Bank Worker Skims Stone 157 Meters Across Welsh Lake

A stone dancing across water for more than 500 feet sounds impossible, but Phillip Bloxham just did exactly that on a practice day at Cosmeston Lakes in Wales.

The 35-year-old Cardiff bank worker sent a stone skimming 157 meters (515 feet) across the water, shattering his previous personal best of 140 meters. His throw surpasses the official Guinness World Record of 121.8 meters set in 2018.

Bloxham grew up near Narberth, Wales, spending his childhood perfecting the art of stone skipping. But he didn't consider competing until 2022, when a stranger in Devon shouted that he was "skimming like a champion."

Two weeks later, he entered the Welsh Championships and placed second. He won the title in 2024, the same year he set his previous distance record.

Why This Inspires

Stone skipping became more than a hobby after a devastating knee injury 10 years ago required six surgeries. The accident ended Bloxham's other passions: snowboarding, climbing, and surfing.

"Stone skimming is something I can still excel at, making it even more precious," he said. "Using nothing but nature and myself to do incredible things."

The sport brought unexpected joy to his family too. Bloxham taught his wife Bethan and her sister Nerys the technique. Nerys is now the current Welsh champion, and Bethan placed third at the 2024 Welsh Championships while her husband took first.

"She was not a skimmer before I taught her," Bloxham said of his wife. "She has adapted to the life of living with a stone skimmer. Perfect wife."

He practices regularly at locations across Wales, appreciating that every stone presents a unique challenge. The mesmerizing sight of stones dancing toward the horizon draws him back to nature repeatedly.

Bloxham is currently in Patagonia, Argentina, judging the country's first stone skipping championship. When he returns, he'll compete again in the Welsh Championships in May.

His ultimate goal is reaching 200 meters and officially claiming the Guinness World Records for both distance and number of skips. "It's just a case of getting around to it and making good evidence," he said.

For now, he's content sharing his passion with fellow competitors, describing them as "a whole bunch of adults who never gave up skimming stones."