I met Rod Shepherd years ago at a tournament. It was Rod’s return to competitive barefoot water-skiing.  He was telling me of the good ol’ days of the 80’s.  Back when Tom Olden, Joel Brookshire, William Farrell, Verlon Cross, Dick Kruger, Mark Hanson, and Jimmy Griffin where forming and shaping the south central region.  You may know some of these names and yes, many of these guys are still involved in the sport.  Since Rod’s return, he has boosted the barefoot community in Beaumont.  This budding group of footer’s has built themselves an awesome lake and have brought me in to Get Stoked!

After a quick call for final directions, I arrived after dark on Friday night.  The tiki torches were posted for my last few turns.  The gang was hanging out by the lake, jamming to some tunes, and having some fun.  I joined in the fun until we hit the bunks sometime after midnight.

Saturday morning I got my first look at the lake. "AWESOME" This sucker is over 4,500 feet.  Most private lakes are around 2,000.  We hit the water for some righteous, long, glass runs. 

Participants in the clinic were Chip Hammonds, Chelsea Hammonds, Chad Lough, Nevin Lough, Nolan Lough, Rod Sheppard, Danny Roy, Wayne Burge, and Christopher Burge.  Rod will have to ski hard to remain as the top dog in this crew.  There is monstrous amounts of potential in these footers.  Especially the kids.  Nolan and Chelsea are 8 and they are learning backwards, both are perfecting their toe holds and tumbles, and both have a genuine love for the sport.

The greatest thing about this crew is the support of the wives.  Mary Ann Sheppard and Lyndi Roy have husbands addicted to the sport, and Teresa Hammonds, Dayna Lough, and Jodye Burge have kids and husbands addicted.  They happily hung out all weekend, held down the fort, and prepared awesome meals.  We ate like Kings:  Full breakfasts, crab cakes, fajitas, brisket, and key lime pie. Thanks Dayna.

The lake development group is made up of 10 couples.  Each couple has one of the 24 lots on the lake.  They have been working on the lake project for almost two years.  The remaining lots are available for purchase.  The lake has been built and the lots are now being improved.  They are set up with campers for now and are working toward getting everything ready to build their homes.  For more information call:

Crystal Lakes Estates - Danny Roy @ 409-724-2000

This clinic was the total package. I got the chance to ski several times. Everyone learned some new techniques. The local news came out and covered the clinic. It was a blast. I look forward to my return "the mile" of glass at Crystal Lakes.

Stokeman OUT!!!

Check out the cool video the local Beaumont TV station filmed while Paul was in town.

Click Here to launch video

If you don't have RealPlayer, download it for free.