Hurricane Milton in Florida halts barefoot skiing world championships

Tom Heaps is competing with the Great Britain barefoot water skiing team in the IWWF world championships in Auburndale.

At this stage, the tournament – 105 miles inland from where Milton first hit the Florida coast at Siesta Key as a ‘dangerous category 3 storm’ overnight - has been put on hold for two days and is currently scheduled to resume on Friday.

Heaps, 25, from Grappenhall Heys, who trains at Weaver Sailing and Ski Club in Frodsham, featured in events earlier this week as organisers were able to overcome weather challenges to get things underway.

The first round was completed over Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but yesterday’s and today’s schedule was cancelled.

Saturday was originally planned to be the day of the finals.

Tom Heaps (Image: Mark Thomas)

“The 2024 IWWF World Barefoot Championships at Championship Lake in Auburndale, Florida, USA, has faced significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions. Despite these obstacles, the event has made progress,” said Geoff Blaauw, IWWF Barefoot chairman in a statement on the event’s Facebook page.

“The first round of competition was successfully completed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the difficult circumstances faced by organisers and participants.

“A hurricane has now arrived in the area, forcing the cancellation of competition on Wednesday and Thursday. This unexpected weather event has severely impacted the tournament schedule.

“With Friday and Saturday still available, there is hope that an additional round of competition can be completed. The officials are working on contingency plans to maximise the remaining time.

“The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), competitors, and their families have shown remarkable support and resilience in the face of these challenges. Their positive attitude and cooperation have been crucial in navigating the difficult situation.

“Despite the setbacks, the event's spirit remains strong, with participants and organisers alike demonstrating their commitment to the sport of barefoot water skiing.”

All parties involved with the barefoot tournament were invited to a meeting two days ago to be informed of plans for any necessary evacuations, Milton’s path and the tournament running order.

On Facebook, one poster advised those involved in the tournament to ‘bunker down, stay away from glass windows and stay safe.’ Heaps headed into the worlds on a high after winning four individual medals in August’s European Championships in Maurik in the Netherlands, including gold overall.

The former Bridgewater High School student has made the podium many times at national, European and World Championships since 2016.

At the 2024 European Championships he won gold overall, silver in jump and bronze in both tricks and slalom.

He is a former junior boys’ world champion and world record holder in barefoot jump.

His clubmate Rick Moyes, 34, from Stockport is among the other seven members of the Great Britain team competing in Florida.