Benjamin Forthun Defies Physics with 112-Meter Water Ski in Folgefonna

At first glance, it might seem like a simple summer game: a lake formed by melting snow, a pair of skis, and the intention to cross it without falling into the water. But what Norwegian freeskier Benjamin Forthun did last July 1st on the Folgefonna glacier goes far beyond seasonal entertainment.

With a speed of 105 km/h and meticulous technique, Forthun managed to ski flat on the water for 112 meters, then returned to solid snow on the other side of the pond. This type of maneuver is known as a pond skim, a popular spring and summer discipline that challenges the limits of balance, speed, and physics.

World Record?

Forthun's achievement has sparked intense debate. Although in 2010 Frenchman Philippe Troubat covered 155 meters at the Défi Foly in La Clusaz on a monoski, he ended up submerged in the water. Forthun, for his part, emphasizes the crucial difference: "He didn't make it back to land, he ended up swimming. There's a big difference between skimming until you sink and landing safely."

Thus, the Norwegian claims his feat as a "land-to-water-back-to-land pond skim," which for many represents the true spirit of the discipline: not just crossing, but returning to shore dry.

The Magic of Folgefonna

The setting for the attempt, Fonna Glacier Ski Resort, rises 1,450m in the spectacular Hardanger Fjord. With 5 km of slopes operational in mid-summer and a vertical drop of 250 m, this glacier is a hub for professional skiers and freestyle enthusiasts.

After the bankruptcy of Visit Fonna AS, the resort nearly saw a rebirth thanks to the efforts of Fonna Sport AS and several local ski associations, but the plans ultimately did not materialize. Even so, the unique energy of the place continues to attract skiers like Forthun, especially during the endless days of July, with barely five hours of night.

The Pond Skim Phenomenon

With more playful than competitive roots, the pond skim has become one of the most anticipated events at northern hemisphere ski resorts. Swimsuits, costumes, and an inevitable splash are often the norm... except in epic moments like this.

Forthun's achievement not only demonstrates impeccable technical skill but reopens the debate on what it truly means to break a record in extreme sports: pure distance or perfect execution? In any case, his flight over the icy water is now part of the modern skiing imagination.