Barefooting Off of a Kneeboard: It's Easy!
A friend of mine suggested that I try to barefoot using a kneeboard. Off I went to the local boat shop and returned with a bright orange Hydroslide. In the early eighties, paying $99 dollars for a piece of plastic was not cheap. I was so determined to learn to barefoot that my mom gave in and purchased it.
It turned out to be a great purchase.
After a few frustrating tries, I learned how to grip the board with my legs and balance on it while waiting for the boat to take off. That skill alone was probably the hardest part of learning to barefoot.
So here goes:
Pick a day and time when the water is relatively smooth and few boats are around.
Jump into the water with the board. Place the board between your legs, gripping it near your knees. Grab the ski handle and wait for the boat to tighten up. When the rope is tight, signal your driver to pull out. Quickly swing your legs forward on to the board and plane above the water. The boat should be going about 15 mph. Scoot on your butt to the middle of the board, on the edge of the foam platform. If you don't move quickly enough, the board will begin to bounce. Your spotter should relay this to the driver and allow him to slow down. Once you get comfortable on the board, signal the driver to hit barefoot speed. As the boat picks up speed, place your heels lightly, but firmly into the water and glide along, keeping your rear end on the board.
Your driver should wave when the boat hits your barefoot speed ( 30 - 39 mph, depending on your weight and foot size). Increase your weight to your feet and allow the board to fall free. You should be in a barefooting position that is similar to sitting in a chair.
It may take a few tries to get comfortable with balancing on the board in the water and adjusting to the different speeds, but you'll be barefooting around the lake in no time!
Published by Deaf Mom
I'm a mom of three deaf and hard of hearing kiddos and I work in early intervention with families with deaf and hard of hearing children. I also work for Zvrs.com, a company that provides videophone solution... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentDitto, I learned the same way after numerous failed attempts at kicking off a ski. I can definitely agree with you that the hardest part of learning this way is simply balancing on the kneeboard...kinda kooky.
Jobythebay isn't the only one that's chicken. I never could learn to ski, I am only good for tubing.
You make it sound so easy. I'd love to give it a try! Great article!
Now see here, put me on a 10,000 foot mountain and I'm scared to death!
Hi:) Gotta say I'm chicken when it comes to stuff like this. Put me on a 10,000 foot mountain and I'm fine. Anything else forget it. It sure does sound like fun.