Keen interest in barefoot opportunity

As a ‘come and try’ day, the VBC offered lessons throughout the day.

Taking up the offer was Ski School coordinator Aileen Hayes.

“I experienced a lot of spray in my face until I actually got up off the water, with my feet in the correct position,” she said of the experience.

“The VBC plans to return to Deniliquin on March 8 and 9 this year, and I encourage kids and adults to take advantage of this opportunity and experience something totally different.”

Before hitting the water on Saturday, VBC members put their boat into the river at the Boat CLub on Friday night as part of the Ski School program.

Kids were provided with a padded wetsuit to wear.

“VBC president Peter Roberts and his team made sure that everyone was given the opportunity to try the unique skill of barefooting,” Hayes said.

“They provided high-quality coaching.

“A boom bar with a swing was used as a teaching aid to make barefooting easy.

“This also meant coaches were in close proximity to the skier, providing clear instructions/making communication easy.

“World champion barefoot skier Brett Sands also took his turn driving the boat and sharing his expertise and skills with those keen to learn.

“Brett also showcased his skills on the river in front of the boat club, impressing his audience.”

VBC member Brad Shearer said the club aims to host six to eight ‘come and try’ sessions all over Victoria and southern NSW.

Other location where this has been offered include Mulwala, Cohuna, Bridgewater and Boggy Creek.

The VBC hold monthly Tournaments mainly held at Max Kirwan Ski Park in Mulwala.

“The team was impressed with our beautiful river, surroundings and club facilities,” Hayes said.

“The VBC also got to witness how Ski School runs and commented how lucky the community of Deniliquin is to have this on offer.”