By Joe Lovato (with the assistance of Grok AI)
Nestled in the serene town of Adna, Washington, Lake Silverado once again became the epicenter of barefoot waterskiing excellence as it hosted the 2025 Western Regional Barefoot Waterski Championships. This iconic venue, home to the 2006 Barefoot Waterski World Championships, welcomed a vibrant community of skiers, spectators, and supporters for a weekend of unforgettable moments.
The event was orchestrated by Doug “Cowboy” Jordan and his wife, Dianne Jordan, alongside the dedicated partners and members of Lake Silverado. Their hospitality and passion for the sport set the stage for a competition that celebrated skill, spirit, and the enduring legacy of barefoot waterskiing.
Soaring and Skimming: Chris Bolkan’s High-Flying Adventure
While bare feet skimmed across Lake Silverado’s waters, Chris Bolkan took thrill-seekers to the skies! Piloting his nimble two-seater crop duster from Tri-Cities, Washington. Chris offered jaw-dropping rides to event-goers. For some, the risk was too steep, but others couldn’t resist soaring to new heights. Chris even handed over the controls, letting adventurous souls pilot the plane! While some left hooked on barefooting, others caught the aviation bug, making Lake Silverado a playground for both water and sky.
Masters Women: Vicki Klein’s Unstoppable Spirit
In the Masters Women division, Vicki Klein stole the show with a performance that was nothing short of inspirational. Known for her warmth and kindness, Vicki is a beloved figure in the barefoot community, often described as someone who “doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.” A quilter extraordinaire off the water, she brought her artistry to the lake, earning first place overall with a slalom score of 1.9 and a trick score of 1110. What made her performance truly remarkable was her decision to ski both slalom passes backwards—a bold move that showcased her skill and fearlessness. Her performance was a testament to the idea that passion and dedication know no age limit.
Masters Men: Brian Butterworth’s Commanding Victory
The Masters Men division saw Brian Butterworth dominate with a commanding performance, securing first place overall with a slalom score of 9.3 and a trick score of 1110. Brian’s precision and consistency were on full display as he navigated the slalom event with ease and executed a series of complex tricks that left judges and spectators impressed. His victory was a highlight of the championships, underscoring his status as one of the region’s top competitors.
Men’s B: Paul Klutz Soars to New Heights
The Men’s B division was a battleground of talent, with Paul Klutz emerging as the overall champion. Paul’s disciplines made him a standout, and his massive jump sent a clear message: Paul Klutz is a force to be reckoned with. Hot on his heels was Jeff Waterfall, who took second place with a slalom score of 9.1 and a trick score of 650. Jeff’s strong slalom performance kept the competition tight, while Francois Claude rounded out the podium with a third-place victory and a trick score of 510. The Men’s B division was a showcase of grit and determination, with each skier pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Men’s C: Jay Leuck’s Steady Hand
In the Men’s C division, Jay Leuck claimed first place overall with a slalom score of 2.2 and a trick score of 140. Jay’s steady and calculated approach to the competition earned him the top spot, proving that consistency can be just as powerful as flash. His performance was a reminder that every division in barefoot waterskiing brings its own brand of excitement and skill.
Open Men: Andrew Martin
The Open Men division was a thrilling contest, with Andrew Martin clinching the first place overall. Andrew’s scores were nothing short of impressive: a slalom score of 14.2, a trick score of 2400, and a jump score of 7.7. His trick run, in particular, was a highlight of the tournament, featuring a dizzying array of tumble turns, surface turns, toe holds, and one-foots that earned him 1st place Open Men’s victory. Andrew’s ability to combine technical precision with show-stopping flair cemented his status as a top-tier competitor. Andrew has his sights
on the 2025 Master’s Championships held in Chartres, France completing his personal goal on competing in three world championships (Junior, Elite and Masters).
Brian Heeney put up a strong fight for second place, with a slalom score of 12, a trick score of 1800, and a jump score of 9.6. Brian’s performance was marked by his trademark intensity and focus, making the Open Men division one of the most exciting of the championships.
Open Pro Men: Joe Lovato
In the Open Pro Men division, Joe Lovato proved his name in barefoot waterskiing, taking first place overall with a slalom score of 17.4 and a trick score of 1730. Joe’s slalom run was a clinic in precision, as he carved through the event with unmatched speed and control. His trick performance was impressive with a Froggy Flier start, showcasing his ability to push the boundaries of the sport. Jerry “Flipper” Kanawyer gave Joe a run for his money, securing second place with a slalom score of 15. Jerry’s performance was a testament to his experience and skill, keeping the competition tight and thrilling until the final run.
Senior Men: Ted Klein’s Masterful Performance
The Senior Men division saw Ted Klein take first place overall with a slalom score of 11.3 and a trick score of Ted’s performance was a blend of technical mastery and veteran savvy, as he executed each maneuver with the confidence of a seasoned competitor. Neil Heeney claimed second place with a slalom score of 5.43 and a trick score of 580, delivering a solid performance that kept the division competitive.
Super Veteran Men: Mike ‘Grandpa’ Brisco’s Timeless Talent
In the Super Veteran Men division, Mike “Grandpa” Brisco proved that age is just a number. With “25 years and 53 years of experience,” Mike delivered a performance that was both inspiring and impressive, earning first place overall with a slalom score of 3.23 and a trick score of 510. His ability to compete at such a high level, even in the Super Veteran division, was a highlight of the championships and a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal across generations.
Passing the Handle:
We had two newcomers, Tatiana and Laurel, who caught the barefoot itch! It’s rare for a spectator to have the chance to learn barefoot waterskiing surrounded by such a wealth of knowledge and expertise. These fearless women experienced the exhilarating rush of water gliding beneath their feet. Their daring debuts marked the start of what’s sure to be a lifelong passion for the sport, proving that the barefoot legacy thrives from its grassroots!
It’s a Wrap:
Looking ahead, the success of the 2025 Western Regionals sets the stage for an exciting future for the sport. Many of the competitors will go on to represent the region at the 2025 U.S. Barefoot Waterski Nationals in Auburndale, Florida, from July 30 to August 2, 2025, then to Chartres, France for 2025 Masters Barefoot Championships from September 7-15, 2025. With the American Barefoot Club and its passionate community driving the sport forward, events like the Western Regionals continue to inspire new generations of skiers to take to the water.
Author: Joe Lovato, with a little assistance from Grok AI.
American Barefoot Club 