Is sailing barefoot okay?

[Catastrophicat]

Just wondering if it helps with balance or grip, or if shoes are still the way to go? Thinking of letting my kid sail the Topper barefoot.

 

[5plash|5cout]

I've sailed a Topper without shoes a few times, and honestly, it really helps with balance and grip because you can feel the deck better. But going barefoot means you're not protecting your feet, there can be sharp areas or hot spots, which can be quite risky, especially for kids.

That's where barefoot-style sailing shoes come in. They provide solid traction while keeping your feet protected, making them a great option if safety is a priority. If the deck is clean and smooth, going barefoot can be fine, but for kids, I'd definitely recommend barefoot shoes just to be on the safe side.

 

[thegoodpirate]

Barefoot can work fine on a Topper, lots of kids sail that way for better feel and grip. Just keep in mind there's a risk of cuts or stubbed toes, so sailing shoes are a good idea if the deck's rough or if its cooler out. Maybe let them try barefoot on a calm day and see how it goes.

 

[Tammyofph]

Yeah, can work fine on a topper, especially in warm weather, the boat's deck usually gives enough grip. Shoes mostly help with protection and extra traction, so it's more about comfort and safety than performance