Event Information
Welcome to the Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship! This event celebrates the art and skill of stone skimming in the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Hāwea Station, New Zealand. Our journey began with a passion for this unique sport, bringing together enthusiasts from all walks of life. We aim to create a fun and competitive atmosphere where participants can showcase their talents and connect with fellow skimmers.
Competitors – your skimming destiny awaits
As part of your championship journey, we’re inviting each competitor to lead their own personal fundraising campaign in support of Melanoma New Zealand. There will be prizes for the top skimming fundraising name, the top female and male fundraisers, and the top fundraiser overall, along with a lot of glory, and a little healthy competition along the way!
Click here to start fundraising
Each competitor will be placed into a pod of 10 skimmers, with 15 pods in total. That’s 150 skimmers taking to the water’s edge in pursuit of greatness. Each pod will be led by a Podmaster who will guide you through the day, from registration through to making sure you’re in the right place, at the right time, with the right stone-related intentions. Together, these Podmasters form Taskforce Skim, potentially the most formidable unit in stone skimming regulation anywhere in the world.
(We strongly advise against attempting any nefarious tactics. You have been warned.)
Spectators – bring a crowd, bring the noise
This is not just a competition. It’s a family-friendly day out, and spectators are very much part of the magic. Rally your people and bring along anyone who appreciates elite sporting theatre, lakeside mischief, and the satisfying sight of a perfectly thrown stone skipping its way into national folklore.
Everyone attending can have a free skin cancer spot check with Melanoma New Zealand - just look out for the van, rock up (no appointment necessary), and have up to three spots checked. The Melanoma New Zealand Nurse will also give you some info about melanoma, what to look for and how to protect your skin - including a free sunscreen sample from La Roche-Posay.
Scroll down to our entertainment tab - a snippet of the day's planned fun, none of which you will want to miss!
What to bring and what to wear
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For sun protection, Melanoma New Zealand recommends wide-brimmed hats, broad spectrum sunscreen SPF30+, and long-sleeved top/pants.
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The cooler weather will mean you need to wrap up warm with breathable layers.
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If it rains, we suggest chucking your waterproofs in and wearing appropriate footwear, as this is an outdoor event.
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We'll have limited seating, so please bring your own camp chair or a comfortable seat of some sort to sit on!
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And while you're sitting down for long periods, it could get a bit chilly - so bring a blanket too!
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Insect repellant is a must have - make sure you come prepared.
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Feel free to bring your own food, snacks and water, but no alcohol - this will be available for purchase at the event.
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Don't forget your mobile device or camera for snapping some epic shots and make sure you tag @aotearoastoneskimmingchamps.
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Sorry, no dogs or other pets allowed at this event.
What to expect on the day – food, drinks and excellent nonsense
At the heart of the event sits the Gather & Gold Tipi, styled with chic interior touches from Wilson & Dorset, alongside the Stoked Stainless hot tub recovery area and exceptional food by the culinary legends at Eat Superb. It will be a glorious setting from which to witness skimming history unfold.
General admission is no poor cousin either, with prime access to the skimming lane and a Brazier scaffolding grandstand for front-row viewing. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and any shelter they may need – preferably from the sun. The skimming zone is exposed, with limited natural shade on the beachside.
A few important notes for the day:
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Coffee vendors will be serving from 8am
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Eat Superb and Breaking Bread Food Trucks have delicious food to keep you fuelled
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You’re welcome to bring your own food
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BYO alcohol is strictly prohibited
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The excellent people at b.effect will be handling the drinks from their truck, positioned for immediate and responsible hydration.
Entertainment – spoiler alert, there’s more than just skimming
We don’t want to let the stone out of the bag just yet, but we can confirm there will be plenty happening between throws.
Here's a few teasers:
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The first ever Stone-Bearing Ceremony
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Free skin cancer spot checks with Melanoma New Zealand
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Trans-Tasman tension in the form of the Bledisthrow
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Happy Skim-more, for our younger skimmers
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The Skimmers Elbow Tent, by Annie Gummer to ensure those throwing elbows are in tip-top condition.
To keep the energy high, skimming pods will run two at a time, followed by an entertaining break in between.