Skipping stones across the water is one of the oldest nature past times in the world. Most anyone that comes across a body of water has had the urge to throw a stone in and watch the splash. Somewhere along the line, somebody decided to skip a stone instead an a past time was born. Now people skip stones on the water without even thinking much about it. If you would like to know how to skip a stone across the water better than any outdoorsman, then read on. Here is how to skip stones like a pro:
The first and most important step to skipping stones like a pro is to pick the right stone. The best stones are the smoothest and flattest ones that you can find. The size and diameter is not as important, but the stone must be flat and smooth to get the best skipping action. Also, you do not want to pick a stone that is overly heavy or light. The best is just a couple of ounces. Anything too heavy will not skip as far, and anything to light will lose too much traction on the water.
Next, you will want to wait until the water is as smooth as possible. It is possible to skip stones on any water surface, but the best skipping action is on the smoothest areas of water. Try to pick out an area that is completely calm and without waves.
Take your throwing hand, and form the stone flat against your palm. Now slowly slide the stone forward until the tip of the stone is laying lengthwise against your pointer finger. The rest of the stone should be flat in your hand.
Put your shoulder in the direction that you want to throw the stone. Next you will want to squat down slightly while still having good balance. Keep your feet square to your shoulders to give yourself a strong base.
Skipping stones is somewhat mental in that you need to visualize the stone skipping lightly across the top of the water. Look at the water from the position that you are in. Can you see that the stone needs to come out of your hand at an angle that can send it along the top of the water? That is the angle that your throwing hand needs to release the stone.
While keeping that angle in mind, swing your arm side armed parallel to the water and release the stone. When you release the stone, you will use that pointer finger to spin the stone out of your hand. The momentum of the throw and the spinning action of the stone will send the stone ricocheting off the water in a skipping motion.
It is not uncommon for you to have to practice to get the angle just right. The key is to keep trying. Skipping stones is certainly something that you will improve at with time if you practice. Play a game with someone else to see who can make the stone skip the farthest distance.
