Dear Chuck,

I would like to nominate Payton Blouw as for Footer of the Month. Payton at the young age of 8 years old nailed his first long line step out. Talk about motivation for the rest of us to get out there and learn something new. Payton is the youngest of three boys and spends endless hours observing for his brothers when they wakeboard and air chair.

Payton has watched his dad foot ever since he was a baby riding in the boat. This same dad has been surpressing Payton's desire to foot long line for the obvious reason, he is too young. Weighing in 60lbs Ron his dad was not sure how fast to even pull him.

It was a warm August night when Ron and I finished working on Back Deeps when Payton asks, "Dad will you pull me foot'n"? His dad's answered, "it will take me a bit to get out the boom". Payton's reply, "I am goning to go long line".

As the boat accelerated to 27 mph Paytons first attempt found him standing too tall and taking a face slam that we all could appreciate. After catching his breath and wiping away the tears Payton insisted he try again. This time with his plant foot a bit further in front of him and acting like he was sitting in a chair the step off was a success. At first I thought fluke, however nailing it three times in a row he is the man! He even had enough left to take one more run for his mom to get a photo shoot.

Sometimes we forget the thrill of how it felt the first time we had our first clean step off. I think the look on Paytons face reminds us of why we even do it.

Hats off to you Payton you are an inspiration to us all.

Sincerly,
Ross Hopkins

Ross:  Thanks for taking the time to nominate Payton.  Like you said, the picture says it all.  Congratulations Payton, we'll be keeping our eyes on you.  You're already in a select group.  You've been added to a select list of footers from all around the world that can claim a BFC Footer of the Month nomination.  And you're now eligible to be voted the 2007 BFC Footer of the Year.  Good luck, and keep skiing hard.

Chuck Gleason
BarefootCentral.com

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