It’s that time of year again, folks — when the sidewalks are cooking and the beaches are packed to the gills with people looking to catch a wave or soak up the summer sun. This year, we’re highlighting some of our favorite ways to celebrate the summer months and how to do so safely.
Catching waves
Surfing is a favorite pastime of beachgoers across the Lowcountry, especially at Folly Beach, home to one of the few all-female surf competitions in the Southeast, the Wahine Classic. Beginners can sign up for lessons from experienced instructors at local spots like Isla Surf School (named Best Surf Lessons in this year’s Best of Charleston contest), Carolina Salt, Shaka Surf School or Sol Surfers.
Grab a board (from anywhere, including Costco) or rent one from one of several local shops, and head out. You generally can’t surf at lifeguarded beaches near piers, but there’s still plenty of space. At Folly, the waves are less crowded between the 4th Block West End and Folly Beach County Park. And at Isle of Palms, surfers hang out between 20th and 30th north of the pier.
The most important rule to remember for new surfers is to stay out of the way. The surfer closest to the breaking whitewater moving down the line has the right-of-way. So stay alert, and if you’re paddling next to someone who’s closer to the wave, back off.
Riptides, created by longshore currents pushing up against piers and jetties or by wave energy, can be incredibly dangerous. If you’re pushed out in a riptide, relax, flip your back face up and float or swim to ride the current out while swimming parallel to the shore. Angle for the beach when it’s safe. Eventually the current will release its grip, and you can swim back in.
Freshwater thrills
At Trophy Lakes on Johns Island, beginners can learn to water ski — and experienced skiers can drop in by the hour. But the two lakes have something for everyone — stand-up paddleboarding, cable wakeboarding, a disc golf course, a water ropes course and the Charleston Aqua Park, a floating activity course.
Stay up to date on special events like inflatable obstacle courses inspired by American Ninja Warrior, or head to the lakes for date nights. Weekly specials include family happy hours, kids wakeboard school and wake happy hour for adults.
Or head to James Island and visit the Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park, the perfect destination for families looking to splash in the sun. The park features 200-foot open and tube slides, a 500-foot lazy river, a leisure pool, Caribbean play structures and more. The park is open seasonally, just visit their website for fees and hours.
Outdoor adventures
Wanting a break from the water? Get outside this summer and explore the Lowcountry’s unique natural landscape. For the avid hiker, plan a day trip along the Palmetto Trail, which extends from Awendaw along the Intracoastal Waterway to Walhalla in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Or break out your binoculars for some of the best birdwatching in the area along six miles of trails at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center near Ravenel. This site also offers educational programs and interpretive exhibits. The Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw offers even more up-close looks at bird species with flight demonstrations and guided tours.
At Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, find relaxation and mindfulness in nature as you explore the gardens of this Trappist monastery. Visitors can walk the grounds for free, but checking in at the reception center is required.
Farmers markets
Get a taste of the Lowcountry’s fresh produce at a farmers market or pick-your-own-produce farm. The Charleston Farmers Market in downtown’s Marion Square runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday and highlights offerings from local farmers, tasty bites from food trucks, artisan items, live music and kids activities such as an inflatable bounce house.
The Charleston Pour House opens its backyard and back deck to the public for the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market. Visitors can peruse the many goods for sale while sipping a cold drink from the bar and grooving along to the band on the deck. Other markets take place on varying days throughout the area including spots in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant and more.
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