MADISON, Wis. — The seeds of the championship water skiing career of our neighbor Paul Stokes were planted in Pensacola, Florida, when he was just 5 years old and skiing in the saltwater of Santa Rosa Sound. From there it was trips to Sea World and a connection with an instructor, Peter Fleck, who would go on to be inducted into the Wisconsin Water Ski Hall of Fame. Fleck introduced young Paul to the concept of skiing without skis—that’s right, barefoot skiing. Because it’s too easy with skis!

Barefoot water skiing, also known as barefooting, became Paul’s lifelong passion. He has performed all over the world and competed on the US Barefoot Waterski Team.

“My biggest inspiration was watching the pro division from the shore at the 1993 National Championships and realizing and believing I could compete with them,” says Paul. “This inspired me to go all out and set a goal to become the best.”

Paul did indeed become among the best. His trophy case must be overflowing:

• National Barefoot Water Ski Champion in 1994 (The American Barefoot Club and USA Water Ski & Wake Sports)
• Holder of the national trick record for barefoot water skiing from 1994-2015
• Competed and placed in the X Games Barefoot Jumping event in 1998
• Captain of the U.S. Elite Barefoot Water Ski Team for the 2002 Barefoot Water Ski World Championships
• Member of six World Championship barefoot teams: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2012, 2016
• Winner of an individual silver medal at the World Championships in 2012 and 2016 in the Wake Slalom event

Since graduating with a business marketing degree in 2003 from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Paul has been involved in several ventures, including owning Stokes Sports in Waunakee. An American Family Insurance agent for several years, in 2020 Paul became the proud owner of his own agency on Atwood Avenue near Cottage Grove Road.

Paul lives in Waunakee with his wife Heather and still is actively competing in various events, including one recently at Lake Ripley in Cambridge. To see some amazing action from him, search “Paul Stokes barefoot water ski” on YouTube.

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