Gareth Twamley breaks British stone skimming record

A former javelin thrower has set his sights on breaking the stone skimming world record by eclipsing the current mark of 350ft.

Gareth Twamley, 38, recorded a personal best distance of 300ft at the Welsh Open in May, and was credited with breaking the English record last month with a 288ft 7inch toss.

Now he will compete in the World Championships at Easdale Island, Scotland, in September in a bid to take home the global title.

Gareth’s personal best was recorded at 301ft 8inch at the Welsh Open in May after taking part in competitions across the UK and further afield in Europe

Gareth Twamley, 38, from Cardiff, pictured, usually gets 40 to 60 bounces on the water when he skims stones

The skillful skimmer, who usually gets 40 to 60 bounces on the water in the sport, said of his English record title: ‘I was so pleased to have broken it. Absolutely thrilled to bits.

‘After two years of coming third and learning off other experts it was nice to finally win.’

Gareth was a British top 10 javelin thrower but his career ended after an ankle injury when he was 20 years old.

Gareth said: ‘I saw a programme on the BBC two years ago and couldn’t believe there was a community of stone skimming people. I immediately got involved and have gone along to compete in all of the tournaments since’

Gareth was a British top 10 javelin thrower but his career ended after an ankle injury when he was 20 years old. He is pictured throwing a stone

Gareth is now aiming to beat the world stone skimming record which is 351 feet

The father of three, from Cardiff, then went into acting and appeared on programmes such as Casualty and Stella before taking up stone skimming two years ago.

Gareth said: ‘I saw a programme on the BBC two years ago and couldn’t believe there was a community of stone skimming people.

‘I immediately got involved and have gone along to compete in all of the tournaments since.’ 

He said: ‘The world record is 107m (351ft) which is something I am aiming for.’