Garry Barton, barefoot water skiing legend, dies aged 82

Garry Barton, the renowned barefoot water skiing champion known as the "Godfather of Barefooting," has died at the age of 82 following a long battle with cancer.

An inaugural member of the Maitland Hall of Fame, Barton was a four-time Australian champion (1969–1972) and held multiple world records in speed and endurance. His achievements included setting a world barefoot speed record of 77.77 mph at Berkeley Aquatic Park in San Francisco.

Beyond competition, Barton was a significant innovator in the sport, developing safety equipment and wetsuits that remain industry standards. He also served as the head coach for the Australian Barefoot Water Ski Team during the 1980s and coached internationally in countries including the US, Canada, Italy, and Sweden.