Editing Water skiing (section)

===Barefoot water skiing===
[[File:Barefoot Waterskier Michael French.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Barefoot skiing]] on [[Lake Ozonia]] in the Adirondacks]]
{{main|Barefoot skiing}}
A barefoot water skier should use a [[wetsuit]] instead of a [[life jacket]] because the wetsuit covers more of the body in case of a fall at high speed. The [[wetsuit]] also allows the skier to do starts in the water where they lie on their back. Unlike a normal life jacket, the "barefoot wetsuit" allows the skier to glide on their back on top of the water once they reach a high enough speed. The barefoot wetsuit is generally thicker in the back, rear, and chest for flotation and impact absorption.

Barefoot skiing requires a higher speed because the skier's feet are smaller than skis, providing less lift. A rule of thumb for barefoot water skiing speed in miles per hour is (M/10)+18=S, where M equals the skier's weight in pounds. In other words, a {{convert|175|lb|abbr=on}} person would have to divide 175/10, which is 17.5; then simply add 17.5+18 which equals {{convert|35.5|mph|km/h}}.

Another tool used in barefoot water skiing is the barefoot boom. It provides a stable aluminum bar on the side of the boat where a short rope can be attached or the skier can grip the bar itself. The skier is within earshot of the people in the boat, providing a good platform for teaching. Once the bare footer is good enough, he/she will go behind the boat with a long rope.

A beginner can wear shoes to decrease the necessary speed, lessen foot injury from choppy water, learn better technique, and master the sport.