WORLD STONE SKIMMING CHAMPIOSHIPS, Easdale Island, Oban 27th Sept 2009

Tony Hill · 28 August 2009, 07:27

The World Stone Skimming Championships 2009 will take place at Easdale Island just south of Oban on Sunday 27th September
Easdale Island is located in a fantastic RIB cruising area so why not make a weeknd of it. There is a safe and secure harbour. Pre skim dance Saturday evening.
Video of last year's event taken by Alystra who became last year's 'Old Tosser' champion
http://ardfern.forargyll.com/2009/03...ionships-2008/

Further information as it becomes available

alystra · 28 August 2009, 10:57

I'm intending to be there Tony. By RIB if weather ok. Should be a bit more room in the harbour this year, as it's neaps?

RIB or not, I've got to defend my championship. I reckon there'll be tough competition this year. I've started on the fitness regime already.

Cheers Tony

JSP · 28 August 2009, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by alystra

I'm intending to be there Tony. By RIB if weather ok. Should be a bit more room in the harbour this year, as it's neaps?

RIB or not, I've got to defend my championship. I reckon there'll be tough competition this year. I've started on the fitness regime already.

Cheers Tony

Good luck Tony

chewy · 28 August 2009, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by alystra

. I've started on the fitness regime already.

Cheers Tony

Dare I ask?

alystra · 28 August 2009, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

Dare I ask?

Walking to the pub (1 mile precisely, 2.5 miles there and back) instead of going on my bike. Strengthening the skimming arm by lifting twice as many pints as usual.

That should do for the competition. Like I said, I think we 'Old Tossers' may well find it stiff this year.

JSP · 28 August 2009, 16:17

I think the "Old tossers finding it stiff" all year round would help you prep for it. You need to build a right arm like popeye

Tony Hill · 28 August 2009, 17:20

Picture taken from the mainland looking across to Easdale Island. The harbour is towards the left.
The Garvellachs are in the background along with The Black Isles and Scarba

Bigmuz7 · 28 August 2009, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

I think the "Old tossers finding it stiff" all year round would help you prep for it. You need to build a right arm like popeye

Sounds like the words of an experienced man

JSP · 28 August 2009, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Sounds like the words of an experienced man

Sorry, eyes aren't that good. Job to read your post

JSP · 28 August 2009, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Hill

Picture taken from the mainland looking across to Easdale Island. The harbour is towards the left.
The Garvellachs are in the background along with The Black Isles and Scarba

Looks a grand place Tony!

Bigmuz7 · 28 August 2009, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Sorry, eyes aren't that good. Job to read your post

Thats alright .. just remember .... its all in the wrist action

Word up .. I hope the weather is good for it Tony

MikeP · 28 August 2009, 22:47

Well, here's a bizarre thing...

That happens to be the first proper day of our holiday (me and Mrs MikeP) with my parents (just turned 70, but sprightly with it.... thankfully) in Scotland.

I've been ummm'ing and arrh'ing back and forth about putting our small SIB in the boot of the car, mostly because I've not had any open water experience yet, but at the same time I hear so many good things about that area.

Anyway, it sounds (and looks, from the video) like it might be quirky day out - I'm sorely tempted to persuade the old folks that it would be a fun thing to do. However, my main question is: is it worth bunging our 3m SIB in the back of the car to plop into the water in that area given our lack of experience ?

I assuredly do not wish to become a statistic!

Tony Hill · 29 August 2009, 08:39

A 3m SIB is perhaps not best for the open waters of the Atlantic however if you look at an area map there are loads of sheltered lochs and bays inside all the island chains. We would be happy to help you get some great SIB cruising during your holiday week - like everything it is a matter of picking your day and your area of cruising. Pack your fishing rod waterproofs and lifejackets.

Stoo · 29 August 2009, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by alystra

Walking to the pub (1 mile precisely, 2.5 miles there and back) instead of going on my bike. Strengthening the skimming arm by lifting twice as many pints as usual.

LOL... Sounds like my pre-season skiing workout. I use the spare 'fridge downstairs to keep my beer cold. Every time I want one, I need to run a flight of steps. My legs AND my liver will be ready to go for first snow, which based on our recent weather, could be any day now...

Tony Hill · 01 September 2009, 17:43

There will be plenty of water in the harbour throughout the weekend and lots of alongside berthing available.

Tony

MikeP · 08 September 2009, 20:34

Tony,

Thanks for your advice and offer of help. Amusingly, I don't know *what* planet I was on, as our aging BMW saloon looks like it has a capacious boot, but in actual fact getting our small SIB in there with engine etc actually means we have no room for anything else.

So my quaint notion of 'bunging it in the boot' ain't gonna happen.

Having said that, it would be nice to get onto the water at some point. Are there any good places around and about that would hire out to a newbie such as myself ??

Poly · 08 September 2009, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeP

Tony,

Thanks for your advice and offer of help. Amusingly, I don't know *what* planet I was on, as our aging BMW saloon looks like it has a capacious boot, but in actual fact getting our small SIB in there with engine etc actually means we have no room for anything else.

So my quaint notion of 'bunging it in the boot' ain't gonna happen.

Having said that, it would be nice to get onto the water at some point. Are there any good places around and about that would hire out to a newbie such as myself ??

Mike - depends what you are looking for - but if you just want a boat then Linnhe Marine http://www.linnhemarina.co.uk/ will rent a small open boat with a little outboard (not a rib/sib) which should let you get out to see the seals and if you are lucky porpoises. Not exactly on the doorstep for easdale - but in the general viscinity.

jwalker · 09 September 2009, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeP

....So my quaint notion of 'bunging it in the boot' ain't gonna happen.

Dare I suggest a wee trailer is a useful thing to own?

9D280 · 10 September 2009, 08:15

Or if it's a 3m SIB, upside down on the roof?

Lihnne Marine isn't too far from Oban - Half an hour or so - assuming no caravans!

MikeP · 21 September 2009, 13:16

You guys are always so helpful! We're actually just north of Oban so Linnhe looks just the job.

As this is our first season of boat/SIB ownership, we're treading all sorts of new territory and things like roof boxes/small trailers haven't been on the radar thus far, but helpful suggestions none the less.

Thanks again everyone.