AUBURNDALE, FL — Barefoot waterskiing is returning to its birthplace in Central Florida as the 2026 BankFirst U.S. Barefoot Nationals come to Championship Lake at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale from July 29 through Aug. 1.
The event marks a homecoming for the sport, which began in nearby Winter Haven in 1947 when A.G. Hancock stepped off his skis and onto the water on Lake Howard. The discipline was later popularized by Dick Pope Jr. through the famous Cypress Gardens attraction.
The four-day competition will feature athletes from across the United States, along with international competitors from England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand.
Barefoot waterskiing competitions include three events: slalom, where skiers weave around buoys; tricks, where competitors perform as many maneuvers as possible during two 15-second passes; and jump, where athletes travel nearly 45 mph before launching off a ramp.
Winter Haven resident and USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Hall of Fame member Keith St. Onge is also expected to compete in his first tournament since the 2018 World Championships as he prepares to represent Team USA.
Championship Lake is located at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale. More information about the event is available at www.usbarefootnationals.com.
SOURCE: VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
