Barefoot Waterskier

Betsy Anderson first learned to waterski at 5 years old and tried for years to teach herself how to barefoot. But wasn't until her cousin, Al Kiefer, took her to Ron Scarpa's Barefoot Training Center did Betsy learn to barefoot.

Ron introduced her to Scott Gray, an Open Mens Competitor. He taught her the basics, but he soon retired from the sport. Scott Gray is still her hero.

Betsy didn't ski again until she was in her late 20's, when she bought a Malibu Flightcraft. She skied her first Nationals in 2001 and has never looked back. With the help of her coaches, Keith St. Onge and Al Posada... she improves every year.

Betsy enjoys skiing on Lake Lanier. Her favorite event is jumping and is ranked in the top 20 in the World. She skied on the US Barefoot Team at the 2006 Senior World Championships in Adna, Washington and Jumped in the Elite World Championships as an independent. A nasty hip injury cut short her personal goals in 2006, and a sprained ankle denied her the chance to head to New Zealand. But Betsy is focused on the World's in 2010!

Betsy is also a Judge, Scorer and Safety Official in the American Barefoot Club and served as the Southern Regional Director 2003, 2004, 2005.

She is currently the American Barefoot Club's representative to the American Water Ski Educational Foundation and serves on the Scholarship Committee. She was instrumental in securing funds for a fully endowed barefoot waterski scholarship in 2008.

Barefoot Endurance Racing is also one of the events Betsy enjoys and in 2005 she participated in the Barefoot Central Racing Cup Series with an All-Womens team called "The Whippin' Crew." She also captained two barefoot teams in 1998 and 1999 for the Lanier Dam to Dam Race.

Titles:
2007 National Womens 3 Overall Champion
2007 National Womens 3 Slalom Champion
2006 US Barefoot World Team Member
2005 National Womens 2 Overall Champion
2005 National Womens 2 Jump Champion
2003 National Womens 2 Tricks Champion
2001 National Womens 2 Tricks Champion

Updated on 01/27/2009 07:13 AM by betsy