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Pebble Skimming

The definitive guide to the ancient art of making stones dance across water.

How to Toss Like a Pro

Follow these four steps and you'll be skimming with the best of them.

1. Find the Right Stone

Look for flat, smooth stones about the size of your palm. Think digestive biscuit shape β€” not golf ball.

2. The Grip

Hold the stone between your thumb and index finger, with your index finger curled around the edge.

3. The Stance

Stand sideways to the water, knees slightly bent. You're aiming for a low, flat release β€” about 20 degrees to the surface.

4. The Throw

Flick your wrist and release low and flat. Spin is your friend β€” the faster it spins, the more skips you'll get.

Hands holding smooth pebbles for skimming
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Best UK Skimming Locations

Our top picks for the finest flat-stone action in Britain.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach

East Sussex

Classic pebble beach with endless supply of perfect skimming stones. Post-skim Brighton Pier for fish and chips.

Whitby Harbour

Whitby Harbour

North Yorkshire

Sheltered harbour for calm-water skimming. Gorgeous views of the abbey. Watch out for seagulls eyeing your chips.

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach

Dorset

18 miles of pure pebble paradise on the Jurassic Coast. Graded pebbles from west to east β€” choose your size!

St Ives Harbour

St Ives Harbour

Cornwall

Crystal-clear turquoise water perfect for watching your stone dance. Artistic vibes and cream teas afterwards.

Filey Brigg

Filey Brigg

North Yorkshire

Derek's home turf. Sheltered bay with excellent flat stones. Where our 18-skip record was set.

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove

Dorset

Stunning horseshoe-shaped cove with gin-clear water. Premium skimming conditions on calm days.

Live Leaderboard

The top tossers in the land. Can you beat their records?

RankNameLocationSkipsDistance
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Tosser Hall of Fame

Legends of the skim. These tossers have earned their place in history.

D

Derek Thompson

The 18-Skip King

Record holder since 2023

M

Margaret Wilkinson

Queen of Consistency

12 consecutive 10+ skip rounds

T

Tommy "Lefty" Morris

The Southpaw Sensation

Best left-handed skipper in the UK

Think You Can Beat the Best?

Submit your best skim and claim your place on the leaderboard!

Submit Your Toss
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