Local News - January 2004

Winter show skiers grin and bare it in the new year

By AMY WADSWORTH, Staff Writer

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Barefoot skiers from around the southeast braved the cold temperatures New Year’s Day at the Lake Norman Marina.

The cold wind and water did not keep them away.

Many skiers came from Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and as far away as Maryland.

It was the 26th annual New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge for the Carolina Show Ski team.

The barefooters were seen flying across the water demonstrating their skills and speed.

A reason several skiers compete is for the crowds.

“The best part for me is seeing people enjoying the day and having fun,” said event organizer Kurtis McMillan, who is also a barefoot skier in the event.

Approximately 500 spectators were present.

McMillan said it is always a fun event to organize. What started as a hobby has now turned annual, he said.

“It’s a great way to start the new year right,” McMillan said. “To start on your bare feet.”

McMillan has been barefoot skiing and been the organizer of the event for four years.

Twenty-seven barefoot skiers competed in the event. There were four divisions including youth (18 and under), boom, regular and open.

The winners for the youth division were Marissa Williams and Seth Frase.

The boom category was open to beginners learning to barefoot.

A boom is a pole that extends from the center of the boat to out and over the side of the boat. It is used as a training device for beginner water-skiers or barefooters. It is used to help the skier close to the boat for easy coaching and to give the skier something steady and high to hold on to.

The winners in this category were Brandon Nelson, Adam Nelson and Matt Santomenna.

The winners in the regular category were Kip Cheek, Jay Nelson, and Pat Hutchinson.

The open category included the past winner of the regular division. The winners in this division were Jeff Blair, Travis Shulenberger and Eddie Johnson.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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