The NSW Barefoot Water Ski Club has rallied three super coaches to mentor keen barefooters of ages ranging between eight and 50 on Thursday 23^rd and Friday 24^th of February.

Current Australian Trick Champion  Brendan Paige, ranked second in Australia and seventh in the world, will be among them. 

Ten times Australian Champion and twice third in the world, Pete O’Neill, as well as Australian Junior Team Assistant Coach and NSW Team Coach, Brendan Chattaway, will also be there, creating an impressive team of barefoot instructors. 

“We’ve had unbelievable interest. We only officially advertised it on Thursday and it’s basically booked out. It filled up in about 24 hours, we’re looking at maybe running a third day,” said Forbes barefooter, Jim Cronin, who started the sport at age 11. 

He said they were hoping to get 40 competitors at the Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th February tournament. 

Eight locals from Forbes are expected to be competing in the difficult sport.

“You have to have good coordination and balance. You have to be quite tough and resilient. It’s just a lot of fun, it’s hard to do, not easy,” Cronin said.

“The beauty about these country tournaments is that you can just be a normal, average barefooter. You don’t have to be an expert, it’s for people of all levels. Some of the elite love helping out other people, they give you tips on the day to help you improve.”

Competitors will place first, second or third in their division, depending on their skill level, tricks including tumble turns, one foot, going backwards and jumps and the duration of their ride.

The youngest competitor is expected to be 16 years, with the oldest competing athlete, 68. 

“They’re all out there just having a bit of fun, learning new tricks and techniques,” Mr Cronin said.

The coaching clinic and tournament will take place at the Forbes Ski Dam, from approximately 8am to 6pm across the four days.

Spectators are invited to come check out the fun.