2026 South Central Barefoot Regionals Recap

There is something special about barefoot skiing in Texas, and nowhere is that more
evident than at Utopia River Ranch, where the 2026 South Central Regionals brought
together barefooters from across the country for a weekend filled with competition,
perseverance, and friendship.
Held on July 11, this year’s tournament welcomed 18 competitors, ranging in age from
12 to 72 years old, proving once again that barefoot skiing truly is a sport for every
generation.
The venue itself has become an important part of barefoot skiing history. Owners Del
and Teri Waters have devoted decades to growing the sport and creating a place where
everyone feels at home.
Back in 1984, after moving to Austin, Del wanted to meet others who shared his passion
for barefoot skiing. At the time, the local ski club focused primarily on three-event skiing
and wasn’t particularly welcoming to newcomers. So, Del started the Austin Barefoot
Club with one simple philosophy:
Everyone is welcome.
The club quickly became known for hosting clinics where experienced skiers taught
beginners, helping countless people take their first barefoot steps across the water.
As for how Del and Teri met? Teri still laughs as she tells the story.
“Del was a barefooter, and I was a trick skier…and he was messing up my water!”
Today, the couple’s Utopia River Ranch has become one of barefoot skiing’s favorite
destinations, hosting Austin Barefoot Club campouts, several All-Can Ski events, the
2022 Masters World Championships, and now back-to-back-to-back South Central
Regional Championships in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
This year’s Regional Championships featured memorable performances throughout the
weekend.
Brad Ripp turned in a score that is currently a pending Men’s 5 national slalom record of
12.5.
The next generation of barefoot champions also made a strong statement.
Hayden Kirkland (15) qualified for the Junior World Championships in slalom
and Tricks.
Julia Cooper (12) also earned qualification for the Junior World Championships in
slalom and tricks, while her sister, Ava Cooper (14), skied a personal best and
continues pursuing her own World Championship qualification.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Leighton Hathaway, who competed in
her first-ever barefoot tournament, joining two other female competitors and showing
exactly what makes this sport so welcoming to newcomers.
Competitors even traveled long distances to be part of the event. Glenn Kinnear made
the trip all the way from Massachusetts, demonstrating the close-knit community that
barefoot skiing has built across the country.
Of course, no barefoot tournament is complete without a few unexpected challenges.
A passing rainstorm created a perfectly timed lunch break before the skies cleared and
competition resumed. Later, the tournament boat suffered a major mechanical failure
when the driveshaft came out of the boat. Thanks to the generosity of a member of the
Austin Barefoot Club, another boat was quickly loaned so the tournament could
continue with only a brief interruption.
Tournament Director Jimmy Tauras kept everything moving while maintaining the
relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that competitors have come to expect from South
Central Regionals.
Perhaps the biggest smiles of the weekend belonged to the youngest barefooters.
In an unofficial Boom Division, Abigail (3) proudly barefooted on the seahorse, while
Logan (5) barefooted two full lengths of the lake on the boom, giving everyone a
glimpse of barefoot skiing’s bright future.
The weekend also featured incredible hospitality. Philip Weikel generously donated
fresh bread and delicious baked treats from Weikel’s Store & Bakery, while members of
the Austin Barefoot Club kept everyone well-fed throughout the weekend.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the volunteers, judges, drivers, officials, families, and
sponsors who made this event possible.

Special thanks to:
Jimmy’s Ski School
Pedernales Construction
Swim Lessons with Kelly Cooper
Ski Dock
Sportsman Bundle
Utopia River Ranch
Weikel’s Store & Bakery

The 2026 South Central Regionals served as another reminder that barefoot skiing is
about far more than scores and records. It’s about welcoming new skiers, celebrating
personal victories, overcoming unexpected challenges together, and building
friendships that last a lifetime.
Congratulations to every competitor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this
year’s Regionals another unforgettable chapter in the history of barefoot skiing.
We look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2026 Barefoot Nationals and cheering
on our South-Central athletes as they represent our region at the Youth World Barefoot
Championships.