barefoot boom question

[Pstar94]

kinda of a dumb question. we've used the boom to barefoot but was wondering how to attach a handle to it. seen many people do it but cant figure out a secure way to put it on there. also how to you get up with the handle? or do you just get up on the boom and work your way back the rope to the handle???

[woftam]

Most booms have a recessed area toward the end (outward end). Using a 5' line and handle section, or similar, loop the end of the 5' line section through itself and attach it to the recessed end.

Don't walk youself/ your skier out to the line while under way. Increases the chance of a bad accident due to entanglement.

Get up using the 5' line/handle section as you would long line behind the boat. The advantage to the skier is lift an proximity for instruction. Also slightly more stable than long line, but not as stable as directly off the boom - a good intermediate step.

Hope this helps.

[MarkP]

kinda of a dumb question. we've used the boom to barefoot but was wondering how to attach a handle to it. seen many people do it but cant figure out a secure way to put it on there. also how to you get up with the handle? or do you just get up on the boom and work your way back the rope to the handle???
Do you intend on using the rope for footing? Just curious..

But what woftam should help.

[T Scott]

Is your question how to attach the handle to the boom? If so, simply pull a section of the rope through the loop on the end of the handle essentially creating a slip knot. Slip this over the end of the boom and pull it tight.

[barefoot]

Attach the 5 foot extension like these fellas suggest. It might not seem as secure because there is a little slack in the loop, but when you get it under weight, I'll hold as tight as your normal ski rope would on your pylon.

When I take off, I hook the handle over the recessed end so that it's not dragging on the water. Then I climb out of the boat and work my way down the boom to the handle. Once I have the handle in my hand, I scoot back towards the boat, getting the 5 foot extension as tight as I can, and let go of the boom. You'll swing out and be footin'! For the first time, it kind of scary and fun at the same time (just don't catch a toe).

If you're wondering how to get up on the 5 foot extension, it's equivalent to doing a deep water start. Lay on your back, kick your feet over the line, and tell the driver to hit it. Arch your back to get your body on the surface of the water. Take your feet off the rope and set them in the water. This becomes your three point position. Then stand up.

The problem I had when I was first learning how to do deep water starts on the boom was that the boom angle was too high. I would begin to bounce and loose control when the driver was accelerating. I rarely ever do traditional deep water starts on the boom. I usually do a superman start...come up on my stomach, spin to my back, and tumble up.

[Pstar94]

thanks. dumb question but just makin sure. yeah we'll be using it to barefoot. we've got kinda bored just using the boom.

[Jerseydave]

And wear a cup.....trust me! The boyz will thank you.

[woftam]

Sorry, I didn't understand you were planning to use the 5' line section to foot. Made a bad assumption is was to be used to teach someone to ski. In any case, it was well covered by the others who responded. A good barefoot wetsuit, or at least a set of wetsuit shorts and a cup are a good idea for a less painful day. Have fun!

[snork]

What about the Super Man start? On chest first than roll over onto back then tumble turn to move your feet and legs forward. Walla

[woftam]

What about the Super Man start? On chest first than roll over onto back then tumble turn to move your feet and legs forward. Walla

Best done using a BF wetsuit. OTH, watching someone foot & experiment with different starts while wearing standard swim/ski/ride clothing provides plenty of amusement for spectators.
;)