The “bare footers” performed long jumps and spectacular tricks on the Regattabahn in Duisburg in the week-end. The top European barefoot water skiers started in the individual disciplines slalom, tricks and jumps. The skiers were drawn by motor boats with over 350 PS and at a speed of about 70 km/h.

The “bare footers” performed long jumps and spectacular tricks on the Regattabahn in Duisburg in the week-end. The top European barefoot water skiers started in the individual disciplines slalom, tricks and jumps. The skiers were drawn by motor boats with over 350 PS and at a speed of about 70 km/h. The longest jump over the 45 cm high jump ramp was shown by Patrick Wehner from France who reached 24.90 metres. Christian Kurz from Brandenburg finished fourth with 19.60 metres. In the ladies’ division the winner was Svenja Hempelmann from Porta Westfalica / Germany with 11.50 metres.
In Slalom the barefoot skiers cross the wake as often as possible, if possible also on one foot or backwards. Patrick Wehner performed best and earned 18.6 points. Sven Bruckschlegel from Duisburg was third on the podium with 14.6 points. Kirsten Gronvik from Norway won the ladies’ competition, while Svenja Hempelmann finished third with 9.6 points.
The skiers were enthusiastic about the perfectly smooth water and performed at their best. The spectators on the tribune could watch the athletes very closely on four screens that showed pictures taken with a video camera from the boat. In Tricks Patrick Wehner won again with 6550 points. Christian Kurz from Brandenburg was third with 3150 points. With 2150 points Sven Bruckschlegel from the local 1. WMC Duisburg e. V. finished sixth. In the ladies’ division Svenja Hempelmann scored the best result.
The unchallenged overall winner of the men’s competition was Patrick Wehner followed by Jan Baillien from Belgium and Christian Kurz from Germany. Svenja Hempelmann was the overall winner of the ladies. The winner of the additional World Games 2005 Promotion Fun Cup was Jan Baillien. The youngest participant was as young as eight years and started for the WMC Treis / Germany and. He was happy about reaching a remarkable 20th place.
All skiers were impressed with the Regattabahn in Duisburg and would like to come back. At the latest in 2005 they will have the opportunity to do so. The disciplines barefoot water skiing, water ski classic and wakeboard are part of the official sports programme during the 2005 World Games in Duisburg.