Just when you start to think you've seen everything the Croatian folk festivities have to offer...
When I wrote about the frog jumping championship in Lokve, I thought that was the crown jewel of quirky competitive manifestations. Then I found out about the stone skimming championship – pardon me, make that the stone skimming world championship – that's about to take place in a couple of days.
Let's back up a bit: a group of enthusiasts from Kaštel Štafilić near Split formed the so-called Project 3 Pi, an initiative that aims to gather all the open-minded positive people in order to encourage freedom of thought and creativity, and spread the good-spirited virus through fun, games and laughter. The project was launched in 2013, and all their endearing activities are assembled in a festival called 'No Stress Days' that takes place on Dračić beach in Kaštela.
Out of all the things they have planned for the summer, the stone skimming championship takes the cake. On Saturday, August 12, Dračić beach will host the amusing contest that'll have the participants competing in a total of 7 disciplines, starting by a round of qualifications where the aspiring stone skimming professionals have to hit a target in order to pass through to the finals. There are no application forms to be filled, just come to the beach around 17:00 and bring five carefully selected stones you're going to use. Not in the mood to do any sports, no matter how alternative they might be? No problem – you can just observe and cheer for your favourites.
Coincidentally, this event shares a common trait with the aforementioned frog jumping championship, as we call stone skimming žabice in Croatian. The word literally translates to froglets, as the stones jumping off the water surface evoke an image of little frogs jumping around.
Judging from everything I've seen in recent years, I'm not entirely certain this is the only stone skimming championship out there, but who cares? If it's a world championship, it's only right to take part in such a historic event. If you're on holiday anywhere near Split or Trogir, consider yourself advised to spend the afternoon in Kaštel Štafilić – even if you don't end up becoming the world stone skimming champion, the event is sure to be a hit. Good luck!
