Connecting to nature and finding joy in the outdoors doesn’t have to mean climbing to the top of a remote mountain peak. There are all sorts of things to find—from right outside your door to just across town. Whether you’re spending time with kids outside or looking for an excuse to get some fresh air, these simple activities can offer some inspiration. We believe there are questions that only the outdoors can answer. If you were wondering about how to do any of these things, well, we’ve got you covered.
There are certain things you can only find out by being outside. One of them is how fun it is to skip rocks on a calm body of water. Getting it just right—and seeing how many hops you can get your rock to take—can be a satisfying challenge no matter how young or old you are. That said, it’s not that easy to do. We break it down for you here—but feel free to leave your own tips and tricks in the comments below.
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Directions
1. The Rock
The ideal skipping stone is flat, small enough to hold in one hand and not too heavy.
2. The Grip
Hold the rock with your thumb on top and middle finger on the bottom. Then, wrap your index finger along the edge.
3. The Water
Flat, still water is best (like a lake or pool in a stream). But a calm day on the ocean also works. And make sure there’s nothing in your way first!
4. The Stance
Face the water at a slight angle, knees bent, with your throwing hand behind you, palm up and elbow in at your side.
5. The Backswing
With the rock parallel to the water, bend your wrist back, but try to keep your chest facing the water.
6. The Release
Whip your arm forward, releasing the rock when it comes across your body so it’s parallel to the water. Try to flick your wrist at the end and spin the rock so it bounces off the surface.
7. Try Again