How to Water-Ski Barefoot Using a Beach Start

Run with the acceleration of the boat, sit down, and slide from the beach into the water. Acknowledge the compliments from the boat.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety Flags
• Life Vests
• Ski Boats
• Water Ski Ropes

1. Wear a very durable bathing suit, or even multiple suits, and select a sandy beach that has a gradual slope and is free of dangerous obstructions.

2. Hold the rope in the baseball-bat grip and stand on the beach 50 feet from the water's edge.

3. Run toward the water as the boat accelerates. Run so that the line stays taut, but is not dragging you along.

4. Sit down in the sand when you are 5 feet from the water, keeping your feet out in front of you.

5. Keep your feet high so they don't go underwater as you enter. With the correct timing, the rope should be pulling you 25 mph as you hit the water. You won't sink; instead you will enter the water sliding on your thighs and rear-end with your feet out in front of you.

6. Hold on tight. Press the handle against your thighs with the rope between your legs. Keep your feet slightly above the water with your toes pointed toward the boat.

7. Lower your feet into the water as the boat accelerates from your starting speed of 25 mph to 34 mph. Be sure both heels enter the water at the same time, or you will be pulled off to one side.

8. Stand up, leaning back hard against the rope and remaining in the "sitting-in-a-chair" position.

9. Stay low until you are comfortable and then begin to straighten your back and stand up higher.

10. Let go of the rope and sit back into the water when you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to this trick is for the rope to be taut and the boat to be traveling at the correct speed as your backside lands in the water. This will allow you to plane along the surface rather than sinking in.
• Use a standard 75-foot rope and make sure you have an experienced driver and observer before you attempt the beach start.
• Don't attempt barefoot skiing until you consider yourself to be an expert skier.
• Learn to barefoot ski from the step-off or saucer method before attempting a beach start (see related eHows).
• Be very careful about the sand path of your entry and the water near the shore. There should be no rocks, glass or other dangerous obstructions.
• Waterskiing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 Make sure you lean back, like you are sitting in a chair, and keep your toes pointed up or you will plant your face.