How To Skip A Stone

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Last Friday, Outdoor School spent the day at Monocliffs where I properly demonstrated how to skip a stone.

Stone skimming, ducks and drakes, or more commonly known as skipping stones is the act of throwing a stone across water in a way that it bounces off the surface multiple times.  You want to choose a stone that is flat, skinny and about the size of your palm.  The smoother and flatter the stone the better it will skip across water without breaking surface tension.  I prefer rocks that are not perfectly smooth, so I’m able to grip it for a better spin.
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Once you have your stone, you want to hold it between your index finger and thumb, placing the edge of the stone against your index finger.  Place your thumb on one flat side of the stone and your middle finger on the other.  Your thumb should be rested on top and the stone should fit in the crook of your index finger.

Face the water sideways with your non-dominant side closest to the water.  Squat down, so the rock is more parallel to the water when you toss it.  You’ll want to slightly angle your rock upwards.  The front side of the stone should be tilted at about 20°.
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Skipping stones may seem simple, but it’s a beautiful pastime because it connects us to our natural surroundings and often with one another.  I think there is something very special about the act of searching the earth for a stone.
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It also creates the nicest sound.

thank you Alison for documentation.

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