Rappahannock Rock Skippers

Rocking the Region

Following ideas of Jerry McGhee, Wimberley, TX, said to be the world's greatest stone skipper, and the International Stone Skipping Federation (1980) and the North American Stone Skipping Federation (1989) we copied a 5-corner skipping stone and produced many for sale. The stones are of a particular size, weight, and shape, are non polluting, provide nutrients to aquatic organisims, and disintegrate within a few years. Skipping events are scheduled (often along with other larger events) and these stones are exclusively used. The winner gets to attempt skipping with a few official stones. We sponsor good-natured skipping events. We have a web site and report membership, events, sales of stones, and e-publication of jokes and tales related to skipping stones.

The world record number of skips was 29 (film analysis) for many years and in 1992 the Guiness Book of World Records allowed McGhee's count of 38 to be entered (determined by TV analysis).

In 2004 the current world record is 40 skips by Kurt Steiner.

Without discrimination, age and other differences are noted and entered in the club record for time, date, the water surface condition, and number of skips. This is strictly an honor-bound activity and no questions are asked unless the number exceeds the world record. If this occurs, the entry is starred for either further confirmation or later withdrawal. Classes of people who have skipped at least their age are given a special place in the records.

Skip a count of half of your age?

Fees to play the game are taken; gambling is avoided, and all fees go to promoting the game, developing the skippers, paying for the official stones, paying for the computer membership rolls and their backups, and contributing to the objectives of Rural System. Occasionally travel fees are paid for winners to demonstrate and promote the sport, its publications and skippers, and otherwise to promote Rural System. Only small prizes are given in contests to emphasize the winners and playing for the fun of playing and to de-emphasize the material aspects of so many other games.

See Novosports

Perhaps you will share ideas with me about some of the topic(s) above at RHGiles@RuralSystem.com.

Maybe we can work together ... for the good of us all ... for a long time. Return to the top of page September 5, 2004