The summer of 2001 saw many rule changes in the competitive barefoot scene, and the most notable changes were the implementation of ‘line step’ tricks. Footers received bonus points for back one foots and hops in the step position (a very precarious looking position). With few skiers attempting these tricks at the US Nationals it became quite obvious that the look of these new tricks scared the hell out of most people. However in reality, the pull from the handle is lower than the traditional position and makes for a very stable position to perform these tricks from.
Prior to going out and attempting to perform these tricks, it is vital that you become comfortable riding in the step position on 2 feet, as well as performing both one foots and hops in the traditional backward position. The biggest challenge here is to get the handle passed between your legs.
Begin by making sure the handle is centered directly over your butt. Spread your legs for stability.
Let go with one hand. The boats pull will make you want to spin to the front so be ready.
Reach between your legs and grasp the handle with your free hand. Rotate the handle down, so the hand between your legs is at the top of the handle.
Pull the handle through your legs until your wrist rests against your groin. Your handle grip should resemble that of a putting position in golf.
Once you are able to ride comfortably in the step position with one hand on the handle, it is time to lift a foot. This is the point when the image of your heels catching and vital body parts being damaged will flood your brain. It is for this reason that I recommend beginning on shoe skis until you feel comfortable riding both one foots. This reduces the boat speed, as well as decreases the amount of resistance on your feet.
Begin by pulling the handle through your legs under your crotch. This will allow you to keep your upper body vertical while riding the one-foot. Squeeze you thighs together tightly, and ride in a narrow stance.
Lift your foot directly from your knee as if you were going to kick yourself in the butt. As your foot comes off the water, keep squeezing your thighs together and relax. If you feel your lifted foot begin to rotate towards the rope, relax and shift your weight completely to your ski leg.
Once you have mastered one foots in the step position, the hop is simple. The key is to not try to get HUGE air. Just concentrate on upweighting slightly until you begin coming off the water. Keeping you head up and knees soft will allow you to maintain good barefoot position throughout this maneuver, and eliminate the dreaded head packer. As stated earlier, the use of shoe skis is vital in learning these tricks without the hard falls associated with barefooting. Many skiers feel that shoe skis are a way of ‘cheating’, however if 4 Time World Champion, Ron Scarpa wears them, they must work. You will find that in the early stages of learning these tricks you will have a tendency of falling on your face. This is an indication that you are ‘gas pedaling’ with your toes. By relaxing your ankles, and actually putting some pressure on your heels, you will find riding in the step position much easier.
It is important not to get too far ahead of yourself when learning Step Tricks. Begin on shoe skis in the five-foot handle, the move to the long line on shoe skis. As you become proficient at these tricks on the shoe skis, begin trying to pass the handle on your feet on the five-foot line. As this becomes easier, bring up the boat speed and try to lift a foot. Be ready for a lot more pull from the boat when trying to lift a foot, and if you begin to lose balance, let go of the handle and lay on your face. Better safe, then sorry.
So go out, and try these easy, but scary looking tricks on shoe skis and then your feet. Do not try to reinvent the wheel – you already know how to do back one foots and hops - just put the handle between your legs and do them. Whether you are skiing for a group of friends on the lake, or a huge crowd at the National Championships, you will impress everyone with these three easy tricks that look more like the latest form of birth control, than a barefoot trick.
Ron Scarpa owns and operates Ron Scarpa’s Barefoot Training Center in Winter Haven, Florida. Paul Macdonald instructs with Ron at his ski school. You can contact both of them at www.ronscarpa.com or by phone at (800)299-7094 .