Sherrill’s Ford, NC – Contestants travelled from New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida and North and South Carolina to compete in the 48th annual Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge. The tournament is considered one of the most unique barefoot tournaments in the world, combining points for starts, points for tricks (one foots, tumbleturns, etc) and one point for every second the contestant stays on their bare feet. This is performed all in a single run in an oval pattern in view of spectators along the Lake Norman Marina shoreline.
The tournament is also unique in the broad age range and skill level of the contestants. This year ages ranged from 7 to 85, and skill levels from beginner to national competitors. This often results in a proficient barefooter in their 40s, 50s or older being challenged by an up-and-coming 10 to 15 year old, or vice-versa. The challenging circle pattern with less than smooth water limits the tricks top level competitors can do, leveling the performances. All this adds to the fun and camaraderie.
The tournament started with high winds producing rough water making barefoot skiing very difficult. The first several contestants had less than five seconds each on their bare feet. However, the early falls didn’t dampen the fun and appeal for contestants and spectators alike.
Conditions improved throughout the day, resulting in the second round of competition producing impressive performances. Coming out on top in the Men’s Division was 68-year-old Terry Ryan of Atlanta, GA, with 50 points for a deepwater start and 178 seconds for a total 228 point run. This was Terry’s first time competing in the New Year’s Day tournament.
Second place in the Men’s Division was 56-year-old Scott Martin of Mooresville, NC, with 60 points for his flying dock start, 25 points in tricks and 125 seconds totaling 210 points. This was Scott’s sixth time competing in the tournament.
Third place was 15-year-old Reid Lawson of Warsaw, IN, with 125 points for a difficult backward deepwater start and 36 seconds for a total score of 161 points. This was Reid’s second time competing in the New Year’s Day tournament, and the only contestant doing difficult backward barefooting.
The elite Open Division is for contestants who compete at the regional or national level or have won the Men’s Division in the past. Nationally recognized endurance barefooter, 62-year-old Marc Donohue of Oklawaha, FL., racked up 60 points for his flying dock start, 80 points for four one foots and an impressive 318 seconds for a total score of 458 points. The crowd was amazed to see Marc stay up on his feet circle after circle, eventually making six circles before having to let go from fatigue. Even when back on the dock five minutes later, Marc was still panting from the extreme workout.
Second place went to 83-year-old Fred Steinbaum of Hopatcong, NJ with 60 points for his start and 145 seconds for a total score of 205. Fred, a medical oncologist, has competed in the New Year’s Day Tournament many times, and is well known as one of four “Jersey Boys” who travel up and down the east coast competing in barefoot tournaments. Fred advocates and demonstrates the health benefits of staying active.
3rd place went to 12-year-old Logan Harrington of Davidson, NC, with 60 points for his start and 78 seconds for a total score of 138. Logan has competed in the New Year’s Day tournament every year since age 5. Last year Logan shocked everyone except his dad by winning the Open Division at 11 years of age. In 2025 he trained extensively, placing second in the Boys B division at the National Barefoot Championships held in August in Auburndale, FL. Logan had hopes of winning the Lake Norman New Year’s Day Open title again, but the competition was stiffer than expected.
For the Harringtons, it is a family sport, with Logan’s dad, Court, and younger sister, Lydia age 7, also competing in the tournament. All three Harringtons also competed in the 2025 National Barefoot Championships.
The Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge lived up to its name, providing a significant challenge for all contestants. Water Ski Hall of Famers, Rachel George Normand and John Gillette announced the event with commentary. Everyone including spectators enjoyed the fun, the action, the camaraderie and the beauty of the lake on a beautiful sunny New Year’s Day.
The tournament was held at Lake Norman Marina, located at 6965 NC-150 East, Sherrill’s Ford, NC 28673.
Based out of Tega Cay, SC, the Carolina Show Ski Team organizes the event, and their mission is to promote water skiing and water safety. The club performs ski shows every Friday night through the summer at Lake Wylie’s Windjammer Park.
More information on the tournament can be found at: www.facebook.com/Newyearsdaybarefoot.
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