There’s something timeless and oddly magical about the simple act of skipping a rock across a still body of water (like our beloved Lake Michigan). With a flick of the wrist and a simple stone, you can send magnificent ripples across the lake — a thrill, plain and simple.
Just a short walk from The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach, you’ll discover a charming beach that’s ideal for rock skipping and/or catching a dynamite sunset with Chicago’s skyline as the backdrop.
The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo is a five minute walk to the beach — another ideal place to take in a sunset and skip those rocks!
Whether you’re a seasoned skipper chasing your personal best or just looking for a peaceful way to pass the time by the water, rock skipping blends skill, science and serenity. In this post, we’ll dive into the art, technique, and joy behind this beloved pastime.
1. Start with the Right Rock
Before you even think about your throwing technique, the first step to a great skip is choosing the right rock. Not all stones are created equal when it comes to skimming across water.
What to look for:
Flatness: The flatter the rock, the better. A disc-shaped rock slices through the air and skims the water more easily.
Size: Aim for something about the size of your palm. Too small, and it won’t have enough weight to travel; too big, and it’ll sink.
Weight: A good skipping rock has a little heft to it, but not so much that it’s hard to throw. Think somewhere between a golf ball and a hockey puck.
Take a moment to scout along the shore. A good spot usually has an abundance of smooth, flat stones left behind by retreating water or waves.
2. Find the Ideal Skipping Spot
Not all water is created equal either. The best skipping spots are those with:
Still or calm water: Waves or choppy conditions make skipping more difficult.
A wide, open area: You want room for the rock to travel, so avoid areas with logs, weeds, or people.
A low, accessible shoreline: Being closer to the water’s surface helps with the angle of your throw.
Early morning or late afternoon often brings calmer waters, so these are great times for skipping sessions.
3. Master the Grip
Once you’ve got your rock, the next step is holding it correctly. A good grip gives you control and helps generate the necessary spin.
Here’s how to hold it:
Pinch the rock between your thumb and index finger.
Let your middle finger rest along the edge of the rock to stabilize it.
Your grip should be firm, but not tight—you want to be able to release it smoothly.
Think of it like throwing a Frisbee, but smaller and faster.
4. Use Proper Throwing Technique
Technique is where the magic really happens. Skipping a rock is about more than just throwing it hard; it’s a combination of spin, angle, and trajectory.
Step-by-step guide to the perfect throw:
Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to your target (like you’re standing sideways to the water). Your throwing arm should be farthest from the water.
Angle: Aim to release the rock at a shallow angle—about 20 degrees to the water’s surface. Too steep, and it’ll just plop in.
Motion: Bring your throwing arm back, keeping your wrist loose. Then, in one smooth motion, step forward with your opposite foot and whip your arm forward, flicking your wrist at the end to give the rock a good spin.
Spin: The more spin, the better. Spin stabilizes the rock, helping it stay flat and skip farther.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, skipping rocks gets better with practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first few throws sink with a sad plop. Try adjusting your angle, grip, or the amount of spin you put on the rock.
Here are a few tips to improve your skips:
Start slow. Focus on technique over power.
Count your skips. See how many you can get and try to beat your own record.
Try different rocks. Every rock behaves a little differently. Learn what works best for you.
6. Challenge Yourself or Others
Once you’ve got the basics down, skipping rocks can turn into a friendly competition. See who can get the most skips, the farthest distance, or the best “skip-to-splash” ratio. Some people even aim for skipping through small targets like lily pads or floating leaves (be careful not to harm wildlife).
Fun fact: The world record for stone skipping is 88 skips, set by Kurt Steiner in 2013. Don’t worry, though—getting 5 or more is already an achievement!
7. Enjoy the Moment
At the heart of skipping rocks is something deeper than just a physical skill. It’s about slowing down, being present, and enjoying a quiet moment by the water. It’s meditative, rhythmic, and deeply satisfying—even when your rock doesn’t skip at all.
Whether you’re doing it alone or sharing the experience with friends or family, rock skipping is a perfect example of how the simplest activities can bring the most joy.
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About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Gordon — a travel enthusiast who enjoys spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2026 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
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