Stoneskimming
Almost everyone has skimmed a stone at some stage of their life. To chance upon a stone at the feet, and a stretch of water before one, triggers an almost primeval urge. Seemingly defying the laws of Nature and Gravity the sight of the dancing stone brings joy to the Soul. "Ducks & Drakes" for the British; "Ricochets" for the French; "Letting the Frogs out" for the Ukrainians and, curiously, "Throwing a Burbot" for the Estonians are just a few of the names for the game played in almost every Country in the World. But now it is more than just a game. This simple pastime has developed into two distinct branches of a competitive sport:
The America discipline is termed "Stone Skipping" and has the object of achieving the maximum number of "bounces", whereas the British & European version "Stoneskimming" is concerned with the distance achieved. Both have their "World Championships". In the States it has been held for many years on Mackinac Island, Michigan, and here in Europe, on the Island of Easdale, Scotland.
International Stoneskimming Association
The International Stoneskimming Association was founded in 2011 after a meeting with several international stoneskimmers on the island of Easdale, during the World Championship Stoneskimming. The ISA is a way of uniting idealistic, non-profit, fun-loving, optimistic and down-to-earth people who like to skim stones over beautiful calm waters as far as possible, while enjoying themselves with the company of like-minded skimmers. We aim Together we try to find and behold the perfect balance between tongue-in-cheek and the serious approach to skimming as a sport with it’s subtle techniques and tricks to make your stones spin faster and travel further. Stoneskimming is as basic as you can get. Also as basic as you want it to be. You can find your own stones and skim whereever you like, but we are also promoting events across the world in which you can measure your skills in exciting and always breathtaking funny events in which you can also use artificially produced stones which can be obtained through the International Stoneskimming Association. We’ll put your order through to the manufacturer, who will contact you for details.
Why should you become a member of the ISA? Because you can. Membership of the ISA is free, at least untill the moment that we all decide we need some budget for events, workshops, trips etc. By that time we’ll sort out together if and how we will fund something. This website and the secretariat are maintained by volunteers and the founding members. News and other items that we think are of interest to you will be published on this site and spread through Facebook and Twitter.
If you think you can handle it, you can enlist as member here.
Competitions & stones
Until recently stoneskimming in competition had been limited to just a few venues that had locally available "ammunition", the problem being the illegality of removing natural stones in bulk from water-courses and beaches for competitive use elsewhere. This problem has now been overcome by a Welsh Old Tosser with nothing better to do. After much research and development by leading exponents of the sport a range of "Artificial" Skimming Stones has been produced. They bring a consistency of performance hard to achieve with natural stones, however carefully selected and bring a long overdue "level playing field". They are set to become the new "Clay Pigeons" of the skimming game.
However, according to the ISA the use of these stones will not be obligatory, contestants are always free to take and use their own self-selected "natural" stones, unlimited by size or shape. In order to facilitate and regularise the competitive part of stoneskimming sport the ISA has not only introduced a standardised set of rules but has also, by making provision for the acceptance of "artificial" stones, broadened the possibility for competition to flourish where, previously, it was stifled for want of suitable material.
Whilst existing events such as the "World Championship" on Easdale, the mother of all stoneskimming in the UK, will continue with its own unique atmosphere & rules the ISA has high hopes that all new stoneskimming events worldwide will adopt the rules as set out under the section ‘Rules & Regulations’. The rules and toolbox found here give potential organizers a blueprint for creating new competitions. It also elevates the sport to a new level appropriate for events such as the World Alternative Games. The ISA will be pleased to assist (wanted or unwanted) in every way possible.
