Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Ketching is a skill in which the aim is to bounce a flat stone over the water as far as possible, also known as skipping, kiskassen or shaving. Speed, the turning of the stone and the angle at which it is thrown are important here. Even if you don't beat the current Guinness World Record of 51 consecutive bounces, you are sure to gain admiration from young and old as you skilfully bounce rocks over the water. The most important thing to remember is that it takes a lot of practice, but the hard work will certainly be rewarded.

To step

Find a good amount of water with many flat stones nearby. A lake is best, or a calm river. The beach is not that great, maybe when the weather is very calm. If you do want to give it a try, use a heavier rock that is more likely to shoot through a wave and stay on track. Keep in mind that with heavier stones it is more difficult to skim, so that will work against you slightly.

1. • If you can find a flat water surface but there are no rocks nearby, bring your own supply. It is more difficult to improve your technique when you have to keep looking for the right stones.
2. Select pebbles. Find a flat, round rock about the size of your palm, one that's heavy enough to withstand light breezes and turbulence, but light enough to throw with precision. Try to find the thinnest stone possible. The smoother and flatter the stone, the better it will skim over the water without sinking.
   • Incidentally, the world record holder has to admit that he prefers a stone with a somewhat rougher surface for the best spin, because a perfect stone is too smooth to hold properly.
   • It is also possible that pebbles with small holes slide better over the water surface, just like the dents in a golf ball ensure that the air resistance is reduced. Try different stones and see which one you like best.
   • If your hands are rougher, it will be easier to hold a smoother stone.
3. Place your index finger against the edge of the stone. Hold the flat sides of the stone between your thumb and middle finger. This is just one way to hold the stone; the point is that you can throw the stone in a straight line, turning it, with the flat side on the water. Make sure to keep the stone in the curve of your index finger, with your thumb on top for the best control.
   • Also consider the size of your hands with this technique. If you have smaller hands, choose a smaller stone for a better grip.
4. Stand with your face to the water, feet shoulder width apart. Stand off the water with your preferred hand, with your shoulder toward the water. Get down on your knees close to the water so that when you throw, the stone goes in orbit almost parallel to the water. Scientists have found that the ideal angle between rock and water is 20 degrees; if the angle is smaller, the friction will slow down the stone; if the angle is greater, the stone will sink instead of ricocheting.
   • If you are tall, you may always throw from too great an angle, which you can compensate by giving the stone more speed, or by bending more than your knees. Practice hitting the water with the stone at a 20 degree angle.
5. Let your legs participate too. First you will focus your efforts on using the correct technique in the arm, but if you are comfortable with getting the right speed, spin and angle, you can work on using your legs to apply even more power and fully master the technique. By focusing on the footwork, you can master the rhythm and skills you need even better, to bounce as best you can. You can try the following:
   • Bend over at least 6 inches and bend your knees slightly. This allows you to use a little more resilience when throwing the stone.
   • For extra momentum, you can lift the foot closest to the water slightly and from your back foot while charging your bounce, in the throw, land on the other foot after you throw the stone. This allows you to develop extra strength. Compare this again with the technique of a pitcher in baseball.
   • You may be barefoot or wearing sandals which makes sense on the beach or by a lake, but sneakers are better, especially if you really want to make some of them. This gives you a better grip on the ground and prevents you from slipping.
6. Complete the movement. Do not stop the movement after releasing the stone or the stone will not get very far. Instead, complete the whip of your arm in a full arc until your arm meets the shoulder of your other arm. Finishing the move ensures that you have thrown all the power and momentum into the throw, which will make the stone go faster and move forward.
   • Think of it like throwing a baseball or hitting a forehand in tennis. Complete the entire movement for maximum results.
7. Keep practicing. If the stones bounce off the water and shoot high into the air, you are probably throwing them too close to the water (making the stone-water angle too large); try to get the water further away from you. The surface tension of the water pushes the stone upwards and then ends up in the water at the wrong angle and sinks. If you throw the stone too far, the stone will "surf" more over the water than it will bounce, and the friction of the water will slow the stone and cause it to sink.
   • You can also practice with stones of different weights and sizes. You may find that you prefer lighter, smaller stones, or larger, heavier stones.
   • If it is summer and you have some free time to spare, try throwing about 20 stones each time until you get the hang of it. Just keep in mind that you're not trying to become a world record holder and you're just having some fun.

Tips

• The really light and small stones can bounce multiple times and progress, but a slightly heavier stone usually works best for beginners.
• Some people find it easier to throw it backwards. Stand sideways next to the water, but this time with the dominant hand closest to the water. Throw with the back of your hand facing the water, as if you were spreading birdseed.
• A rock with a curved edge will sometimes hit the water and shoot in a different direction, like a boomerang.
• Really large stones, the size of your hand, can sometimes be used with the backward method (use both hands), but will not go that far.

Warnings

• Do not aim at animals or other people with your rock.