GET READY FOR A SCORCHER!

3/29/25 - GROVELAND, FL

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A nod to the classic barefoot lap endurance contest, the Great Groveland Barefoot Laps Challenge is a test to see who can barefoot the longest around Lake David. The twist: after the second full lap, the boat will decrease speed by 2 mph and continue to decrease speed by 2 mph on every lap until the skier falls.  

  • WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2025

  • WHERE: Lake David Park in Groveland, FL at the City of Groveland’s Founder’s Day — when you’re not catching the blazing action, enjoy live music, food trucks, and activities for families of all ages

LOCK IN YOUR SPOT

Hit the button below to register for the 2025 Great Groveland Barefoot Laps Challenge—because bragging rights don’t earn themselves. Before you do, give this page a good scroll to catch up on the updated rules.

Your entry fee gets you:

  • A premium Great Groveland Barefoot Laps Challenge x Lake Lovers Club collab tee (because style matters)

  • WWA single-day insurance (you know, just in case)

  • A complimentary lunch to refuel after all that barefoot glory

Got questions? Registration giving you a hard time? Hit us up at thefeetonfire@gmail.com—we’ve got you covered.

RULES

BAREFOOT LAPS CHALLENGE

Competitors will be pulled in a counter-clockwise direction. You get to choose your starting speed, up to 42 mph. After completing two full laps, the boat will reduce speed by 2 mph after each additional lap—until you fall. The two longest runs of the day will advance to a head-to-head final showdown.

In the finals: No speed reductions. Choose your speed (up to 42 mph) and hold on as long as you can. Simple, right?

STARTING RULES (THE STEP OFF ZONE):

  • All barefooters must be on their bare feet—or off their start device and standing—within the designated Step Off Zone (a 60-foot, 2-buoy marked area).

  • If you’re still scrambling after the Step Off Zone, a 20-second penalty will be added to your time.

  • Start Styles: Deepwater starts are allowed, but creative starts like step-offs, two-ski bomb outs, and other crowd-pleasers are highly encouraged.

STAYING UPRIGHT (LITERALLY):

  • Barefooters must stay on their feet at all times.

  • No butt checks, butt riding, or deep three-point positions—if it’s not your feet, it’s not legal.

  • The boat judge has the final say on any calls regarding form.

EQUIPMENT RULES:

  • Bare Feet Only: Competitors must compete on their bare feet—no duct tape, padding, or material affixed to the feet (unless you’re in the Duct Tape Division—more on that below).

  • No Clincher-Style Gloves: They’re not allowed during competition.

  • Flotation Required: All athletes must wear some form of flotation during their run. Barefoot suits, life vests, and jump suits are all acceptable.

NEW THIS YEAR: No Age Divisions

That’s right—no age brackets. Everyone competes together, regardless of age. It’s all about who can hang on the longest, not when you were born. The two longest runs of the day advance to the finals.

RULES

DUCT TAPE DIVISION

This all-ages division allows competitors to tape up their bare feet with any kind of tape they like—duct tape, athletic tape, you name it. Just bring your own tape; we’re not running a hardware store.

KEY DIFFERENCES:

  • Instead of reducing speed after the second lap, the boat will reduce speed by 2 mph after EVERY lap.

  • The competitor who stays up the longest wins this division.

  • No “Best Start” or “Best Crash” awards for this division—it’s all about endurance.

DUCT TAPE DIVISION RULES:

  • Standard rules apply for starting your run, staying on your feet, and the no clincher-glove policy.

  • Competitors must supply their own tape.

 AWARDS

  • The two longest timed barefoot runs of the day go head-to-head to name an overall champion.

  • The Barefooter with the longest timed barefoot run will win the coveted title.

  • Given to the best step-off or most creative barefoot start of the day.

  • The name speaks for itself; the most impressive bail of the day takes this award home.

  • An opportunity to barefoot with flair and really make an impression on the crowd.

  • The barefooter who is able to keep barefooting (no butt riding, you must be on your feet) at the slowest speed of the competition.