Hard core barefoot start

[o2bnMaine]

Here's a video of a friend of mine with some grit. He hasn't barefoot this season until I got to Maine on Sunday. On Sunday, I gave him a rough start... I forgot that the zero-off was set to 34mph and, in the middle of his get up, I had to slow down, turn off the ZO and then accelerate to 40mph without him thinking anything was wrong. He managed to get up and foot for about a mile.

 

This morning, I gave him a rock-solid barefoot start without adding anything friendly. I smoothly got him to 40mph and he then proceeded to stand up. But since I did not turn the boat to help him slide outside the wake he ended up standing up in the turbulence.

 

Watch the video to see what grit looks like for a barefooter. I don't think I've seen a rougher get up behind the boat (yeah, that may be a challenge for this thread?).

 

Corey has been barefooting for the past 5 years, but has not developed much confidence. Last summer was the first summer he felt he could "just stand up" without doing a long ritual/process. Last summer, he probably wouldn't have tried to hold on through this start.

 

 

[markn]

Put your ZO in practice mode and set what ever speed you need. Works great and no more searching for exact speed. Have been doing this when I barefoot and it works great.

[o2bnMaine]

@markn I did that the next morning. I wasn't driving my boat. He likes to keep it in tournament mode -- and doesn't know how to change any of the settings so I usually don't like to change it and forgot. We were too busy gabbing.

[o2bnMaine]

Here's the video from this morning.

 

[markn]

@o2bnMaine always wondered if you use trick or slalom on the hydrogate for footing behind a 200? Also, are the footers feet black???

[Fast351]

Much respect for guys that do this. You guys are nuts!

 

[mlange]

Gate in jump/trick mode when I pull people. The extra mph helps, but the footer I pull likes the curl and table more that way as well.

[Fam-man]

@o2bnMaine what's he wearing on his feet?

I like barefooting but go as a step off a ski with board shorts and life vest type endeavor. Have seen barefoot suits before but not feet coverings.

[davethewave]

Thanks for the video .Got my attention . Had a Barefooter on my boat once, Wes Brent, he had me up in no time behind my Sanger flat.Sat on a hydro slide,popped right up.I might have made it 100 feet and I was down.That must be where they came up with the saying "he ate it". Face first. I want to try again so bad ,but at 65 ,not A good idea !

[o2bnMaine]

@markn @Fam-man I just saw your comments.

Five Fingers makes a great product that doesn't impact performance, but does stop the burn for the occasional footer. I just bought these and they've been working great for me. I will alternate between footing with and without booties to try to extend tolerance.