Since Charleston hosts many different kiteboarding spots, we’re only divulging the general basics. While 10 spots are easily car accessible, you’ll find many more with a boat. A short drive from most launches is South Carolina’s largest kiteboarding center. In Charleston, you’ll find incredibly friendly kite launches. The huge pristine beaches offer plenty of room for rigging, launching, and learning. If you like wheels, you’ll love rolling on the smooth hard pack sand. Also, there’s plenty of Southern Hospitality around. Whatever your skill level, you and your gear will be safe and treated with respect by the locals. Don’t be surprised if we say “hi!”
In the South Carolina “Lowcountry”, you’ll find kiters riding year round on a variety of flying spots for any wind direction: barrier islands, rivers, inlets and near inland lakes. The flat waters of salt flats and Atlantic swell breaks waves make an absurd playground for all experience levels. You’ll fly off beaches, waves & flat water in one session!
The prestigious Sullivan's Island, known for it's preserved natural beauty, has a shifting sand bar that allows for riding in both flat water & waves in the same session.
Next to Sullivan's Island is the coveted Isle of Palms (known for the abundance of Palmetto trees), this island offers some great localized wave conditions.
If you're up for a small treck from Charleston's NorthEast side, head down to Folly Beach. Here, you'll find one of the widest open most natarual areas you can get to by car.
Few have experienced the insane kiteboarding conditions found on the three northern barrier islands. Located just North of Isle of Palms, the three barriers: Dewee's, Caper's, & Bull Islands, offer everything from sand mogul KGB (kite ground boarding) to waist deep flat water to head high waves. Their secret has remained hidden due to the fact they can only be accessed by boat.
The launch areas listed provide excellent access and we often ride from one spot to the next when feeling the stoke for some wave riding. In a few spots, Atlantic swells can provide epic wave-riding conditions. Water depths vary from knee to overhead, depending on location and tide.
From affordable to plush luxury, Charleston has it: motels, hotels, inns, beach homes, condos, villas, and cabins. Nightly prices range from $40 – 500.
Here's some tips for kiteboarders:
• Safe & Friendly Riders We're lucky to have one of the most friendly kiter populations in the world. Southern Hospitality truly shines with our courteous core group. You and your gear will be safe and treated as our friends. If you want attitude, kite somewhere else.
• Each Island is Independent As seperate townships, the islands each have their own rules. From parking to dogs to watercraft ordinances, get to know local regulations.
• Watch for currents and rip tides arround the inlets, where many of us kite, the rushing water during tide changes can be friend or foe.
• Charleston beaches can get crowded especially during summertime and holidays. Beach goers have the right of way. If you find a launch area to be crowded, please DO NOT RIG. Instead, locate a spot with plenty of safe riding room.
• Cross island downwinders For the longest and most invigorating downwinders, plan to launch on one island and land on another.
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• Air: Charleston International Airport (CHS) services most airlines and has connections to every major USA city. Kite launches are an easy 20 – 45 minute drive away. You can also fly into Columbia (CAE) Myrtle Beach (MYR) or Hilton Head Island (HHI). They’re about 90 minutes away by car.
Low-cost flights to Charleston Barrier IslandsAt the beach:
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All kiteboarding in Charleston is done on barrier islands. Each permits kiteboarding in those areas less visited by beach goers. Basically, stay well away from either side of the pier where most people are. That means NO kiting between 6th & 26th Avenues.
The official boundaries for the Wafflehouse are from IOP's SouthWest tip at Breach Inlet to 6th avenue. Head beyond 6th Ave and you'll be risking coming in contact with people enjoying the water. You may ride downwind beyond the pier, but must stay 100 yards from the water line.
IOP strictly enforces the 100 foot rule: all sport participants(kiters, surfers, fishers, boaters, etc.) must keep a 100' distance from any person in the ocean. Here, pedestrians have the right of way.
From Memorial Day - Labor day, all kiteboarders must stay at least 100 yards from the waters edge once through the launch zone.
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In Charleston, kiting is a year round sport.
• Wind: prevalent winds are side to side-on shore 50% 17-22kts, 30% 22+kts, 20% 11-16kts
Spring (March – June) boasts steady warm southerly winds averaging 15-25 knots.
Fall & winter offer similar speeds but from often gusty northeast frontals.
Summers (July – September) typically rely on afternoon thermals ranging 12-18 knots.
Since our coastline is angled, optimal wind directions are cross-shore Southwest (typically steady) followed by Northeast (usually gusty), but the barrier islands provide flying spots for any wind direction.
• Weather:Predominant summertime winds are side-to-onshore South-Southwesterly. Usually a Southwest wind means wind-chopped surf and flats...GREAT for kiteboarders, but not so great for surfers. Most other wind directions are uncommon, but do happen and are usually associated with passing fronts, thunderstorms, or light morning winds.
Strong cold fronts are common in late fall, winter and early spring. They may produce strong, gusty offshore North and Westerly winds, but also bring Northeast winds that kick up the stronger surf and allow for decent side-to-onshore wave-riding.
Offshore hurricanes in late summer / fall can also bring great swells to local beaches. Typically providing epic wave-riding conditions. However, they can also back off thermals and create some of the worst wind conditions.
Air temps (°F): Summer 90s to Winter 50s
Water temps (°F): Summer high 80s to low winter 50s.
Primary Waters: Varied (Flat – Chop – Small / Medium waves)
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Charleston offers a little of everything: surfing, wakeboarding, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, skate parks, art, theater, museums, shopping, plantations, forts, music, festivals, tours, etc. etc. etc. … there’s too many to list.
• The best hamburger is at Poe's Tavern found on Sullivan's Island. Rumor has it Edgar Alan Poe hung out in this old house.
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Charleston is one of the most historic and urban coastal cities around. From home-style BBQ to eclectic gourmet, you’ll find plenty of dining and all the nightlife you can handle. If you're feeling casual, hang out on one of the islands. Need some culture, head to the Charleston peninsula for world class shopping, food, drinks. Here, you’ll also find the College of Charleston campus. Meals range from $3 – 50.
I can see the touristic
on 18 February 2008 - 7:33pm
I can see the touristic potential in the area, and I have to admit that I am tempted to make it a visit, specially after reading such an informative article. I hope they have possibilities for canal boat hire