Skilled barefoot skiers are capable of performing a variety of advanced tricks and stunts that showcase their expertise and agility on the water. Some of the impressive maneuvers that these athletes can execute include:
Jumping Tricks
- Backward Deep Water Starts: This involves starting backwards in the water and then transitioning smoothly into standing position.
- Front Deep Water Starts: Similar to the backward start, this trick involves starting facing forwards in the water.
- One-Foot Deep Water Starts: Skiers can also start with only one foot in the water, showcasing their balance and control.
- Surface Turns: These tricks involve making sharp turns on the water’s surface without losing speed or balance.
Flipping Tricks
- Front Flips: Skiers can execute front flips by launching themselves off the wake and rotating forward in the air before landing back on the water.
- Back Flips: Similar to front flips, backflips involve rotating backward in the air before landing back on the water.
- 360s and 720s: Skiers can also perform spins in the air, completing either one or two full rotations before landing.
- Helicopters: This trick involves rotating the body while in the air, creating a spinning motion akin to a helicopter blade.
Pyramid Tricks
- Human Pyramid: Skilled barefoot skiers can form human pyramids while being towed behind a boat, showcasing teamwork and coordination.
- Stacking Tricks: These involve skiers stacking on top of each other in various formations while barefoot skiing.
Other Advanced Stunts
- Step-Offs: Skiers can perform step-offs by releasing the towline and skiing on the water’s surface without being attached to the boat.
- Barefoot Slalom: Skilled barefoot skiers can navigate through a series of slalom buoys while barefoot, showcasing precision and control.
- Toe Holds: These stunts involve holding onto the towline with only the toes while barefoot skiing, demonstrating strength and balance.
- Hand Holds: Skiers can also hold onto the towline with only their hands while barefoot skiing, showcasing upper body strength and control.