Happy Thought for 2 October 2026

Have a Happy Thought:

Each year in Scotland, the small island of Easdale hosts the world stone skimming championship.

This has been held for over 40 years, started as an excursion from a local pub, expanding now to hundreds of contestants.

Contestants can enter as individuals or as part of a team… and the team names are exactly what you would expect (and want) from such a competition, including:

·   Innit 2 Skim It
·      San Fran SkimStones
·      One Bounce Wonders
·      Better Slate Than Never
·      Revenge of the return of the planet of the slates
·      Sink Or Skim
·      East Coast Tossers

Stones for skimming come from the island, made of the local slate. There is even an official competition geologist, who ensures that no stone is tampered with, even if every stone involved is turned several times in the contestant’s hand as they get ready for their throw.

Image: Eligible skimming stones must be able to pass through the "Ring of Truth"

New Zealander Abbey McDonald took out the winning throw for the adult female group, with her longest (of three) skims making it 32m before sinking. (The overall winning throw had no recorded distance, as it actually skimmed across the entire expanse of water to hit the back wall). It really is worth listening to her epic drunken interview with Radio New Zealand’s Sunday Morning host.

 

For anyone that rates their stone skimming skills, the 2027 championships are scheduled for 11th September 2027. The ballot opens 1st February 2027 and closes 1st August 2027, with a £5 entry fee. If you’re chosen in the ballot, the entry fee is £20 for adults, £7 for under-16s.

Plus travel and accommodation… and locally-purchased hydration, of course!

 

 

You can find the full results, as well as links to social media with some videos, here: Home - World Stone Skimming Championships | Easdale Island

 

Thanks to RNZ for letting us know about this, with that epic drunken interview with New Zealand skimmer Abbey McDonald.