SUPing Folly Creek--Full Of Natural Beauty, Fascinating Wonders, And Teaming With Life

As the warm, morning sun rises above the Atlantic surf and washes over the sandy beachfront on the Edge of America, the ever impinging light unendingly confirms an already well established verifiable fact. The boundless Folly Beach landscape is a stunningly beautiful tangled blue web of saltwater creeks, rivers, and estuary marshes. It is this dazzling network of rising and ebbing saltwater that decidedly makes it a water sportsman’s wonderland of swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

From the southern tip at Folly Beach Park to Lighthouse Inlet, Folly Beach has seven miles of beachfront ideal for sunning and swimming. The Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier is one of Folly's more prominent landmarks. Stretching 1,045 feet into the Atlantic surf, it has some of the best saltwater fishing in the area. The Washout has gained prominence as one of the more popular surfing spots along the East Coast. With 6.4 square miles of water, there is plenty of shoreline for the boater and kayaker to explore. However, for this article, I will be focusing on what Folly Beach has to offer the renting SUPer.

Although, you can rent paddleboards and transport them to wherever you want, there are two main entry points for paddleboard renting on Folly Beach--Folly Creek and Folly River. The choices and locations are Coastal Expeditions on Folly Road next to Crosby Fish and Shrimp, Charleston Outdoor Adventures next to Bowens Island Restaurant or Charleston SUP Safaris on Center Street at Flipper Finders.

After surveying the options, I chose Coastal Expeditions on Folly Creek. In my judgment, Folly Creek was the better access point. There was far less boat traffic and it was closer to more secluded areas of the surrounding estuary. Admittedly, the ultimate deciding factor that tipped my selection in favor of Coastal Expeditions came from a conversation I had with a couple who just came back from a paddleboarding excursion on Folly Creek. They mentioned seeing a partially sunken boat and that little bit of information peaked my interest.

 

 

I paid the $28 for 2 hours rental fee at a small office located in a wooden planked building and made final preparations for the paddle. It was a hot, humid afternoon, so I purchased a cold bottle of water at Crosby Fish and Shrimp, put my cell phone in the requested dry bag for safe keeping when not taking pictures and made the short walk to the pier. On the way, I passed a fisherman busy sorting through his catch of blue crab. Two large shrimp boats bearing the scars of their many years of service were moored at docks close to the fishing pier/boat dock where the guide awaited my arrival. It was high tide. The skies were partly cloudy blue. A challenging breeze was present. With dry bag and flip flops secured, I boarded the long board and shoved off into the warm waters of Folly Creek. It was going to be a great paddle.

My planned course would take me towards Bowens Island and the eclectic Bowen's Island Restaurant--a longtime favorite oyster stop for locals and a Hollywood icon—it was featured in the movie "Dear John." I wanted to take pictures of the restaurant from the water. I paddled past a huge estate with a large swimming platform before entering the more secluded stretch of Folly Creek where marsh grass and tall trees lined the shoreline leading to the restaurant. The brisk breeze at my back pushed me along at a pretty decent clip as I navigated and surfed the cresting waters. A mile into my paddle, I arrived at my desired destination and took numerous pictures of the old restaurant. I sat on my board with my feet and legs dangling in the water and soaked in the calming ambience and soothing sounds of my surroundings.

On the way back, I encountered the partially sunken boat—a ghostly relic from Hurricane Hugo. I curiously observed five great white heron foraging the edges of the marsh grass until they tired of my presence and spent a considerable amount of time being entertained by a group of six dolphins with young at their sides swim around my paddleboard. One dolphin afforded me the rare treat of seeing it totally breach the surface of the water. Sadly, my cell phone was packed away in the dry bag at the time. Thunder rumbled in the distance and the skies began to darken. It was time to leave the beautifully enriching scene.

In comparison to other paddleboard locations throughout the Charleston Lowcountry, I would consider Folly Creek a favorite, followed closely by Morgan Creek on the Isle of Palms. The Folly Beach estuary is a stunningly beautiful tangled blue web of saltwater creeks, rivers, and marshes full of natural beauty, fascinating wonders, and teaming with life.

Coastal Expeditions Folly Beach
2223 Folly Rd
(843) 406-0640

Charleston's Barrier Islands-Beautiful Beaches, Abundant Wildlife, Great Stays, And Pleasure Packed

Folly Island near Morris Island Lighthouse

Visit the city of Charleston and you will be surrounded by elegance and charm at every turn of the corner, but the historic downtown district is only the cake of the Lowcountry. Step outside of Charleston and you will be covered in the frosting. Charleston is surrounded by beautiful inlets, grassy creeks, pristine marshes, and a host of barrier islands where all the beach action and numerous water activities take place.

The barrier islands of Charleston each have a distinct history and character of their own, each offering something different for residents and visitors. Some are accessible by bridges and some only by a ferry or a private boat. I frequently visit Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Island and on occasion Kiawah Island. I have yet to visit Capers Island, which is only accessible by boat, and unless I buy a boat or get invited onto someone else's boat heading that direction, will remain for me uncharted. Bulls Island can be accessed only by ferry and I have plans in the near future to be on board.

Fishing on pier at Isle of Palms

The Isle of Palms was the first barrier island I visited while vacationing the Charleston area and remains my beach of choice. I have fished and kayaked its backwaters and inlets, ate at its restaurants, and stayed in its vacation homes. On a warm, clear night, you will often find me sitting on the upper deck of Coconut Joes overlooking Front Beach and the pier taking in the beautiful sunset. During the day, you could spot me standing on the shore with baited hook drifting in the currents of Breach Inlet - an ideal place for surf fishing and watching the dolphins splash around. Next time you drive over the H.L. Hunley Bridge be sure to wave, and I will wave back. An even better place from which to watch the dolphins of Breach Inlet is on the rooftop bar of the Boathouse Restaurant located just before you cross over to Sullivan's Island. If you are looking for some nighttime action visit the Windjammer and for daytime action there is plenty of golf at the Wild Dunes Resort.

Kitesurfer in the "Bath"

As you look across Breach Inlet from the Isle of Palms to Sullivan's Island, on a breezy day you will likely observe a flock of colorful kites moving back and forth across the skyline. Those would be the sails of the kitesurfers who come to this area of Sullivan's Island referred to as the "Bath" - an almost landlocked body of water surrounded by sand. Aside from the kitesurfers, SUPers come here for the calmer waters. Sullivan's Island is home to historic Fort Moultrie and the Charleston Light - the light sentinel that guides seafaring vessels into the Charleston Harbor. One of its more famous residents was Edgar Allan Poe. The island was the inspiration behind his short story "The Goldbug" and Poe's Tavern is a popular eatery you will find packed out on any given day.

Folly Beach is fondly called by its longtime residents the "Edge of America". A prominent landmark of this eclectic beach community is the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier. The 24 feet wide and more than 1,045 feet long pier is the second longest on the East Coast. From the end of the pier, you can get a good look at the beach in either direction and for a small fee experience some of the best saltwater fishing in the area. On scheduled nights, there is shag dancing with the Moonlight Mixers. Folly Beach is also one of the top surfing beaches on the East Coast. You will find the top surfers of the area hanging out at a small strip of the beach called the "Washout" - best waves in Charleston waters. On the north end of Folly, you can take pictures of the Morris Island Lighthouse and on the other end you can walk around the tip to Folly River where the tidal rapids move in and out like the Niagara River of Niagara Falls. You can rent kayaks, SUP boards, boats, and vacation homes.

SUP board

Across from Folly, past Stono Inlet, is Kiawah Island. Kiawah Island has a recorded history that stretches back to 1675 when it was purchased from a native tribe. It is unique among South Carolina barrier islands. Unlike Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach, it remains environmentally sound and commercial development is virtually non-existent. It is home to the exclusive Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The resort will be the center of attention starting August 9th. The 94th PGA Championships will be played on its prestigious Ocean Course. The resort has four other championship courses and an array of amenities the whole family can enjoy. The only public beach access is on the west end of the island called Beachwalker Park.

Capers Island is totally uninhabited, except for the abundant wildlife that makes this island its home. The only access is by some kind of floating devise; preferably a boat. The adventurous person, after acquiring a free permit from the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, could rent a kayak at the Isle of Palms Marina and paddle out to the island where he or she could camp overnight. The somewhat less adventurous could hire Barrier Island Eco Tours to shuttle their group of 7 or more to and from Capers Island. No facilities of any type are on the island, so campers should come prepared with their own water, food, equipment, first aid kit, and whatever else. On the weekends and holidays, the island is a favorite place for boaters to put ashore. The island is an excellent place for surf fishing.

Bulls Island is one of only two Class 1 Wilderness Areas on the East Coast. No bridges connect this island to the mainland. A ferry run by Coastal Expeditions is the only way on. After leaving the Awendaw docks and weaving in and out of the backwater creeks, you are turned loose to wander the 16 miles of hiking trails and over seven miles of undeveloped beaches upon arrival. The wildlife is incredible. Over 270 species of migratory birds including bald eagles, snowy egrets and great blue heron call it home. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the island along with a huge population of alligators. Well, you get the picture, and plenty of them. Bikes are allowed and cash encourage, tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Go to Coastal Expeditions for the complete details.

A Fast Growing Watersport For The Whole Family-Another Way to Enjoy Charleston's Beautiful Coastal Waters

I know of only one person, and his name is not Bruce Almighty, who history recorded as having actually walked on water. But there is a water sport gaining in popularity in which the participants say doing it is "like walking on water". The difference between actually walking on water and experiencing the sensation of walking on water is ginormous, and despite our restrictive human abilities, just experiencing the sensation would be exilerating, like the idea of flying. This fast-growing-in-popularity watersport first made its appearance over 50 years ago, but only arrived in the U.S. via the West Coast 12 years ago, and is currently taking the Southeast by storm. I only recently became aware of this amazing activity. So, what's SUP with that?

The athletic water activity that is being enthusiasticly embraced by the masses is called Stand Up Paddleboard or SUP for short. All you need is a long surfboard with a leash, a long paddle, and to be safety concious, a life jacket, and you are set to go. The idea originated in Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing. Early in the 1960's the Beach Boys of Waikiki, while standing on their long boards would paddle around the surf with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. Back then it was called "Beach Boy Surfing", another name for SUPing. SUPing then beacame a way for Hawaiian surfers to stay in shape when the surf was flat. Beach Boy, Rick Thomas, is credited with introducing SUP to the beaches of California in the year 2000 and since has found its way to the coastal waterways and beaches of Charleston. It is a fun alternative to kayaking with a one distintive advantage.

The advantage of SUPing verses kayaking is your vantage point. You have the ability to see more things below you when in a standing position as opposed to a sitting position, plus you can see farther out over the surface of the water as well. Everything from horseshoe crabs, stingrays, jellyfish, and dolphins become more visible as you cruise along the rivers, creeks, and backwaters of Charleston's beautiful estuaries. I have kayaked the inner coastal waters and salt marshes of the IOP. At low tide, it is hard to see over the thick marsh grass, thus losing your way or getting lost becomes a possibility. This aspect is minimized if you are on a SUP board. Feeling bodacious and want to take it beyond the flat waters? You can even use your board to catch a wave on one of the three main beaches along Charleston's coastline, the IOP, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach. Other activities you can combine with your SUPing are fishing and yoga style excercises.

Interested and don't have your own board, no problem. Charleston SUP Safaris on Folly Beach has everything you need to get you going. They have the equipement. They have the know how. They offer 5 day summer camps specifically for your kids with a focus on teaching them effective paddling and timing techniques with the added features of imparting an understanding of our incredible marine ecosystem and instilling a respect for the importance of preserving the barrier islands. All the instructors have educational experience in Marine Science and ecology of the Lowcountry. There are also three different two to four hour tours available costing from $45 to $70 per person. The Dolphin Safari is an introductory paddle on the Folly River flatwaters. The Sunset and Full Moon Safari is exactly what the name implies. The Morris Island Lighthouse Safari takes you to Morris Island and the mouth of Folly River. It is for more experienced paddlers. For more detailed information on rentals and safaris go to Charleston SUP SAfaris.

Charleston Watersport, located on 1255 Ben Sawyer Blvd in Mt. Pleasant, is a another option for your SUP needs with rentals, group SUP classes and private SUP lessons. They have partnered with Island Paddle Adventure offering you the opportunity to paddle around the wildlife-rich marshlands and coastal waters of Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and ever popular Shem Creek with one of their packages. For more information on the tour packages go to Island Paddle Adventure tours and for fitness classes go to Island Paddle Adventure fitness. Charleston Watersport is South Carolina's exclusive gallery for Dragon Paddle Boards and gear. Paddle board rental rates are $40 per day, half days $25, equipment included. Multiple day discounts and weekly rates are available. For more infomation go to Charleston Watersport.

Want to put your SUP skills to the test and have a waterfull time? The 3rd Annual Shem Creek SUP Shootout is scheduled for Friday, July 6, 2012 - Saturday, July 7, 2012. The Registration Party will be at Red's Ice House on July 6th starting at 6pm running till 9pm. Racers meeting will be at 9am on race day at Red's Ice House, Elite SUP Race start time is 10am and all other classes with start at 9:10 in 10 minute intervals for each class. There will be a  Post Race Celebration following the race awards. Paid registration includes both the registration and post parties and a limited edition event t-shirt. All food and beverages are included with paid entry. Registration fees are from $30 to $70. For all the info go to Charleston Watersport.


SUPing is easy to learn and fun for everyone of all ages. It is another way to enjoy our beautiful beaches and marine-life rich coastal waters with either a camera or a fishing rod. For the fitness minded individuals, SUPing fitness classes offer the unique opportunity to excercise right on the water. Give it a try. It is just another SUPer way to spend your day in Charleston.

Kayaking The Intercoastal Waters Of Charleston And Its Backwaters

I have rented kayaks on the Isle of Palms and paddled around the intercoastal waters near the Wild Dunes area. It was a great experience and alot of fun. Kayaking the tidal creeks can get tricky with the changing tides. Everything looks different when the waters are high as opposed to low. Very easy to lose your bearings and get sidetracked in the grasses. At one point of our excursion we were quite positive we confronted an alligator in the thick grasses because of its distinct low bellowing growl. We took it to be a warning and boogied out of there.

We cruised past huge villas that lined the sides, each one with its own boat dock and overlooking beautiful pools. Tried some fishing along the way, but didn't have much success. We absorbed the sights and sounds and raced one another to see who was the fastest. We made it back to the marina despite our perils fully satisfied and happy.

Charleston has plenty of coast from the IOP to Folly filled with rivers, salt creeks and backwaters to explore. But the intercoastal waters are not the only place in the Lowcountry you can adventure around with kayaks and canoes. Recently I read an article about three places where you and the whole family can experience the beauty of South Carolina in the Charleston Lowcountry: The Edisto River Trail, Givans Ferry State Park, and Francis Beidler Forest.

Edisto River Trail is a stretch of the longest, free flowing blackwater river in North America. Carolina Heritage Outfitters will help you with all your necessities and equipement for a fun and safe outing. They offer trips of a few hours or a two-day experience of 22 miles to include an overnight stay in one of the treehouses or you can just camp out anywhere along the way.

Givans Ferry State Park was voted one of the "Top 15 paddling spots in America". It is part of the 56 mile long Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail and is at the end of a 21 mile downstream paddle from Colleton State Park. It has campgrounds and rustic cabins.

Francis Beidler Forest is located in Four Holes Swamp, SC, 45,000 acres of blackwater and swamp. Four Holes Swamp is a major tributary of the Edisto river. Francis Beidler Forest is 15,000 acres of forest and swamp containing bald cypress and tupelo gum trees and the only two stands of old growth still left in the state. A visitor center is there for your convenience and guided canoe trips are offered.-Vacation Rick Travel