FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Plain answers to common questions about the sport, OSSWW, the Pacific Open 2026, and how to take part.
- 01
What is ocean stone skimming?
- Ocean stone skimming is a competitive coastal sport where athletes throw natural ocean stones across open salt water. Throws are judged on verified skips, distance, control, and release legality under the Ocean Stone Skimming Worldwide rulebook.
- 02
Who governs ocean stone skimming?
- Ocean Stone Skimming Worldwide (OSSWW) is the global governing body. OSSWW sets the rulebook, sanctions events, trains judges, and manages the international calendar.
- 03
What is OSSWW?
- OSSWW is the abbreviation for Ocean Stone Skimming Worldwide, the international federation for the sport.
- 04
When is the Pacific Open 2026?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026.
- 05
Where is the Pacific Open 2026?
- South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, California, USA. Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is the athlete hotel and event headquarters.
- 06
How do I register?
- Use the Register Interest form on the Pacific Open or Register page. We will confirm your division and send next steps as registration opens.
- 07
What are the official rules?
- The OSSWW Rulebook 2026 covers competition format, divisions, equipment, throwing area, release legality, judging criteria, scoring, appeals, safety, and environmental rules. Read the full rules at ossww.org/rules.
- 08
How is a throw scored?
- Each throw scores up to 300 points: skip count up to 100, distance up to 100, control up to 50, and release legality up to 50.
- 09
What stones are legal?
- Naturally occurring stones sourced from the host coastline, maximum 200 grams, maximum 100 millimetres at the widest point. Every stone is judge-inspected. No coatings, no polishing, no skipping aids.
- 10
How many throws does each athlete get?
- Format varies by round. Typically five stones in qualifiers (best three count), five in semifinals (best two count), and six in finals (best three count). The exact format is published in the event briefing.
- 11
Can kids compete?
- Yes. The Junior division is for athletes under 16 and is family-friendly. Junior heats open every OSSWW event.
- 12
Can spectators attend?
- Yes. OSSWW events are staged on public beaches and are free to attend. Viewing windows for each round are published in the event programme.
- 13
How do I host an OSSWW event?
- Cities, clubs, beaches, and local organizers can apply to host. OSSWW provides sanctioning, judging, scoring, broadcast templates, and operations support. See the Host page for the application form.
- 14
How do sponsors get involved?
- Founding partner, event partner, and category packages are available. See the Sponsorship page or email hello@ossww.org.
- 15
How is ocean stone skimming different from stone skipping?
- Ocean stone skimming happens on open salt water rather than a still pond, uses stones sourced and inspected at the host coastline, and is judged under a published rulebook by trained officials.
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