Teen competes for Britain in barefoot waterskiing

Jasper Poulton-Stowe competed in barefoot waterskiing in France

A 16-year-old has returned from competing for Britain in barefoot waterskiing at the European championships in France.

Jasper Poulton-Stowe, from Ashton Keynes, in Wiltshire, and who trains at Cotswold Water Ski Club in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, does waterskiing "without the ski", by being barefoot on the water.

He attended the European Championships from 13 to16 August, as part of the GB Barefoot Waterskiers team.

"The first time I ever did it, it was quite weird," Jasper said. "I haven't ever got a blister from it so far. Sometimes it's a pedicure, sometimes it's a rough massage," he joked.

The first time he tried barefoot water skiing it felt weird, Mr Poulton-Stowe says

He said the championships went quite well.

"I've gained so many more contacts to go skiing with, in Sweden and France. It's lovely," he added.

"It's the people you meet and when you're out there skiing you don't think about anything but being out on the water.

"Gliding on the water, lifting your foot up, touching the water - it's my favourite part about it."

He said his next goal is to go to the world championships.