All Images: Drew Silvers | Location: Whitefish, Montana
Pond skimming, or as the French say, le skim de le pónd, is an act as old as time itself. The ancient Sumerians were some of the first people to pond skim, brilliantly stapling their feet to wooden boards in order to glide over their water supplies to pass the time in between battles. The Romans, Egyptians and Chinese later imitated, and the trend began to grow worldwide.
The act was then revolutionized by the Hawaiians, when they made one large board and used it to skim across waves back to shore. Some called it “surfing,” but the trend never really stuck and everyone agreed the best way to proceed was by pond skimming across a man-made pond on two boards, otherwise known as skis.
When you hear of pond skimming, your mind probably conjures up images of sunshine, elated faces, a serenade of thumping reggae, anywhere from not enough to too many beers, and any other number of the joyous endeavors that coincide with this springtime ski tradition. But don’t be fooled, there is an art behind the madness.
To help you properly navigate your skim this spring, here are FREESKIER’s top six tips to pond skim like a pro. From your stance to proper costume attire and advice to make you a crowd pleaser, these are the six tips to live by at your closing day celebration.
1. No skim is bad skim
It’s vital to remember that there is no correct way to pond skim. Don’t be afraid to spice it up! Air in, hit the water switch, try a butter three; at the end of the day, you’re falling on water and everyone has a better show if you make a splash.
Personally, I’ve always wanted to see someone backie into the pond and ski away… on blades. Perhaps YOU could be the one to make the impossible happen this year.
2. Ideal form
If you’ve never pond skimmed before, now is the time! It looks daunting, but it’s easier than it seems. Here are a few pointers to get you started:
- Just pretend you’re in an old chair. Stay a little on your heels, but don’t lean back too much, or it’ll break.
- Keep your balance centered.
- Let speed be your friend.
- Style is king, so keep those feet close together, or you can go for the full gorilla stance. We count that as proper form, too.
Truthfully the ideal form is whatever gets you across the pond. If it skims, it wins (or something like that).
3. Costumes are not optional, and denim is always a good choice
It’s true, if you show up to the closing day celebrations wearing a normal coat and pants, you deserve to get made fun of. We didn’t make the rules, we just enforce them. But not everyone has a closet full of bear onesies, Hawaiian shirts, tutus and funny hats, so what do you do? Grab those old jeans and tuck ’em into your boots like the good lord intended.
Many people don’t know this, but jeans were actually intended to be skied in. Think about it; the durability, the mellow color, the way they scream “I’m so cowboy.” It makes perfect sense. Pair those with a classic pair of 210cm skis and you’re in business. You don’t need all the flash, you just need some character.
4. Eye protection – you can’t skim what you can’t see
There are many options that fit the bill here. Expensive sunnies, gas station sunnies, traditional goggles, even a pair of swimming goggles will do. Just make sure your eyes are encased behind a comfortable wall of (preferably) polarized lenses. You’ll thank us later. Nobody wants to have a scorched cornea after a day on the hill. Plus, you’ll get points for how offensive your goggle tan gets. Who doesn’t want that?
5. Bring enough to share… including water
Yes, you will be skimming with good friends. No, they won’t be prepared in the slightest. They’ll want to have some of your Lunchable, beers, hot dogs, sparkling waters, beef jerky, herb, and, in our experience, pretty much anything you have. But the truth is everyone adores the skier who brings some to share.
Grab the whole box of gushers or maybe cut your sandwich into quarters. And as always, we highly recommend bringing some water. Hell, be a damn hero and bring some water for the whole team. Having a blast at high elevations under the sun can bring with it some serious consequences, so be ready and keep everyone hydrated! You’ll be popular AND prepared; the greatest combo on Earth.
6. Be a proper spectator
While the bulk of these notes focus on the act of pond skimming, watching is half the battle. Some would it’s key to master the art of spectating, as you’ll spend the majority of your day cheering from the sideline, and only a small portion of it actually in the pond. Just as there’s an art to the skim, there’s an art to the view.
Be mindful of those around you. Everyone loves the person who’s there to have a good time. Nobody likes the guy or girl who’s had one too many, or who can’t seem to realize that the eight-year-old in front of them doesn’t want to hear an f-bomb every other sentence. Keep your pals in check and make as many new friends as you can! Just make sure they want to be friends, too.
Cheer as loud as you can, duh. We’re all here to have fun and party away the sadness that comes with the closing of ski season. Let the brave skiers entering the pond know that you’re there, and give them a ceremonious holler as thanks for their sends. While you’re at it, you may as well cheer for the boarders too. They’ve got a morsel of good somewhere down in those cold dark hearts. (Just kidding boarders, we know you’re cooler.)
No matter what, have fun and give the person next to you a smile. As another ski season comes to a close, we’re all met with the same sense of joy, nostalgia, elation and melancholy rolled into one. Be grateful for another winter, and, if you’re anything like us, you’re already planning for next season. Happy skimming!
