A good skipper is mighty hard to find. It is a trophy, on the order of a big muskie or a stag. You are looking for a combination that includes:

Weight. The rock must be heavy enough to hold its trim, without sailing high and off course. It must fit the strength of the thrower, testing the arm but not defeating it.

Flatness. The rock needs a surface smooth enough to gracefully slip through its series of hops, and perhaps even slide with an elegant touchdown as it gives up its last energy.

Balance. The weight should be evenly distributed across the disc-like face of the rock. An even distribution lets you impart a strong spin, without introducing instability or wobble.

Edge consistency. When you are applying the spin, the forefinger of your throwing hand must wrap the perimeter of the rock with a firm, flexible grip. If the edge is too sharp, your throw will slice the skin, and you will be on the disabled list for a few days. Even if the edge is not sharp enough to slice skin, it might ëcutí the water and force the rock to dive prematurely.

Ugliness. You do not want a pretty rock. It is virtually certain that, if you find the rock that will get you into the Hall of Fame, a companion (sibling, child, or spouse) will fall in love with it, will want to take it home. What a waste!

There are shorelines where such rocks abound. In such places you can pick and choose among perfectly balanced, smooth-edged skippers. You cannot leave without a smile on your face, and an ache in your arm.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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