What is Stone Skimming?

Stone Skimming, or Skipping, is the act of throwing a stone across water, aiming to make the stone bounce on the water. In competition, a stone is either thrown to achieve maximum distance or maximum number of bounces (Skips). This will depend on where you are competing: in the UK and Europe, distance tends to be measured; in other areas such as the USA or Japan you must make the most skips.

Competitions take place around the world. In the UK, there are English, Welsh, British, Scottish and Guinness World Record Events. Refer to the competitions tab for more information.

Before the Throw

Consider the following:

• Size of stone - A large surface area can cause erratic bounces and allow the wind/water to interfere. A small surface area may not be enough to maintain bounces.

• Shape of stone - If it is concave, hold the concave side up. If there is a good handle, use it! A stone that is too thick will snag in the water.

• Weight of stone - Too heavy and it will stop. Too light and it will flip over.

• Water conditions - Throw perpendicularly too the waves; not at them. Rough waters need heavier ammunition.

• Wind speed and direction - Do not throw into the wind; throw with the wind. Strong winds require smaller, thicker stones.

Throwing Techniques

In Stone Skimming, there are 2 fundamental varieties of throws - the Flat Throw and the High Throw.

Flat Throw - A flat throw is when the thrower makes the stone hit the water close to him, e.g. around 6 metres or less from his body. These types of throws typically bounce (or skip) many times, so they are common in competitions where skips are counted. Flat throws usually include the tell-tale bending of the knees, lower throwing position or low arm.

High Throw - A High Throw is when the thrower releases the stone so that it hits the water a long way away. This is especially effective on rough water because there is less chance of the stone hitting waves. However. these throws often go wrong as they hit the water at the wrong angles or bounce far too high, or even flip over, although they can achieve large distances when done right. High Throwing often has a characteristic tilting of the wrist to compensate for the stone's tip-over in its long flight duration - otherwise it would hit the water the wrong way up.