Feet on Cables Start
The feet on cables start is practically the easiest way to learn to barefoot using a boom. We taught many people this summer (1998) using this method vs. the tumble-up boom start which takes a lot of upper body strength. The feet on cables start requires very little strength and starts teaching proper barefooting techniques right from the beginning such as the three point stance.
- Start by grasping the boom with your hands about shoulder width apart and your feet in an upside down "V" over the outer most cable. You may find it difficult or a bit awkward at first to get your feet up to the cable but have patience and take your time.
- When you are ready, yell "Hit it!" and throw your head back while simultaneously pushing your feet down on the cables and pushing your hips up.
- As the boat speed picks up, you can now begin to slide your feet up the cables while sitting up. As you do this, your butt will be sliding along on the water. The water needs to be hard enough so that you're riding along comfortably so don't sit up too soon!
- When you've slid your feet up to where your knees are bent about 90 degrees, you can take your feet off the cables. Resist the urge to drop your feet on the water immediately. Remember, you will slide along on your butt just fine. You want to get in the three point stance prior to planting your feet and standing up.
- When you feel comfortable and the boat has reached your ideal barefoot speed, you can gently plant your heels on the water close to your butt in the three point stance and stand up!
- Now your footin'!!!
I've found that the two main problems most people have is remembering to keep the arms STRAIGHT and the knees BENT (not the other way around!). Remember: arms STRAIGHT, knees BENT!!!
