Zenon Bilas- Barefoot Waterskiing (February 2020)

Issue One- February 2020:

By Mercedes Barreto

Who is Zenon Bilas?

Zenon Bilas is a champion barefoot water-skier who dedicates his time to present lectures, to his entrepreneur work, and to bringing back barefoot waterskiing to the common public. 

He speaks of the mind and body connection within this sport, regarding total balance, resistance, & agility.

What qualities of the importance behind barefoot waterskiing make you more inclined
towards conducting lectures,
and being an activist or supporter of the sport?

“When I first learned to barefoot, it was fun and a great attention-getter. 

But doing the sport has evolved significantly for me. Now, it’s a total mind & body work-out.

To be successful in barefooting, your mind needs to be in sync with your body for a positive result on the water. 

This idea carries over into most things you do.

Because I followed my passion for barefoot waterskiing, I have had a unique life and many interesting experiences.

I believe my perspective on these experiences and the insights I have gained can be useful to others who want to pursue their passions.

Through my lectures, I am bringing my sport to a wider audience, and motivating others to fulfill their dreams.”

When you conduct lectures and share your message, why do you think people attend? Why do they stay, and what do you believe they enjoy about your lectures? In terms of the meaning behind those lectures?

“Barefoot waterskiing is the attention-getter, however, barefooting has opened many other doors and given me a wide variety of experiences that go far beyond the sport.

My messages are relevant to many individuals who may have never heard of the sport of barefooting.

I’m very engaged and passionate about my work and I believe that comes through in my lectures.

Since the lectures are based on my personal experiences, I think that the attendees can relate better and get more from the lecture than you would from a motivational speaker who just says, ‘work harder’, or ‘have a positive outlook’.

All my lectures carry a very positive message, based on the totality of my experiences in competition and building my brand.

Thus, I can communicate steps that the attendees can take so they can expand their horizons or take their success to the next level.”

If you could sum up, in a few words or sentences, what the sport means to you, then what would those words or those sentences be? Has there ever been a moment of proudness with what you’ve accomplished?

“The sport of barefoot waterskiing has been and is incredible for me.

Since I learned to barefoot on July 31, 1977, I have learned many skills, and have traveled and experienced many different parts of the world including Western Europe, China, and other countries in Asia, such as Japan and Malaysia, South America, and even Lebanon in the Middle East. I have coached people from all over the world and I have learned from all of them.

I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunities.”

Instead of one accomplishment, the evolution of my work and the positive effect I have had on others is what makes me most proud.”

Is there a message for those who would like to begin practicing barefoot waterskiing, but don’t know where they can start, or what to do? What is that message?

“Today there are coaches who specialize in barefoot waterskiing and there are boats and equipment specifically designed for barefooting.

A barefoot wetsuit is especially helpful when learning or trying new tricks.

When I learned it in the 1970s, it was trial and error with limited equipment that made progress more challenging, but I did learn through perseverance. I recommend using a professional coach or at least someone with experience to teach you how to barefoot.

Have patience, master the basics thoroughly first, and methodically add new skills. Since you have so little surface area to work with when it comes to barefooting, the sport requires you to be exact with your body position and technique.

The good thing about this is that it teaches you discipline and focus, and those qualities will be valuable in many other areas of your life.”