Barefooting Backwards

It is highly recommended that you learn back deeps on the boom - 5' line:

1. To begin, put the rope between your legs and grasp the handle under your butt (backs of your hands toward your butt). "Sit" on the handle as if you were sitting on a swing.
2. Roll over (either way) with only one foot on the rope. The foot on the rope depends on which way you roll over. If you roll over counterclockwise, you want the rope wrapped around the right foot. Clockwise, left foot. Roll which ever way is most comfortable to you.
   
   
3. Almost immediately after you turn over (face first in the water) and the boat begins to pull you, remove that foot.
   
4. While you are learning, the boat goes VERY slow! You want to learn to plane properly before getting up to speed.
   
   
   
5. The backward position is basically the same as the forward position (at least when starting out). You want your body as straight (horizontal) as possible.
6. And now for the good stuff:

a. After you turn over, your arms should be locked out almost straight with the handle pinned low on your butt.

b. Your feet should be like a cartoon characters; pointed out and about as wide as possible. Also, your feet and ankles should be RELAXED with your toes pointing toward your shoulders (rather than pointing down - this allows the water to plane on the bottom of your feet rather than driving the front of your foot in the water which will make you bounce or catch too much water). NOTE: I know there's a lot of spray in the pictures below but notice how Rod's ankles are RELAXED (Photo 9).




c. You want just the inside bone of your ankle (the pointy part) skimming the water.

d. Knees should be slightly bent.

e. With your body as straight as possible - and this is the MOST IMPORTANT PART! - push as hard as you can with your chest and chin (this makes your butt rise off the water with your chest and head to follow)!

Before you know it, you'll stand one up and ride it out!

Driving Tips:

Learning backwards barefooting is very dependent on a good consistent driver. The beginning backwards barefooter needs a very slow consistent pull as he/she is learning to plane on his/her stomach/hips. Once he/she gets the plant down, gradually apply the throttle to bring him/her up to backwards barefooting speed. This speed is up to 5 mph SLOWER than ideal barefoot speed so watch it so that you don't go too fast!

Personal Note:

As the 1997 season (and unfortunately the 1998 season) drew to a close, I had yet to stand one up though I could plane easily. Once I figure out how to stand up, I'll revise these tips to whatever worked best for me (unless it's exactly as above that is!). The instruction above, is mostly what I've learned from watching others and listening to their instruction.

Featured skier: Rod