one of the stunts I've thought
about for a while, but convinced myself that a fair amount of on-shore training
(e.g. a trampoline and/or harness setup) would be a good idea before attempting
it at 36+ mph.  Just my opinion.

...Roger...

P.S.  Please bring video to the mid-winter party!  :-)

    Did one by accident once.  First and last time I tried barefooting :-)

    The Barefoot Nationals will be televised tonight at 7:30 on ESPN.
    
    Set those VCRs...
    
    Doug