When I arrived at the site on Friday night for site familiarization, I took one look at Lake Frances. It took my breath away. Lake Frances is the most beautiful lake I had ever seen. It was glass. When the boat would go through the course, its rollers would dissipate and the water was again instantly glass. After seeing the site, I could not wait to ski the next morning!

My turn rolled around, and I had buffer-flies in my stomach. The boat (Banana George’s yellow Sanger 8.1liter) pulled up next to the dock, and I told the boat driver to put it into gear and to hit it. I went flying off the dock and stuck the run! Then I did a back pass. With my perfect run, I tied my PB. Slalom was even better. I got a PB.

This tournament ran like a well oiled machine. Kudos to Betsy Colmant for running the regionals. She had everyone skied and taken care of by 5pm. Jumping took about 2 hours the next morning. Betsy even had the event catered, and let me tell you, that was the best chicken I ever had.

I bet all of you are wondering who was at the Southern Regionals??? Well none other than Team Scarpa ( Ron, Keri, and Shauna), Lane Bowers, Salber and Derek Koch. I also meet Eric Coyer (who is now the new S. Regional Executive Director), and of course there was Rodger “the Moose”, and Jim Boyette. Everyone was great to talk to. I even got tips on wakes from Lisa, one of my competitors.  Amazingly enough, both Ron and Lane got out-tricked by Billy Beniost, who tricked 6,850.  So it's true, even the best guys have bad days like the rest of us mere mortals.

The awards ceremony was fun. Eric Coyer did a raffle and I won several things! There was a regional meeting before the ceremony and I took the position of North Carolina State Representitive for the American Barefoot Club. I am excited about my new position, I have been looking for more ways to get people involved in this sport!

I had a great time at the Southern Regional Barefoot Championships. The tournament was awesome, and I could not have asked for a better run show. The food, the people, and the lake were all top notch. You bet I’ll be back next year!

Next Stop…Nationals in Austin!
Toes-Up!
Marissa

Thanks so very much to my sponsors: Barefoot Central, Eagles Sports, and US Gear!

More Pictures from 2005 Southern Regionals
Ron Scarpa	New young footer on the boom
Mike Salber	Betsy & Keri check the score sheets
Ron Scarpa	Mike Salber completes a back to front.