description Barefoot Water Skiing Overview
Barefoot water skiing is a discipline in which the rider is towed at speeds typically above 55 km/h using only bare feet as the planing surface, first demonstrated publicly by Dick Pope Jr. in Florida in 1947.
help Barefoot Water Skiing FAQ
Who first made barefoot water skiing famous?
Barefoot water skiing developed in Winter Haven, Florida, in 1947. Dick Pope Jr. was the first person widely photographed performing it, helping make the new discipline known. [American Barefoot Club](https://barefoot.org/barefoot-history-awards/barefoot-history/)
How fast do you need to go for barefoot water skiing?
Barefooters typically need speeds above about 55 kilometres per hour, although the right speed depends on the skier's weight and technique. The speed creates enough hydrodynamic lift for bare feet to plane across the water. [Waterski and Wakeboard Canada](https://wswc.ca/barefoot/)
How does a beginner start barefoot water skiing?
Instruction commonly begins with the skier on their back, then sitting up and placing the soles on the water while holding the tow line. British Water Ski and Wakeboard identifies this back-to-sitting transition as a basic part of learning the sport. [British Water Ski and Wakeboard](https://www.bwsw.org.uk/aboutthesport/barefoot/)
What tricks are used in barefoot water skiing competitions?
Competition routines include one-foot and two-foot positions, tumble turns, wake hops, and rope-on-foot tricks. The World Barefoot Council's 2024 rules define specific 180-degree and 360-degree tumble turns. [World Barefoot Council](https://www.worldbarefootcouncil.com/docs/2024%20WBC%20Rules%20Typeset%2012finalfinal.pdf)
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