Water skiing is no longer subject to "old school" abuse of learning behind the boat. If you have ever tried to learn to either get up on combos, get up on a slalom ski, kneedboard, wakeboard, or even barefoot with great difficulty, then you are ready for a serious shortcut. The barefoot boom is no longer just for barefoot water skiing...it is your ticket to fun.

The Barefoot boom was invented as a device to help skiers learn to barefoot water ski not long after barefooting was invented, but it has been difficult to tell who was the first to use it since so many home made versions have been made. In 1983, Mike Seiple began manufacturing booms as his trademark way of getting people to learn to barefoot water ski.

Everybody who had a machine shop started trying to get in on the boom making business. I am here to give you the facts and blow the whistle on companies who are making shortcuts in their boom construction. I hope you get to see this info before it gets pulled! Booms ar not all the same and I want you to know what snake oil sales pitches to avoid.

Myth number 1: The lighter the boom, the better it is because it is easier to set-up and take down.

Boom Weight Truth: False. The weight of the boom is determined by the material used and the density of the boom. A hollow core boom is lighter, but is more prone to warp and bend. Over time this could put skiers and passengers in serious danger. Look for a solid core construction from aircraft aluminum quality material.

Myth number 2: one cable connected to the bow is better than two.

Boom Cable Facts: False. When a boom has only one cable, there is increased flex in both the outside and inside of the boom. It only takes one cable failure to realize how dangerous this is for everyone involved. Two cables provides the greatest security and safety.

Myth No. 3: a flexible boom clamp allows for easier adjustment and is better than a double bolt clamp

Truth about boom clamps: FALSE. After testing every boom clamp on the market, the quick release clamp takes about 30 seconds to adjust while reinforced boom clamp takes about 15 seconds longer. My findings showed that after hundreds of adjustments, the flexing of the quick release clamp caused it to weaken. On the other hand, the reinforced boom clamp provides the surest connection with the ski pylon with no deterioration over time.

When you are looking at booms, you are investing in the happiness and well being of others. Make sure that the construction of your boom meets the highest standards that you demand from your equipment. When you find yourself becoming the pro on your lake, you are going to want to make sure that your equipment will meet the demands of combo skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, slalom skiing, and even barefooting. If you demand the best boom, you will only have to buy one.