Years ago I would start my burnouts in first before I realized the damage it can do to the overrunning clutch (sprag) as I would hit the gas and then instantly shift into second and then third. I got away with it years ago but as I said as soon as I hit the gas I would shift right into second right away. Its not recomended but many did it for years and if you have to do it if you cant get them to spin even in water then shift right into second right away. But I would think in water you should be able to get them to spin in second. You want to be careful if you start the burnout in first as you dont want to damage the sprag and cause a problem where the drum can spin at high rpm and blow apart if you run a stock drum in the trans. Ron