Dear Chuck,

I would like to tell you about a trip I took to the Gliding Soles Barefoot Camp. I am from Wisconsin, and was glad to get away from the cold for a few days. I had to share my trip with my sister Jacklyn, who is usually glued to her swivel ski. As it turns out, she is the toughest girl I know, and sharing this trip was a good thing.

I flew down to Winter Haven with my sister, Jacklyn, and our father. The flight got delayed and we ended up getting into Winter Haven at about 1:30 am Central Time. Our lessons were scheduled to start at 9 am. Dad had us up early enough to get the continental breakfast at the hotel, Lake Roy Beach Inn. So far I was questioning the fun in all of this.

We met Keith at the boat launch. He already had the boat in the water, and was ready for us. Keith had just gotten back from a trip to South Africa, but he was all smiles and ready to go. We found some glass calm water on one of the lakes, and I could not wait to get in.

The worst part was getting my dry suit on. That’s right I was in Florida and wearing my dry suit! I am from Wisconsin, I thought there was no way I was going to need that thing. I did not believe Keith when he said that I should bring it with me, but after I got in the water, I was glad I brought it along. I started out with an easy set of footing. I could not believe that I was skiing in January. It was great!

I cannot say enough about Keith and the way that he instructs. He helped me clean up all of my basic stuff, and then it was time to move on to the more difficult tricks, surface turns. The only problem is, I did not realize how out of skiing shape I was. The afternoon sets did not go great, but Keith continued to encourage me. Keith and my dad laughed a little with me, and I think dad laughed a little at me. I still was having the best time!
 

My sister, Jack, was footing like an animal. I was so surprised. We call her Swivelrella, because she is usually dancing on that firewood, but she has really gotten into footing. She was working hard at her front one foots. By the end of the day, she was able to one foot on both feet.

As day one came to an end, we were done, I mean wiped out. It was an awesome feeling to be that tired from doing something I love to do. As I was Leaving Keith handed me a handle and said that we needed to do some land practice before tomorrow. Jacklyn and I worked on dry land during the evening, trying to remember exactly how Keith had told us to practice.

We woke up in the morning ready to get started again. We met Keith at his home, and got started at 9:00 am. Same as day one, the worst part was putting on my blasted dry suit. I was ready for a day of moving forward. I worked long sets, I freshened up my basics. Then it was turns and turns and turns until I was a bit dizzy, and my arms were sore. Keith asked if my arms hurt, I said yes. Keith responded with,” okay time to work toes!” Keith was working me hard, and I loved it. He was going to make sure I met my goals before I hit the plane to go back to the semi-frozen tundra.

Jacklyn was working just as hard. She was making her front toes and back one foots. By then end of the day, Keith had her pretty solid on her front toes and a back one foot. She was so happy she offered to clean Keith’s boat. I have helped her a lot, and never get even so much as an offer to make my bed! She loved her weekend footing, I think she is hooked.

I cannot express how Keith’s enthusiasm and knowledge helped me and my sister. I think that the most important thing Keith did that weekend was make sure that we had fun. I cannot wait until we get to go back. My parents have scheduled us to make a return trip during spring break. I only hope the water will be warmer, and those Florida gators are still hibernating!

Jamie Kumlien
Feb 2005 Footer of the Month