Artificial stones created for skipping

From a report in The Telegraph:

Ron Long, 68, who has a personal best of 187ft (57m), has long campaigned for the use of artificial skimmers to be made legal in the sport, saying they offer “a level of predictability and reliability”.

He finally got his wish in time for next month’s Welsh Open in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys.

Green Events, better known for bog snorkeling and other quirky enterprises, decided to resurrect the contest following a three-year hiatus after officials agreed to legalize the use of artificial stones.

Mr Long, from Forden, Welshpool, Powys, three times and current world over-60 champion, said: “By allowing competitors to use artificial stones it will let the sport expand, as previously it has been held back by the illegality of removing stones from beaches and water courses.”