David Small – Great Britain’s Barefoot Water Skier

D.o.b. : 27th October, 1983

Dave started his life on the water aged 8 when he learned to slalom ski, moving on to tricks and jump. At about aged 13 he was introduced to Barefooting and the rest as they say, is history! He continued with his tournament skiing but by this time he was clear in his own mind that his ultimate objective was to get to the top of the world barefoot tree. Like many other ‘footers, he spent some early training days with the legendary Ron Scarpa. His progress was rapid and he won the Junior Worlds in 1999. At the top of his junior career, his abilities were profound and he was unique in being considered for selection by both the British Junior Tournament (a.k.a. Classic) and Barefoot Water Ski Team selectors in the same year.

After moving up to the Open Division, he achieved 8th place overall in the Worlds in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 2000. Finally, in 2002 he took possession of the World barefoot crown in Walsee, Austria. Despite the disadvantages of a cold UK winter and the hassle of working for his University exams, Dave set off for Mulwala, Australia to defend his world title in February, 2004. After only a week’s pre-event training Dave put in a blistering performance securing two world records in jump (27.4m) and tricks (9550 points) and retaining his overall world title. Both records remain in place today and David remains without doubt the BEST barefoot water skier in the World.

As well as continuing to assist with the training of other members of the GB Barefoot Team, Dave intends to defend his British, European and World individual and overall titles for a very long time to come.

Tournament Record:

Holder of all National Open Barefoot Records and Titles since 1998

First ever British Junior Overall World Barefoot Champion

First ever British Overall World Barefoot Champion

First ever EAME Junior Overall World Barefoot Champion

First ever EAME Overall World Barefoot Champion

Junior World Champion 1999

Open World Champion 2002 and 2004

Open World Jump Record (27.5m)

Open World Tricks Record (9900 points)