Skipping Stones on Father’s Day

While skipping stones at the river, I mentioned to the kids that I used to know the world record, but had since forgot. On the radio the next day, they announced the world record for stone skipping. ~ quoted from the article titled Answers by Grandpa Davey.

David the stone skipper.

Are you a stone skipper?  My husband is.  Anytime we are near a lake, or other body of water, he cannot resist picking up a stone and skipping it.   He scans the shoreline for the smoothest, flattest, and ideal rock.  Then he picks it up and with a side arm throw watches how many bounces he can make across the surface.  I thought skipping stones was just a simple past time until he advised me that there are professional stone skippers.  People from around the globe master their stone skipping technique and compete for titles and prizes.  According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record number of skips is 51.  Russell Byers set it on July 19, 2007.  Wow, that is impressive!

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20.  If you find yourself enjoying a day outdoors with Dad and are near a lake or river, perhaps you will get the urge to skip some stones.  Here are seven tips for success.

1. Find the smoothest and flattest rock possible.
2. Find a smooth body of water.  Skipping stones on a smooth surface is a lot easier than trying to skip stones in a body of water with a lot of disturbance.
3. Your stone should not be too light or too heavy.  Wind will affect a rock that is too light. A stone that is too heavy will sink faster.  Find one about the weight of a golf ball.
4. Pick up the rock with your throwing hand and form the shape of a “C” with your thumb and index finger.  The rock should be resting on your other fingers below.
5.  Plant your feet firmly on the shore.  Your body should be perpendicular to the body of water in the direction of which you want to throw.
6. Bend your knees slightly and lean into a side arm throw as if you are throwing a ball.  Throw the stone, letting go in the direction you want it to go.  Remember to follow through and toss low for best results.
7. Practice makes perfect.  If at first you don’t succeed…try, try again.

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• Happy Father’s Day

Enjoy your weekend and Happy Father’s Day!