The Truth About Barefoot Boom Construction
Lane "Dawg" Bowers
Water skiing is no longer subject to "old school" abuse of learning behind the boat. If you have ever tried to learn to either get up on combos, get up on a slalom ski, kneedboard, wakeboard, or even barefoot with great difficulty, then you are ready for a serious shortcut. The barefoot boom is no longer just for barefoot water skiing...it is your ticket to fun.
Although it was invented to help barefoot water skiers learn as early as the 1960's, it is hard to pinpoint the barefoot boom's beginning since there were so many home made versions. Mike Seiple began a company, Barefoot International, in 1983 which specialized in making barefoot booms and it was the hidden secret to the success of his ski school.
The success of Barefoot International drew many machine shops into the boom making business. But you are about to get the industry secrets to knowing what makes a good boom. This is information that the industry is trying to stop me from telling. Booms are not only not all equal, but there is a growing problem with serious injuries from inferior boom construction. Learn the truth about urban legends surrounding barefoot booms.
Myth number 1: a light weight boom is preferred to a heavier one because it makes setting up easier
Truth about boom weight: FALSE. Boom weight is determined by the construction. Lighter booms are constructed with hollow cores. What you want to look for is solid aircraft aluminum construction. Barefoot booms are subjected to a tremendous amount of pressure when used for teaching. The most important consideration for booms is safety and nothing short of a solid boom is acceptable.
Myth number 2: one cable connected to the bow is better than two.
Boom Cable Facts: False. When a boom has only one cable, there is increased flex in both the outside and inside of the boom. It only takes one cable failure to realize how dangerous this is for everyone involved. Two cables provides the greatest security and safety.
Boom Clamp Myth 3: a boom clamp that slides up and down with a flexible clamp is better because it is easier to adjust
Truth about boom clamps: FALSE. After testing every boom clamp on the market, the quick release clamp takes about 30 seconds to adjust while reinforced boom clamp takes about 15 seconds longer. My findings showed that after hundreds of adjustments, the flexing of the quick release clamp caused it to weaken. On the other hand, the reinforced boom clamp provides the surest connection with the ski pylon with no deterioration over time.
far the biggest consideration in a barefoot boom is safety. By getting the best barefoot boom you can find, you can then concentrate on learning and teaching others to ski. Barefoot booms are now being used to teach children and adults alike to kneeboard, combo ski, wakeboard, slalom, and barefoot. If you get the right boom, it will last forever and you will become the go-to-guy for learning on your lake.
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