We are thrilled to have Teri Jones join us at the BK Rebellion! Stop out, say hello, grab a signature, some photos, and pick up some free advice from one of the best. Teri (and others) will be in the boat during part of the practice session to provide trick planning, tips, and coaching.
Special Guest
Come meet a legend! John Cornish
Holds multiple National Titles
Chair of the World Barefoot Council
1978 World Championship Judge
Hosted the first Eastern Regional Barefoot Tournament (1978)
Coached 1986 U.S. Team to first-ever Team Gold at World Championships (Kelheim, Germany)
USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Award of Distinction (2019)
We're proud to welcome John Cornish to BK Rebellion 2026. If you've competed in the Eastern Region, you've skied in John's wake. He hosted the very first Eastern Regional Barefoot Tournament back in 1978 and is widely credited with building the Eastern Region into one of the largest and most competitive in the country in its heyday. Today he serves as Chair of the World Barefoot Council and is still on the water every chance he gets, and still showing up for the sport he helped shape.
Thank You
A Special Thank You
A huge thank you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for working with us and making this event possible. Your partnership with the barefooting community means everything.
A special shoutout to Joseph Vinton - thank you for always going to bat for us, fighting for access, and making sure events like this can happen at Prompton Dam. We don't take it for granted.
If you see Joe at the event, please thank him!
Event At a Glance
Everything you need to know about the BK Rebellion - quick and clean.
📅 Date
Saturday, July 11th
📍 Location
Prompton State Park Prompton, PA
💰 Registration
$100 - capped at 30 skiers. Register early or risk missing out.
Payment is required at time of registration. Registration links will be posted soon.
🏆 Format
Tricks only, with a non-standard judging and points system
Saturday Schedule
1
6:00 AM-10:45 AM
Practice skiing - two sessions per skier (up AND down the course). Competitors only - no exhibition skiing due to insurance rules.
2
10:45 AM
Skiers Meeting.
3
11:00 AM
Tournament starts - promptly, regardless of practice completion
4
All Day
Lunch for skiers, disc golf, and good vibes lakeside. Ends at no later than sunset.
Tournament Format - Tricks Only
How It Works
Each skier gets one pass UP the course and one pass DOWN the course. Make every trick count - strategy matters as much as skill. After all skiers compete once, skiers will be permitted to compete again. If competing a second or third time, all previous scores are wiped out, and their last set score counts towards the competition.
Each trick scores 1 point
Repeated tricks score 0.5 points
You may only repeat a trick once
Reverse tricks count, must follow basic
What's Not Allowed
Keep it clean and within the rules. The judging system is non-standard, so understand it before you hit the water.
❌ No multiple turns
❌ No step turns
❌ No toe turns
Approved Trick List
All tricks that count toward your score - know your arsenal before you hit the water. Reverse tricks count, but must follow the basic.
General Tricks
Hop Backward
Hop Forward
Knee Skiing
One Foot Backward
One Foot Forward
One-Foot-Wave Backward
One-Foot-Wave Forward
Rope in Teeth
Rope on Neck
Side Slide - Backward
Side Slide - Forward
Side Slide Switch
Sit Down / Stand Up
Somersault (Flip)
Toe Hold Backward
Toe Hold Forward
Toe Negative
Tumble 180
Tumble 360
Wave
Bonus Tricks
Front Hop 1-foot
Back Hop 1-foot
Back Hop 2' Line
Back Hop 1' Line
Line 1-foot
Turns - Surface
180 Back-to-Front
180 Front-to-Back
Dismounts
Parks front roll (must look painful)
Butt Slide to Front Flip (head must clear water)
Starts & Scoring Breakdown
Your start can help you add up points. Know the values before you hit the water and plan accordingly.
Front Deep
0 points - No score for a front deep start. Get up fast and move on to your tricks. One foot, two foot stand up, doesn't matter.
Back Deep
1 point - Worth going for. A solid back deep start puts a point on the board right away. Back Line Deep (froggy) is a separate start, and also acceptable.
Front Toe-Up or Tumble Up
1 point - The big one. If you've got the front toe-up or tumble up in your arsenal, lead with it to maximize your run and put on a show.
Remember: each trick (including starts) can be performed a maximum of 2 times across both passes. Repeats score half a point and you can only repeat once- so plan your run with variety in mind. The meatspin start as well as flyers are not allowed since all starts are from the water. No dock or tower.
Competitive Divisions
Find your division, know your competition, sabotage them, and ski your heart out.
🏄 Futures
Ages 10 & Under
"The next generation of barefoot legends starts here."
⚡ Young Guns
Ages 11–20
"Fast, fearless, and just getting started."
🔥 Prime Timers
Ages 21–40
"In their prime and here to prove it."
💪 Masters
Ages 41–60
"Experience meets intensity."
🏆 Legends
Ages 61 & Older
"They've seen it all - and they're still out there."
Unofficial Officials
The people running the show. Treat them accordingly.
Chief Driver
Eric Rankin
Eric has experience pulling multiple barefooting events and has been trained to drive by one of the best skiers in the world. Just stay clear of the shoreline when he's driving.
Eric will be seeking two other drivers. Apply by emailing dubs701@gmail.com. You must own a cool boat so we can take yours if you break ours.
Chief Judge
Derek Krehling
Derek has judged and scored multiple barefooting events and contributed greatly to the sport. Suggested bribe: no less than $20.00. He will dunk children for splashing him and won't think twice about it.
Derek will be appointing and training judges. Make sure you look busy so you don't get nominated.
Chief Safety
John Garrity
John is the only official who is officially an official. John has been known to break through the ice just to get a ski set in. He's also known around the planet for his live broadcasting of world barefooting events.
John will coordinate with local medics to notify them of our event, make sure whatever we do is mostly safe, and will be available to help when needed.
Official Tow Boats
Both rigs are capable of meeting tournament speed requirements and have pulled multiple tournaments. You're in good hands.
Official Tow Boat
Sanger DXII - Indmar Raptor 440
Backup Boat
Malibu Barefooter - Indmar 365
Getting There - Prompton Dam
📍 Address & GPS
Prompton State Park, Prompton, PA GPS: 41.5928° N, 75.3213° W
AVP - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl. (~35–40 mi) - closest major airport
BGM - Greater Binghamton Airport, NY (~45–50 mi)
ABE - Lehigh Valley Intl., Allentown (~60–70 mi)
MPO - Pocono Mountains Municipal (private aviation)
Ground Transportation & Meetups
Getting Around
There is no shuttle provided to or from any airport. Your best bets for getting to Prompton Dam are:
🚗Uber or Lyft - most convenient from AVP or BGM
🚙Rental car - great if you're staying multiple days in the area
🤝Carpool - connect with other skiers via Facebook
Connect With the Community
No official host hotel or pre-event meetup is organized - but the barefooting community always finds a way. Jump on the Eastern and North East BarefootersFacebook group to:
Skiers: Burgers and dogs are on us for lunch. Grab a bite between sets and keep the momentum going.
Everyone else: Pack a cooler and go picnic-style. Plenty of restaurants a short drive away if you need them - but plan ahead.
🥏 Disc Golf
Prompton State Park has a really fun disc golf course - bring your discs! It's a perfect way to kill time between sets or wind down after you're done skiing. Golf carts are NOT allowed. Ask us how we know.
🚫 Alcohol Policy - Please Read
This is a state park. Alcohol is strictly prohibited. No exceptions, no gray areas.
If we see it, we will ask you to leave. We're not trying to be the fun police - but we need to protect the relationship the barefooting community has built with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Help us keep access to this incredible venue for years to come. Leave the drinks at the hotel.
What to Bring
Pack smart. It's a full day at the lake. Don't forget to bring your friends, family, and wetsuit!
Camp Chairs
Seating is not provided. Bring your own chairs and set up wherever you like.
Pop-Up Tents
Shade is your friend. Bring a canopy or pop-up tent for your crew.
Trick Handle
If you have your own, bring it. A spare will be available to borrow, but your own is always better.
Picnic Food & Drinks
Spectators should pack a cooler with food and drinks. Plan ahead - this is a state park.
Lunch Provided for Skiers
Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided for registered skiers at lunch. You're covered.
Games
Bring some fun competitive yard games to share. Great way to meet other skiers while watching the event.
Make a Weekend of It
You traveled all the way to Prompton Dam - don't just ski and split. The Pocono Mountains are packed with lakes, waterfalls, family attractions, and small-town charm. Stick around Sunday and make it a full weekend.
Lake Wallenpaupack - ~20 min (Hawley, PA)
The second-largest lake in Pennsylvania. Rent a pontoon, grab a waterfront meal at Silver Birches or Ehrhardt's, or just cruise the shoreline. Perfect Sunday wind-down.
Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park - ~15 min (Lake Ariel, PA)
A classic Poconos family zoo with over 100 species, hands-on animal encounters, and a petting zoo. Easy, low-key Sunday morning stop.
Steamtown National Historic Site - ~30 min (Scranton, PA)
Yes, that Scranton. Real steam locomotives, excursion rides, and history that both kids and adults love. Free parking, nominal admission.
Bushkill Falls - ~45 min (Bushkill, PA)
The "Niagara of Pennsylvania." Eight waterfalls connected by wooden walkways and hiking trails. Loops from 20 minutes to 2+ hours.
Kalahari Resort & Waterpark - ~45 min (Pocono Manor, PA)
America's largest indoor waterpark. Day passes available. Perfect if the weather turns or you need to tire the kids out.
See You at the Rebellion - July 11th!
Register - $100
Capped at 30 skiers. Don't wait - lock your spot now before it fills up. Registration opens soon and will be posted on the Facebook group.zzz
REGISTER NOW! (click get tickets, yes there are fees)
Arrive Early
Gates open at 6:00 AM for the early birds. Practice runs start immediately. No need to arrive by 6 but make sure you get there early to get some practice skiing in. Tournament is wheels-up at 11:00 AM sharp. Practice ends at 10:45. Don't cry if you slept in and didn't get to ski.
Know the Rules
Tricks only. Review the scoring system, plan your starts, and maximize your two passes.