5-minute read
Imagine skimming across a body of water at 40 miles per hour - without skis, without a board - just your bare feet slicing the surface in one of the most extreme watersports on the planet. That’s what it’s like to compete in the World Barefoot Championships.
Barefoot skiing is exactly what it sounds like - skiing without skis. Competitors reach high speeds to generate the lift necessary for them to glide across the surface of the water on the soles of their feet. Athletes need immense precision, balance, and a fearless resolve. Even small mistakes can send skiers crashing into the water. Athletes from around the world come to Florida to compete for the title of world champion, and often take home a custom challenge coin as well!
The World Barefoot Championships
Every two years, the World Barefoot Championships take place and feature fierce competition in events like slalom, tricks, and jumping. Slalom skiers must navigate a course, crossing back and forth behind the boat while maintaining balance and control at high speeds. For the tricks portion of the event, skiers perform spins, flips, and other acrobatic moves that are each scored based on difficulty and execution. Jumping is perhaps the most exciting event. Barefoot skiers use a small ramp to launch themselves into the air and have only the bottom of their feet to catch the water to land cleanly and maximize their distance.
The sport has its roots firmly planted in Florida, but it’s expanded all around the world. Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and several European countries are well known for producing talented barefoot skiers. For competitors at the World Championships, the event is the culmination of year-round training and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water. This year's competition took place in Cenrtal Florida, but cities all around the world get to host the event every two years.
While the event is mostly a competition, it's also a celebration of human vigor, innovation, and courage. Spectators see athletes who seem to defy gravity as they perform incredible feats of skill and test their nerve, making this one of the most exciting events in the world of water sports.
Custom Challenge Coins That Mark Victory and Glory
We wanted to create a challenge coin as bold and unique as the athletes competing for them. Barefeet are what set this sport apart from all other watersports - so incorporating that idea into the design was the first step. The iconic Florida palm trees and sunshine help add a splash of vibrant color, while the outlines of athletes skimming the water highlights the high-stakes nature of the competition.
There can only be one champion per event, but these coins are a symbol of achievement for all competitors to take home. As the script says on the back of the coins, the athletes are all barefoot water ski legends. It takes courage and a tremendous amount of skill to compete, and these coins are a celebration of their abilities and dedication. Especially when you consider that athletes travel from all over the world for this event, it’s exciting to know that everyone will bring home one of these custom coins to cherish from the experience.
What Kind of Custom Coins Will You Create?
We’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to create challenge coin designs for competitions, team building, or to celebrate important events or milestones. The World Barefoot Championships are just one of many sporting events we’ve partnered with to create unforgettable challenge coins. If you know of anyone who might be interested in creating a design of their own, send them our way!
It’s never been easier to get started on a custom coin design of your own. Just send us a few of your ideas, and we’ll create a design for free. The only question left is - what kind of custom challenge coin will you create?