HELENA — Just two miles north of downtown, Water Ski Mania features a private lake designed specifically for barefoot water skiing. And Thursday through Sunday, Water Ski Mania will host the 2024 U.S. Barefoot Nationals.

86 skiers from across the country gathered in Helena to compete for the title of national champion, competing in three disciplines: tricks, slalom and jump.

“We’re just competing here,” said Brody Meskers, a three-time national barefoot skiing champion. “Every year there’s a tournament. The best skiers in the country come and show what they can do to see who’s the best on the water.”

Meskers traveled from Wisconsin to Montana. He described his mindset this weekend in Helena as he seeks his fourth national title.

“You just try to stay as calm as possible,” Meskers said. “You stand up, the boat is roaring, the engine is roaring. You hear the announcers talking and you just try to block it all out and do what you can.”

Faith Dix, also from Wisconsin and competing in Montana this weekend, described her attitude.

“I’m just trying to have fun,” Dix said. “Once you get the urge, try it (barefoot) and really love it, you ski, go out more and more and enjoy the fun.”

Outside of individual competitions, Dix is ​​also a member of the U.S. Barefoot National Team. Dix said she appreciates the sense of community that Barefoot offers its participants and supporters.

“Yeah, it’s great that we can see everyone again because I haven’t seen that many people since my Nationals in Texas two years ago,” Dix said. “So I haven’t seen many of them since then. So it’s really nice to just get out there, cheer each other on and have fun.”

Many agreed with Dix’s assessment of the community within Barefoot.

“The barefoot community is special,” says Andrew Martin, manager of the U.S. Barefoot National Team. “Everyone looks forward to it every year and even longer. There are skiers who no longer do the sport but show up years later and know people – it’s basically a family reunion every time they come to a competition.”