Water skiers defy gravity in tourney.(Outdoors & Recreation)

Byline: Janet Mitchell-Fitzgerald For the Journal

Dave Newlon of Albuquerque knows what it's like to fly on water flipping, twisting and soaring next to a powerful ski boat, pulling off gravity-defying stunts.

However, along with a handful of competitors of all ages, Newlon will be competing at this weekend's N.M. State Championship for the first time without a key piece of aquatic sports equipment his water skis.

"More and more (N.M. Water Ski) club members have learned how to barefoot so we decided to add it to this year's state championship," says Newlon, a 45-year-old Albuquerque resident.

Newlon says that the barefoot skiers "won't be trying anything too fancy," and the competitors will earn points for "simple tricks" such as the "Tantrum," a tumble turn requiring the skier to go from feet to rear-end, spin around on their back, and bounce back up to their feet all while zipping along at an average speed of 30 mph.

Beginning barefooters can try holding the tow rope with their feet, skiing backward or a simple one-handed wave. The object is to do as many tricks with as much showmanship as possible in 20 seconds.

"Barefoot's tough learning, but easier than you might think," says Newlon. "Brute force will power you through."