2016 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

Don and Arlene Stoppe host the 2016 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships July 23rd 2016.

1 Pemi Shore Lane, Pemigewasset River, Franklin, NH

Click here for Professional Photographs of the Tournament by Ken Watson Photography

Click here for Complete Videos from the Tow Boat   ** You can view them now…  but…  they are not completely uploaded, named, and/or categorized.   Hopefully this will be done by 7/31/2016.

It would be nice if a junior skier could write an article about the tournament… hint.. hint…

Please send all media coverage, photos, articles to johnemartines@gmail.com and I will get them posted.

-John

 

2015 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

1069207_10201030565879150_378602534_nVideos from the 2015 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

Videos from the 2014 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

Videos from the 2013 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

July 24th – 25th 2015

Prompton Dam – Click for Directions

Prompton State Park
Pennsylvania 170
Prompton, PA 18742

SPECTATOR ADMISSION IS FREE

Once again the Newton Lake Ski Club has secured the site for the Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships.  Prompton Dam located at Prompton State Park has been the Site of the Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships for the past 4 years.   Prompton Dam provides IDEAL conditions for a Record Capable Barefoot Tournament.

The Prompton State Park is a 1500 acre tract of land shared by the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers. It contains a 280-acre lake. The entire park is available to the public for various activities that include: hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, back country skiing, paddling, fishing, hunting, geo-caching, and disc golf. We invite you to visit the park and enjoy the area.

WHAT: 2015 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships
WHERE: Prompton Dam, Prompton State Park, Pennsylvania
WHEN: July 25th – 26th 2015

July 24th 2015
12PM-5PM – Jump Event
6PM – BBQ at site

July 25th 2015
8AM-3PM Tricks and Slalom Event
3PM – Annual ‘Slow Man’ Competition
7PM – Banquet at Host Hotel – Best Western Carbondale

ONLINE REGISTRATION:   Click Here!
BY MAIL:  Fill these out and mail them ABC Tournament Entry Form – Adult-MinorEventWaiver
PLEASE MAIL ALL FORMS TO BY: July 10th 2015
John E. Martines, 106 Healey Hill Road, Greenfield Twp., PA 18407
Call 570-280-9424 for any questions.

EVERYONE MUST FILL OUT THE   Barefoot liability form  FOR THE SITE

Host Hotel:  Best Western Pioneer Plaza

Pre-Registration before July 8th for the tournament is $125. Late Fee after July July 8th is $25 The fee includes skiing, t-shirt, Friday BBQ and Saturday banquet at the hotel.

Friday after skiing we will be hosting a BBQ at the site.  BBQ tickets for non-skiers are $. The fee for Saturday banquet tickets for non-skiers is $50.  The banquet will be an array of carving stations and a cash bar.

Once again this year all skiers will receive a tee shirt.  Tournament sponsors will be printed on the shirts.  Sponsorship are $100.  Skiers are encouraged to help with the solicitation of sponsors. Names of the sponsors should be sent to johngmartines@gmail.com prior to June 18 to have them printed on the shirts.

 

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2014 NH Barefoot Bonanza!

Don Stoppe hosted the second annual NH Barefoot Bonanza on July 12th 2014.

The New Hampshire Barefoot Bonanza ski tournament hosted by Don and Arleen Stoppe, was a huge success this year.  It was a beautiful day on the Pemigewasset River in Franklin, New Hampshire. 26 registered skiers from age 8 to age 71 and as far away as California and England turned out to challenge themselves, give bystanders a show, and enjoy a beautiful sunny day!

Following a week of barefooting at a clinic lead by world record holder and New Hampshire native, Keith St. Onge, The New Hampshire Barefoot Bonanza began with Keith completing his pass on the river (Check out Keith’s interview with New Hampshire Chronicle which showcases Keith’s many skills as well as many other New England

skiers).   The water on the Pemi was calm and it was a beautiful sunny day on the river with the green trees and mountains of New Hampshire in the background.  A perfect day for skiing!  The day was filled with volleyball, barbeque, swimming, socializing with friends new and old, and of course a lot of skiing!

Judges Joe Malenfant and Lorraine Buri Piskura had a fun yet challenging day of judging many classes including Boys, Men’s, Pro-Men’s and Women’s.

Highlights of the day included seeing the next generation of skiers show their stuff.  Max Brzoza, age 13, Kyle Sousa age 8, Michael Sousa III age 10 and Emma Sylvester age 20 completed their trick runs with Kyle working the crowd with a smile and a wave. The day wouldn’t have been complete without more experienced skiers showing their stuff including Judy Myers, 2013 US Nationals Womens 7 – 2nd overall and now competing women’s 8 eldest competing womens barefooter!

The day concluded with awards presentation where participants received recognition for their exciting day of skiing!  We would like to give special thanks to Don and Arleen Stoppe, Keith St. Onge, Joe Mellinfont, Loriane Buri Piskura, Leonard Tremblay, the Krauz family, and of course all of the skiers and supporters who came out for the day!

 

 

Prayers for Amber

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Dear Eastern Region Barefooters,

This request came from Midwest Skier, Patrick Blake.

Amber Update and Call to Action:

Please read this whole post. Jen and I saw Amber last night. She was in great spirits, her usual Amber mode. She was sitting up and giving orders to everyone. She has a brace around her neck like a high collar to hold her neck steady while the bones heal, and a soft cast where they rebuilt her right elbow. She liked the cards Jenny made for her.
The prognosis has not changed much from Sunday. She has no motor control from chest down. She has movement in the shoulders but not in the arms and hands. Some of the swelling is down and she can actually lift her left arm with the shoulder muscles, which is faster than the doctors expected. This is all good. The doctors are hopeful that she can eventual get some motion back in her hands. The doctors are not optimistic about anything else. But Amber is a dedicated fighter. If work and perseverance can help bring her back, then Amber’s the one that can get it done.
The plan right now is that she will stay in UW Hospital until Monday. Then she will be going to Rehab Institute of Chicago. That assumes her recovery stays on track until Monday.

Now the Call to action! I have three requests of everyone:

1. Keep praying. Please keep Amber in your thoughts and prayers and stay optimistic for her.
2. The Amber Rangel Fund has been started. Amber is going to have a long hard road back. Long, hard, and COSTLY. We can help put our prayers into actions by giving to the Amber Rangel Fund. 100% of the money given will go directly to Amber and her family to help with the many expenses now and that are ahead of them. Please send checks to The Amber Rangel Fund, c/o Bank First, PO Box 10, Manitowoc, WI, 54221-0010. Thanks to Mike Molepski for setting up this account.
3. Share, Share, Share. Many people that know Amber are not on my facebook. The more we share this information, the more people find how they can help, and the more help we can give to Amber and her family. Share, Share, SHARE.

 

2014 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

This is the official page of the 2014 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championship

2014 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

Prompton Dam – Click for Directions

Prompton State Park
Pennsylvania 170
Prompton, PA 18742

SPECTATOR ADMISSION IS FREE

Once again the Newton Lake Ski Club has secured the site for the Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships.  Prompton Dam located at Prompton State Park has been the Site of the Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships for the past 3 years.   Prompton Dam provides IDEAL conditions for a Record Capable Barefoot Tournament.

The Prompton State Park is a 1500 acre tract of land shared by the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers. It contains a 280-acre lake. The entire park is available to the public for various activities that include: hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, back country skiing, paddling, fishing, hunting, geo-caching, and disc golf. We invite you to visit the park and enjoy the area.

WHAT: 2014 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championships

WHERE: Prompton Dam, Prompton State Park, Pennsylvania

WHEN: July 18th – 19th 2014

July 18th 2014

12PM-5PM – Jump Event
6PM – BBQ at site

July 19th 2014

8AM-3PM Tricks and Slalom Event
3PM – Second Annual ‘Slow Man’ Competition
7PM – Banquet at Host Hotel – Sheraton Four Points

ONLINE REGISTRATION:   Click Here!

BY MAIL:  Fill these out and mail them ABC Tournament Entry Form – Adult-MinorEventWaiver

PLEASE MAIL ALL FORMS TO BY: July 5th 2014

John E. Martines, 106 Healey Hill Road, Greenfield Twp., PA 18407

Call 570-280-9424 for any questions.

EVERYONE MUST FILL OUT THE   Barefoot liability form  FOR THE SITE

Host Hotel:   Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 300 Meadow Ave, Scranton PA. 18505.  A block of rooms have been reserved under “barefoot tournament” at a rate of $109 per night. Please contact the hotel AFTER May 1 but prior to June 18 to confirm your room reservation.  570 344 9811

Pre-Registration before July 8th for the tournament is $125. Late Fee after July July 8th is $25 The fee includes skiing, t-shirt, Friday BBQ and Saturday banquet at the hotel.

Friday after skiing we will be hosting a BBQ at the site.  BBQ tickets for non-skiers are $25. The fee for Saturday banquet tickets for non-skiers is $50.  The banquet will be an array of carving stations and a cash bar.

Once again this year all skiers will receive a tee shirt.  Tournament sponsors will be printed on the shirts.  Sponsorship are $100.  Skiers are encouraged to help with the solicitation of sponsors. Names of the sponsors should be sent to johngmartines@gmail.com prior to June 18 to have them printed on the shirts.

Click here to see Videos from the 2013 Eastern Regional Barefoot Championship

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2014 World Barefoot Championships, Mulwala Austrailia

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U.S. Barefoot Teams, Athletes Earn Medals
At Barefoot Water Ski World Championships

Biennial event took place March 11-16 in Mulwala, Australia
POLK CITY, Fla. – The U.S. Elite and Junior Barefoot Water Ski Teams each earned overall team bronze medals, the U.S. Senior Barefoot Water Ski Team earned the overall team silver medal, and nine U.S. athletes combined to earn 19 individual medals in respective divisions and events at the 2014 Barefoot Water Ski World Championships, March 11-16, at Max Kirwan Lakes in Mulwala, Australia. For the fifth consecutive time, the biennial Elite (Open) Barefoot Water Ski World Championships was held simultaneously with the biennial Junior and Senior Barefoot Water Ski World Championships. The six-day event featured more than 130 athletes from 12 countries. The Elite Barefoot Worlds took place for the 19th time, while the Junior Barefoot Worlds was held for the 11th time and the Senior Barefoot Worlds commenced for the ninth time.

Athletes competed for medals in slalom, tricks, jumping and overall, in addition to the coveted team titles. The wake slalom event consisted of athletes crossing the boat wake as many times as possible in two 15-second passes. Tricks competitors performed as many tricks as possible in two 15-second passes. Jumpers, who were each allowed three attempts, went for distance while leaping off an 18-inch ramp.

Members of the U.S. Elite Barefoot Water Ski Team

Chandler Cargile (Valdosta, Ga.), Cody Ebbert (Utica, Pa.), Peter Fleck (Windermere, Fla.), Jerry Kanawyer (Byron, Calif.), Kailey Koehler (Wauconda, Ill.), Johnathan Martines (Greenfield Township, Pa.) and Keith St. Onge (Winter Haven, Fla.).

The U.S. Elite Barefoot Water Ski Team earned the bronze medal, tallying 6,697.24 points in the 12-team field. Australia won the gold medal, scoring 8,262.70 points, and New Zealand earned the silver medal, scoring 7,104.83 points.

St. Onge won gold medals in Men’s slalom (20.4 points) and jumping (87 feet/26.6 meters); Ebbert earned the bronze medal in Men’s tricks (8,380 points); and Koehler earned bronze medals in Women’s slalom (13.60 points) and overall (1,535 points). Martines placed 10th in men’s overall, 16th in slalom, 12th in tricks and 18th in jumping. He contributed 452.67 points toward the U.S. Team’s bronze-medal finish.

Members of the U.S. Junior Barefoot Water Ski Team

Chandler Cargile (Valdosta, Ga.), Brody Meskers (Chetek, Wis.) and Will Rhea (Somerville, Tenn.). The U.S. Junior Water Ski Team earned the bronze medal, scoring 4,652.51 points in the six-team field. Australia won the gold medal, scoring 5,477.91 points, and New Zealand earned the silver medal, scoring 4,850.64 points. Cargile earned silver medals in Boys’ slalom (13.80 points), tricks (5,300 points) and overall (2,588 points); Meskers earned bronze medals in Boys’ slalom (12.70 points) and tricks (3,250 points); and Rhea earned the bronze medal in Boys’ jumping (61 feet/18.70 meters).

Members of the U.S. Senior Barefoot Water Ski Team

Peter Fleck (Windermere, Fla.), Teri Jones (Monona, Wis.), Doug Jordan (Renton, Wash.) and Jerry Kanawyer (Byron, Calif.). The U.S. Senior Barefoot Water Ski earned the silver medal, scoring 4,422.53 points in the eight team field. Australia won the gold medal, tallying 5,573.60 points, and New Zealand earned the bronze medal, scoring 4,353.08 points. Fleck earned the silver medal in Men’s slalom (15.70 points) and bronze medals in jumping (70 feet/21.40 meters) and overall (2,139 points). Jones earned the silver medal in Women’s tricks (2,000 points) and bronze medals in slalom (6.70 points) and overall (2,054 points). U.S. independent competitor Betsy Gilman (Gainesville, Ga.) earned the silver medal in Women’s jumping (29 feet/8.70 meters) and the bronze medal in tricks (910 points).

Lauren St. Onge (Winter Haven, Fla.) served as team manager for the Elite, Junior and Senior teams. Gary “Swampy” Bouchard (Winter Haven, Fla.) served as the coach of the Junior team. Lee Stone (Spicewood, Texas) served as coach of the U.S. Elite team. Scott Jones (Monona, Wis.) served as the coach of the Senior team.

For complete results, visit http://www.USAWATERSKI.org.
USA Water Ski was formed in 1939 as a non-profit organization promoting water skiing in the United States. USA Water Ski is affiliated with the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (world governing body) and is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and Pan-American Sports Organization as the national governing body of organized water skiing in the United States.

NOTE TO MEDIA: This press release, as well as other water-skiing information, is available
on our Web site, http://www.USAWATERSKI.org. 2014 USA Water Ski. All Rights Reserved.

 Videos of the 2014 World Barefoot Championships

Men’s Tricks Semi-Finals

Men’s Tricks Final

Woman’s Tricks Semi-Finals

Woman’s Tricks Finals

Men’s Slalom Finals

Woman’s Slalom Finals