Sunday, August 29, 2010

Barefoot Water Skiing with a Senior Citizen

Karen Putz (@DeafMom) tweeted Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) with this great barefooting article she wrote for the Chicago Tribune. It is as an extremely inspiring read!

Twenty six years ago, I went from hard of hearing to deaf in an instant. I was water skiing on my bare feet and crossing over the wake when I caught a toe and hit the water sideways. When I climbed into the boat, I thought I simply had water-stuffed ears; it wasn't until weeks later that I realized that being deaf was here to stay.

Last fall, my husband sent me a link to the Today Show featuring Judy Myers, a 66-year-old woman who took up barefooting at the age of 53. Judy competes in tournaments and she can barefoot backwards and on one foot. Judy inspired me to get on the water again. In the spring of this year, I flew down to the World Barefoot Center and I went back to barefoot water skiing at the age of 44. I've been having a blast ever since.


To read the entire article visit the Chicago Tribune online.

Thanks for sharing Karen and congrats on getting back on the water! Keep footin'!

3 comments:

Karen Putz said...

Thanks for sharing the story-- I'm loving my time back on the water!

karen putz said...

Joann tried to post a comment here but couldn't. She wanted to let you know that she LOVES her Malibu Response LXi with a 383 Hammerhead motor.

Joann challenged me to try some wake crossings behind it. I hestitated at first but I accomplished it with some shoe skis. I didn't catch a toe!

Debbie said...

I live in San Diego and have heard Judy's name via mutual friends. I am 54 and still barefoot or shoe ski every week; be great to have a ladies outing sometime.