2026 BK Rebellion

Barefoot Competition

Prompton Dam - Prompton State Park, Prompton, PA
Saturday, July 11th · Tricks Only · $100 Registration

This event is for skiers of all levels and ages. We want everyone to learn and have fun. Boom, shoe skis, or long line.

REGISTER NOW! (click get tickets, yes there are fees)

Payment is required to be registered and is non refundable.

Event is not affiliated with USAWSWS

Tricks Only30 Skier CapJuly 11th

Event Sponsors

A huge thank you to our sponsors for making the BK Rebellion possible.

Bluetek IT Solutions
www.bluetekusa.com

World Barefoot Center
www.worldbarefootcenter.com

Hot Foot Studio
www.hotfootglass.com

Special thanks to our generous donors:
Steve Bird, Glenn Kinnear, John Cornish

Special Guest - Teri Jones

Special Guest

Come meet a rock star! Teri Jones

ABC President

Wisconsin Water Ski Hall of Famer

Masters World Champion

U.S. Nationals Champion

Female Skier of the Year

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

Get Directions on Google Maps

✈️ Nearest Airports

  • 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

Pre-Competition Meetup

The barefooting starts on the water Saturday, but the fun starts Friday night! Join us for our Pre-Competition Meetup, Dinner & Cocktail Hour at 6:30 PM at Tick Tock's on Terrace.

📍 760 Terrace Street, Honesdale, PA 18431

This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new barefooters, swap a few stories, and enjoy a great meal before competition day. It's also your best chance to sabotage the competition — buy your favorite competitor a few too many drinks. 😄 Whether you're competing, volunteering, or just coming to hang out, everyone is welcome! We'll see you Friday night!

Where to Stay

No official host hotel - but here are three great options close to Prompton Dam to suit every style.

Keen Lake Campground

Lakeside camping with cabins, cottages, and RV/tent sites. Perfect for the outdoor crowd.
155 Keen Lake Rd, Waymart, PA
(570) 488-6161

Hotel Anthracite

Boutique hotel in historic downtown Carbondale. Full-service hotel experience, short drive to the dam.
25 S Main St, Carbondale, PA
(570) 536-6020

Wayne on Main

Charming inn in Honesdale with easy access to restaurants and shops. Short drive to Prompton.
917 Main St, Honesdale, PA
(570) 253-9700

Food, Fun & The Rules

🍔 Food on Site

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.

Stay Connected

Join Eastern and North East U.S. Barefoot Waterskiers on Facebook for rides, meetups, and all pre-event coordination. The Facebook group will be our official communication channel.

Rain or Shine

It's just water!