How To Barefoot

You’ve been asking for it… so here it is! No board, no bindings, no ballast-just bare feet! I’m out here today to show you all of my tips and tricks when it comes to barefooting. I’ll show you how to barefoot off the boom, and if you don’t have a boom, I’ll show you how to barefoot off of a wakesurfer. And then I’ll try something crazy at the end! Have you ever heard of back barefooting?
DYK: the very first person (according to Water Ski Hall of Fame and witnesses) to barefoot waterski was 17 year old AG Hancock back in 1947 (!!!) That’s insane! Barefooting has been around for nearly 75 years. Have you tried it before?
Questions? Comments? Drop them below-and let me know if these tips help you out the next time that you go footin’!
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Facebook- / shaunmurraywake
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Nautique G23 nautique.com
Speed- 23mph Length- 75ft
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leadwake.com
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mausfamilyautomotive.com

[@anthonyschutz7201]

Barefoot is definitely my next adventure. I can ski, slalom, wakeboard, and wakeskate. I'll learn to wakesurf when I have access to a boat with midpropeller but for now I can't. For now I want to learn to barefoot.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Let me know how it goes

[@benjamincoffel6881]

I broke my tailbone... I bought an old ski boat 5 years ago and I've been giving barefoot a half-assed try the last 3 summers but boat was barely fast enough and it hurts to fall on water at 33-34mph. This summer I gave it an actual try. I tried to start on a knee board because I'd heard that could work. I forgot to remove the hook that the handle hooks on to help you get up. I ended up hitting some chop and the knee board bounced out from underneath me. The hook caught in my butt crack and ended up breaking my tailbone. A couple weeks later on my last time out for the summer I stepped off a slalom ski and managed 7 seconds of barefooting.

[@svenvolwater5473]

Well that sucks

[@kglrtheroche]

Get a boom 😅

[@benjamincoffel6881]

@@kglrtheroche 😂A boom is cheating(& expensive)

[@seanmcdonald8456]

I would recommend a bit more speed, im 120 pounds and do about 39 MPH, i would give about a a mile an hour every 15 pounds

[@nardfoley7452]

Who care

[@kylefrye6265]

It’s been a minute since I have barefooted, I learned to barefoot with a boom and eventually behind a Sanger, what a boat, my oh my. At lake Powel none the less, now you’re run of the mill boat can’t even go fast enough to slalom behind. I wish I would see more skiers out on the water, seems, unfortunately, like a dying art.

[@philleach6271]

Hey great info. Just a tip for anyone starting on the board- rest your feet on the water much sooner and gradually put pressure on them as the boat speeds up that way the board won’t bounce you off. Similar for the back deep, feet in as soon as the boat moves- gently!

[@Shaun.Murray]

Good insight. I actually saw someone do this and have started teaching people this way. They get a lot of spray in the face but well worth it bc it allows you to feel the water and slowly transfer your weight. Gently! Like Phil said!

[@drumrooster]

​@Shaun.Murray I always tucked my Chin until I felt the board leave.That kept the spray outta my Face till I stood up..

[@drumrooster]

I always tell my Friends BALLS is a big help lol cause you wanna let go right before lift off.

[@carsonkowalski901]

You are so awesome you inspire me soo much the only reason i ever started was you.

[@isaacbutler9156]

Dude! I need to try this! I want to go surfing so bad man! I wanna get better and practice! I love your videos keep it up!

[@butterbean198]

Awesome ride Shaun!!

[@Shaun.Murray]

Thanks! 👊🏼

[@WillieHarkins]

Just re-watched this after barefooting for my first time. Everything makes much more sense now! So much fun!

[@Shaun.Murray]

Congrats on your first foot!

[@codyheikkila3993]

That was an amazing video shaun. That back to front was crazy and I didn't know you could do one. Yeah you had some great points to know when learning. And if anyone needs any other videos to see to help barefooting the world barefoot center has tons to see for instructions.The only thing I could think to say was when you are going slow on the board you can put your feet in early (around 10-15 mph). This is what I have done and not needed to worry about moving forward on the board and is a very easy transition to getting up. And I think you could have planted your feet a little earlier on the back deep so you don't bounce as much. But great moves and awesome video. I always love to see any barefooting videos you do.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Great insight Cody and thanks for watching

[@markmeyer8811]

The driver can make or break a footin' run. Long-line wakesurf/kneeboard starts are nice and easy, and keep it around 14-15 mph until rider is set up outside the wake. Progressive speed once the rider is in place is better than hammering it. PLEASE drive your anticipated route BEFORE your run, especially in rivers. Check for logs, large sticks, or other trash. Miss what you can, know that perch and bluegill encounters may require stitches.

[@tedlane9877]

As a barefooter for over 50 years, i appreciate your video showing that barefooting is fun and can be easy to get started. Hey, that BBF start was pretty shaky but the back to front was great 👣

[@Shaun.Murray]

Thanks Ted!!

[@jasonzamagni110]

Good vid Shaun!

[@boonecragun7717]

Great vid bro!!

[@vpcha]

i've been barefooting now and then mostly in Normandy France for 36 years and am always hungry to learn more. thx Shaun

[@Shaun.Murray]

Normandy?! Sick!

[@dannuthals7045]

Loved the KSO shout out! He's the best. So important to put "soft feet" down and NOT curl your toes up.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Agreed on Keith!

[@flipdawhip2573]

That was SICK Murray!!!

[@AlexGarcia-lo9hx]

Love the music in this edit! Peace! ✌🏻

[@mattrossner9238]

Awesome video, I haven't barefooted in over 25 years but didn't know you could use the wakesurf board. I used to do 1 ski step off back in the day. This video makes me want to try again, although I'd probably go off the boom at this point in my life.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Either way 🤙

[@drumrooster]

I could never get the Balls to step off a Ski lol..So Knee board was it

[@bradycarlson6061]

Love it. Barefoot is always a good time

[@unitedfitness-free21dayfoo19]

I'm impressed, I didn't think you had that much footin game. Any crashes during that session? That you would like to share with us all.

[@brianbasler]

Shaun - seems like all the new towboats have warning stickers on them about never attaching the boom to the boat. Do you have a recommendation on type of boom and how to do it as safely as possible?

[@tuckersurfing2074]

I will be tryin that

[@kglrtheroche]

I barefoot off the boom for the first time this summer and I had bruises near my biceps after. With these tips, I bet I can do a long rope ride this next summer.

[@jsatherusa]

Shaun!! You the man..

[@jsatherusa]

50 years old and I was so Inspired by you that I tried wakeboarding for the first time this past year. Love it! Just picked up a used Murray kids board for my 5 year old, she's excited to give it a try next year. Thanks for all your info and inspiration!

[@Shaun.Murray]

That's awesome, man!

[@austinwestbrook3091]

Incredible

[@bodoque186]

Do you recommend beginning with the boom or the long line, or is the same?

[@bobwhitford5939]

Impressive!

[@davidvaughan8076]

could this be done long line behind a G21 starting from a wakesurf board? I assume as long as the water is calm and you get outside the wake it should be good to give it a try?

[@Shaun.Murray]

Check this out David! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6rcpqZ7aZmcmZI

[@jobiedebrick8808]

Aaaayyy!! Alright! Let's bring a little awareness to barefootin'! Need some more people to foot with!

[@Shaun.Murray]

Right?! More people need to know the amazing feeling of slidin on the water w our feets! Yes, feets.

[@charleshorseman55]

Grew up barefooting. Taught some friends how to do it. Had a few times the "pig tail" would come off the boom and catch the skiier around the neck. Scary stuff.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Was the pig tail aka 5’ line off the boom connected while they weren’t using it?

[@cadespencer6320]

this should be an olympic sport

[@wef0711]

The music. SPOT ON! Fits the activity to a T. Now, time to go watch Karate Kid.

[@Shaun.Murray]

Thanks for noticing Wes!

[@nicholasdawson9896]

Thanks for the video. Is there a trick to keeping the water from spraying you in the face?

[@actionsportster7686]

one tip is to keep your knees together (touching) and the outside edges of your feet angled upward so that the spray coming off your feet is directed to either side of your body. However, this won't be very effective unless you are already in good barefoot waterski position. Beginners tend to pull in on the handle and in doing so, they draw it close to their chest. This has the effect of pushing your legs and feet forward (out in front of you). As this happens, your heels dig deeper into the water, causing a lot of the spray from your feet to be directed out in front of you, which is then windblown back in your face. To correct this, try to let your feet glide over the water (flatter on the water) rather than digging in your heels. It may seem counter intuitive, but allow the handle to be positioned further away from your body and lower to the water. This will have the effect of straightening up your upper body. Finally, allow your legs to drift further back instead of pushing them out in front of you. It will seem scary at first, because everything in your head is telling you to do the opposite. But good posture and glide will cause more of the spray off your feet to be directed behind you. Ideally, good barefoot posture will have your feet slightly in front of your knees, your knees slightly in front of your hips, and your hips slightly in front of your shoulders. if your were to draw an imaginary line through the top of your head down to your ankles, this line would be straight but at a slight angle (not vertical). hope this helps.

[@nicholasdawson9896]

@@actionsportster7686 this is great, thank you for the reply. It all makes perfect sense.

[@jonathanskillman4646]

Need the long line deep water start😉

[@michaeloro37]

Sean were you using your G23 in these videos? The wake looked super flat for a big boat?

[@Shaun.Murray]

My buddy's Ski Nautique 200

[@michaeloro37]

@@Shaun.Murray i thought that was too flat of a wake. :) Thanks for getting back to me Sean.

[@Shaun.Murray]

@@michaeloro37 happy to help

[@DaveTW65]

So does the barefoot wet suit have an option for Kevlar inserts over your rear end and groin?

[@matthorstman8902]

There’s a ton more padding there.

[@Pon3yG4ng]

Also: - If you're new to this, try not to look at your feet, it will make you fall - Try to relax your arms (6:47 oops 😉) - At first try to "sit": if you try to put your feet on the water with straight legs, it won't work

[@JohnShackleton1]

Bare Back for the win!

[@MegaVince09]

I also remember the first ride when you see clearly in front of you 🇺🇸😎😍

[@Shaun.Murray]

That was the best!

[@tenetiphillips9007]

Can u launch from the beach instead of from the board

[@Shaun.Murray]

Yes, but it becomes a "deep water start" which really requires a barefoot suit.

[@bionic7984]

Dude me and my family have been going to lake Shasta California during the end of July. My birthday is July 31st so I usually have a celebration there im watching this video to learn how to next year at lake shasta

[@Shaun.Murray]

Lake Shasta was where my brother and I would time each other when first learning to foot! Also rented my first Skurfer there at Silverthorn Marina

[@jacobwgolf7338]

I tried this today in my friend’s boat he has a boom and I tried to lift 1 foot out of the water at 40mph and I hit my nose on the bar and face planted 😂😂 I swear I did my first every 720 flip ever 😂 my nose is purple 😂 after my friend looped around everyone was screaming at me if I was ok and I simply said “I think that’s a good one to end on” with my face cut up and purple 😂😂🤣🤣

[@flipdawhip2573]

I am too old for all that, used to getup on a wakeboard and barefoot in boardshorts, no speedos - just hammering the throttle.

[@jasonstratford3815]

Have you ever been to lake trinity by shasta

[@Shaun.Murray]

Funny you ask bc that's where I learned to not ski doubles w different rope lengths. My brother's rope was longer and it wasn't when we were crossing back and forth that got me in trouble but when we both let go of the ropes and the rope wrapped around my leg and drug me. Super deep rope burn when I was 11 years old, big scare to this day! But yeah, Trinity is an awesome lake!

[@justinlilley4350]

can you barefoot on any water condition? or does it have to be flat?

[@Shaun.Murray]

The smoother the better. And definitely better to learn when it's super smooth

[@ronaldmoody4766]

🤯

[@nathanhenry9783]

You ever been to Smith mountain lake

[@boatsquad2643]

I’ve done it

[@SuperDickeys]

what speed is needed for this?

[@Shaun.Murray]

I go about 36-38mph, but when you're just starting out, I recommend the low 30s (32-34mph)

[@harveyneudorf8630]

@@Shaun.Murray Rule of thumb I like to use is 10 percent of body weight plus 20 mph. Nice to see you still making enjoyable videos for all towed water sports and looking like you're having fun out there.

[@Shaun.Murray]

@@harveyneudorf8630 I like that rule of thumb. Will def keep in it mind.

[@mariokolega1492]

@@Shaun.Murray Wow, though it looked faster. Big up. Stylish and cool.

[@rubbersidedown4804]

Now I just need to move to Florida so it’s warm

[@heenalusurf2500]

alligators/sharks go brrr

[@DD-pd1vl]

When he’s using the pole on the side of the boat isn’t there danger of being hit by the boat/ propeller if he lost grip? Didn’t seem safe haha you could be seriously injured

[@Shaun.Murray]

Good question DD but "Booms" have been used for decades and I have never heard of anyone getting injured by the boat running over them while using one.

[@kenka5943]

Ski like you would on 2 skis. Cause... well, you are on 2 skis. Why would the position be any different? Most beginners over think barefoot. If you've skied on 2 you can barefoot. The position is identical, how you get there is the only difference.. Don't let your mind get in the way and it'll be easy

[@Shaun.Murray]

Good insight Ken. One big difference is the speed and can really make people change things up.

[@kenka5943]

Agreed. In fact, the better the position the slower you can go. I've seen Scarpa do long line FBs at 28. That's killer position.

[@matthorstman8902]

As a person who has a passion for bare footing I love seeing this!! Keep the speed to a minimum and try and learn off of a boom . Don’t think that this is something funny to see someone get thrashed. That is why this sport is dying because of lack of education and not being tough enough to take the spills. Because it is not easy when taught wrong.

[@jackbittenbinder7751]

Who taught you how to barefoot?

[@Shaun.Murray]

My older brother Chris saw pics and videos and just used a stop watch to time ourselves and some good old trial and error

[@brianp8148]

Doesn't that tickle your feet? :)

[@ZENxTENinc]

ummm.. prolly not for me..

[@Shaun.Murray]

But maaaaaaybe?

[@guitaristwagner]

So can I not barefoot bare naked? Asking for a friend 🤣

[@trippkneale6548]

Ur not funny