Stoned – Man Shatters Stone Skipping World Record
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Russell Byars of Pennsylvania has been officially crowned the new World Stone Skipping Champ after throwing a rock that skipped on water an astounding 51 times, shattering the previous world record of 40 skips. The event took place July 19th, but it took up to now for Guinness Book of Records to declare him the new record holder.
Photo Metro
Dubbed ‘Rock Bottom’ by his peers, Byars broke the record at French Creek on the Allegheny River where he tossed the stone an incredible distance of 250 feet (76 meters).
Authorities from the Guinness Book of Records had to closely scrutinize video replays of Byars’ toss in slow motion, meticulously examining the concentric circles in the water made by each skip before his new record of 51 could be made official.
“I actually threw 40 stones that day, but that was the first skip that I threw.” Byars told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which confirmed the record with Guinness officials.
The previous world record of 40 rebounds set in 2002 at the Pennsylvania Qualifying Stone Skipping Tournament was held by Kurt ‘Mountain Man’ Steiner of Emporium. When asked how he felt about being defeated, Steiner equated his contender’s achievement to breaking the 4 minute mile, saying “It was only a matter of time”.
Prior to Steiner’s feat, the record of 38 rebounds which had been regarded untouchable was held by Irishman Jerdone Coleman-McGhee, author of ‘The Secrets of Stone Skipping’, reports the Telegraph.
But this isn’t a first as far as records go for Byars, whose accomplishments include multiple State and World Championships. Right, Byars displays his 2004 championship trophy. Photo the Telegraph
Russell Byars took the sport up merely 8 years ago. When asked why he got into stone skipping, he said his sole motivation was to “win fudge” in regional competitions. Asked about his secret to success, he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “You know what, I really don’t know.”
Video replays reveal that Byars adopts the form of a baseball pitcher’s windup with a sidearm release, using a degree of spin and a mammoth follow through.
FYI, Byars appears to favor smooth, rounded stones of about 3 to 4 inches across, for all of you wanna-be champs. Strength and power are not the major factors to exceptional stone skips. The key is FORM, both physical and mental.
Byars Stone Skip World Record Attempt of 51
Stone Skip World Record Attempt Over 50 – More free videos are here
Byars’ Previous Stone Throwing Genius
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I had a relationship a fellow who could skip stones. He was a grown man like this fella. It’s a sight to behold, too. All I could ever do with a stone was to watch it go kerplop into the water but what the heck, I’m just a girl.
It’s an amazing talent to watch. Great post, Deborah!
Thanks Saboma!
I can well imagine there’s an artform to the technique Saboma. I’m much the same as you, they sink like the proverbial stone
hey gals…I’m pretty expert at it….seeing we live on the water and I must say I can understand his preparation for the throw….you should see us across at the beach some days…..we all get into a throwing frenzy and we have the best flat stones to do it with
It’s uncredible what kind of records are put in the Guiness book ! From the longest kiss to the most hamburgers !
I am glad that you liked my reportage about the Garda Lake but there are also a lot of very beautiful places in the States. We used to combine a visit to my aunt living in Madison/Wisc. with 2 weeks travelling around through the States and this for 8 years !
Kim, you never cease to surprise me
Care to give us some lessons 
Haha, I know Gattina, it can be endlessly entertaining
I thoroughly enjoyed your post. The scenery is absolutely stunning there!
Yes, I’ve taken some driving vacations to central and western States and loved it. The coastline in northern California and Oregon were a couple of my favorites.
The Guinness Book judges must have a very hard time counting circles on the water, especially towards the ending part.
oh… I’m only an amateur Deborah….LOL
I’m sure it took very close scrutiny to do it Betshopboy.
Well you certainly have an upper hand over me Kim
Stone Skip World Record Attempt of 51…
Russell Byars of Pennsylvania has been officially crowned the new World Stone Skipping Champ after throwing a rock that skipped on water an astounding 51 times, shattering the previous world record of 40 skips. The event took place July 19th,……