| If you are new to water skiing, you may not know | | | | Myth number 2: one cable connected to the bow is |
| what a barefoot boom is. But if you have ever been | | | | better than two. |
| frustrated with trying to learn to get up on combo | | | | Truth about boom cables: FALSE. Safety, safety, |
| skis, a slalom ski, a kneeboard, or even on your bare | | | | safety. I have tested every boom on the market. |
| feet, then you will want to listen closely. A barefoot | | | | When a boom cable breaks because of construction, |
| boom could be your next purchase. | | | | it is a terrifying moment whether a skier is attached |
| The Barefoot boom was invented as a device to | | | | or not. Two cables provide maximum security and |
| help skiers learn to barefoot water ski not long after | | | | safety. |
| barefooting was invented, but it has been difficult to | | | | Myth number 3: quick release boom clamps are |
| tell who was the first to use it since so many home | | | | better because the boom height can be adjusted |
| made versions have been made. In 1983, Mike Seiple | | | | with greater ease. |
| began manufacturing booms as his trademark way of | | | | Truth about boom clamps: FALSE. After testing |
| getting people to learn to barefoot water ski. | | | | every boom clamp on the market, the quick release |
| Since then, many different companies have been | | | | clamp takes about 30 seconds to adjust while |
| making barefoot booms. This is your opportunity to | | | | reinforced boom clamp takes about 15 seconds |
| become an armchair expert and get the insider | | | | longer. My findings showed that after hundreds of |
| information about barefoot booms that many | | | | adjustments, the flexing of the quick release clamp |
| companies do not want you to know. Booms are not | | | | caused it to weaken. On the other hand, the |
| created equal and I will attempt to tell you what you | | | | reinforced boom clamp provides the surest |
| need to look for and what myths to avoid. | | | | connection with the ski pylon with no deterioration |
| Myth number 1: The lighter the boom, the better it is | | | | over time. |
| because it is easier to set-up and take down. | | | | By far the biggest consideration in a barefoot boom |
| Truth about boom weight: FALSE. Boom weight is | | | | is safety. By getting the best barefoot boom you |
| determined by the construction. Lighter booms are | | | | can find, you can then concentrate on learning and |
| constructed with hollow cores. What you want to | | | | teaching others to ski. Barefoot booms are now |
| look for is solid aircraft aluminum construction. | | | | being used to teach children and adults alike to |
| Barefoot booms are subjected to a tremendous | | | | kneeboard, combo ski, wakeboard, slalom, and |
| amount of pressure when used for teaching. The | | | | barefoot. If you get the right boom, it will last |
| most important consideration for booms is safety | | | | forever and you will become the go-to-guy for |
| and nothing short of a solid boom is acceptable. | | | | learning on your lake. |