Don Stoppe hosted the second annual NH Barefoot Bonanza on July 12th 2014.
The New Hampshire Barefoot Bonanza ski tournament hosted by Don and Arleen Stoppe, was a huge success this year. It was a beautiful day on the Pemigewasset River in Franklin, New Hampshire. 26 registered skiers from age 8 to age 71 and as far away as California and England turned out to challenge themselves, give bystanders a show, and enjoy a beautiful sunny day!
Following a week of barefooting at a clinic lead by world record holder and New Hampshire native, Keith St. Onge, The New Hampshire Barefoot Bonanza began with Keith completing his pass on the river (Check out Keith’s interview with New Hampshire Chronicle which showcases Keith’s many skills as well as many other New England
skiers). The water on the Pemi was calm and it was a beautiful sunny day on the river with the green trees and mountains of New Hampshire in the background. A perfect day for skiing! The day was filled with volleyball, barbeque, swimming, socializing with friends new and old, and of course a lot of skiing!
Judges Joe Malenfant and Lorraine Buri Piskura had a fun yet challenging day of judging many classes including Boys, Men’s, Pro-Men’s and Women’s.
Highlights of the day included seeing the next generation of skiers show their stuff. Max Brzoza, age 13, Kyle Sousa age 8, Michael Sousa III age 10 and Emma Sylvester age 20 completed their trick runs with Kyle working the crowd with a smile and a wave. The day wouldn’t have been complete without more experienced skiers showing their stuff including Judy Myers, 2013 US Nationals Womens 7 – 2nd overall and now competing women’s 8 eldest competing womens barefooter!
The day concluded with awards presentation where participants received recognition for their exciting day of skiing! We would like to give special thanks to Don and Arleen Stoppe, Keith St. Onge, Joe Mellinfont, Loriane Buri Piskura, Leonard Tremblay, the Krauz family, and of course all of the skiers and supporters who came out for the day!
Barefoot East 