Shuswap Ski & Board loves seeing you in-store for a custom fit using our professional waterski boot liner heater. But we know that for many of our skiers in remote spots or those who just picked up a fresh set of Intuition H2o Dual Density Liners online, getting to one of our stores isn't always an option. The good news? You can achieve a great fit in your own kitchen using the "Rice Sock Method." This is the safest way to heat your liners without the risk of melting your liners in a conventional oven. The other good news? (I am a glass all full kinda guy!) They are waterski boots… you can get them wet! ???? Draw a hot bath and stand in ankle deep water for a few minutes. Get out of the water and let them cool off on your feet. Done! Haha! For those without hot water at your disposal… (or those boot liner heating traditionalists) I hope you have some rice and a microwave… Here’s the gear list you need to get started
- 3 or 4 lbs of uncooked rice, do NOT use instant rice. Get the good stuff.
- A long, thin tube sock (one that will fit all the way to the toe of the liner).
- A microwave. Which you might not have, if you struggled with the hot water suggestion above…
- A pair of thin dress socks (to wear during molding).
- A "Toe Cap"… You can make this by cutting the toe off an old thick wool sock. (not necessary in our opinion if you want a snug fit to your foot ????)
Fill your tube sock with the rice and tie a knot at the end. Flatten it out on the counter so it looks like a long sausage. Microwave the rice sock. We like to do 2 minutes, 3 times. Heat for 2, shake the sock a bit to distribute the heat evenly, heat for 2, shake the sock a bit , heat for 2, shake the sock.
Warning: The sock will be very hot! Handle with care!!!
While waiting for the rice to heat up, slide your unheated Intuition liner into your hardshell boot (like a Reflex or Radar Vapor). Open the buckles or laces as wide as possible. Now that it is hot, take your hot rice sock and stuff it deep into the liner.
Tap the heel and toe  of the boot lightly on the floor to ensure the rice settles all the way into the toe box and through the length of the boot evenly. Let the boot sit with the rice inside for 6 - 8 minutes. I like to stuff some paper or a sock into the top of the boot cuff to trap in some extra heat.
While the liner is heating, put on your thin dress sock. Slide the toe cap over your toes (if you really think you need some extra space).
Remove the rice sock. Quickly slide your foot (with the toe cap) into the warm, soft liner. Slam your heel into the ground (don’t be crazy, man, just a tap) a few times to set your heel into the pocket. Tighten your boots to your normal skiing tension. Again, don’t be silly, just lace it up like you would before a set. I like to stay standing and mimic my ski position. Pushing my weight to the edge of your feet, splay your toes, envision a big on-side turn and burn that foot a bit. Mimicking the foot pressures we make on our waterski while we ride. You don’t want to create extra creases so don’t walk around too much. Stay planted and dream of ball 6 for a few minutes.
The Intuition H2o is a favorite at Shuswap because of its dual-density construction. It features a soft interior for comfort and a high-density exterior for maximum power transfer to the ski. Because it’s non-absorbent, it won't get heavy and soggy after a long set in the course. Hope this helps!
