Barefoot Water Skiing: A Daring Sport with a Global Reach
Two Yorkshire natives, Robbie Crewe and Olly Moore, are set to represent Great Britain at the World Barefoot Water Ski Championships in Florida. Their journey to this prestigious event is a testament to their skill and passion for a sport that combines speed, agility, and a unique sense of freedom.
The Thrill of Barefoot Water Skiing
Barefoot water skiing is an extreme variation of the traditional sport, where participants are pulled along the water at high speeds, reaching up to 40 mph, with their bare feet. Despite the apparent danger, Robbie and Olly assure that, with the right technique, it is an exhilarating and painless experience.
"It's more of a feeling of gliding and of freeness. It's something you can't describe unless you've done it," Robbie, a double bronze medallist at the Over-35's European Championships, shares with a smile.
Mastering the Technique
The key to avoiding injury and discomfort lies in relaxation and maintaining a specific foot position. Olly, who started barefoot water skiing during the COVID-19 pandemic, explains:
"It's a very fine balance... standing on top of your feet without putting the front of your foot in the water."
Both Robbie and Olly emphasize the importance of keeping the toes out of the water, as this can lead to a painful fall. Robbie adds:
"So try and ski relaxed. That takes experience."
A Sport Born from Tragedy
For Robbie, barefoot water skiing is more than just a hobby. It was a way to cope with personal tragedy. In 2006, after losing his mother in a car accident, Robbie decided to take up the sport seriously. He acquired a small boat and found a local ski club, White Cross Ski Club in Cawood, where he first witnessed the sport.
A Family Affair
Olly's journey began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when his mother wanted to get the family active again. They visited White Cross Ski Club, where Robbie introduced them to the sport. Olly was instantly hooked, and his mother has since supported his global pursuits, including trips to Florida and Europe.
The Future of Barefoot Water Skiing
While Robbie sees barefoot water skiing as a hobby and a motivation to work, Olly, at just 17, has the potential to turn his passion into a career. However, due to a lack of sponsorship and broadcast deals, his future income would likely come from coaching, which he is considering.
World Championships
Barefoot water skiing is divided into three disciplines: slalom, tricks, and jumps. Olly's favorite is tricks, while Robbie competes in all three. As they prepare for the world championships, Olly expresses his ambition to become a world champion one day, while Robbie encourages him, highlighting the importance of love for the sport.
"You did really well... You can never say never. We’re just doing this for the sheer love it."
This article was prepared with AI assistance using the supplied material. The source material can be found at https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/topic/goole and https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/topic/florida.
