Barton was born in Auckland, New Zealand and moved to British Columbia, Canada, at an early age. During his competitive career, he was a member of Capilano WC. He became the 1970 Canadian novice men's silver medalist and 1973 national junior champion. In the 1975–76 season, he won gold at the Nebelhorn Trophy and silver at the Grand Prix International St. Gervais before competing at the 1976 World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.