If you thought easing into the new year was the plan, Lake Norman had other ideas. The 48th annual Lake Norman New Year’s Day Barefoot Challenge brought wind, waves, and plenty of drama to the shoreline near Lake Norman Marina—proving once again this is not your average holiday tradition.
Strong winds and choppy water made for tough conditions early in the day, with several skiers fighting to stay upright for more than a few seconds. But that didn’t stop competitors from across the East Coast and Midwest from taking on one of the sport’s most distinctive challenges: a single oval run combining starts, tricks, and endurance, with one point awarded for every second a skier stays on their feet.
The field was as impressive as it was diverse, ranging in age from 7 to 85, with beginners skiing alongside national-level athletes. As conditions improved later in the day, so did the performances—setting the stage for some standout runs.
In the Men’s Division, 68-year-old Terry Ryan of Atlanta claimed first place with 228 points, including an impressive 178 seconds upright after a deepwater start in his first-ever appearance at the event. Scott Martin of Mooresville, 56, followed closely in second, while 15-year-old Reid Lawson of Indiana secured third with a challenging backward deepwater start.
The Open Division belonged to endurance specialist Marc Donohue of Florida, who racked up 458 points, highlighted by 318 seconds on his feet and six full laps before fatigue set in. Fred Steinbaum, 83, finished second, while Davidson’s own Logan Harrington, just 12 years old, took third—after winning the Open Division last year at age 11.
Barefooting truly runs in the family for the Harringtons, with Logan’s father and younger sister also competing. An estimated 200–300 spectators lined the shoreline, with announcing duties handled by Water Ski Hall of Famers Rachel George Normand and John Gillette. The event was hosted by the Carolina Show Ski Team, reminding everyone why Lake Norman knows how to start the year with a splash.
