sc
APRIL/MAY 2011
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING MAGAZINE
FREE
beach
fitness charleston’s
on the
Squash Court with
BEST
golf courses
Adventure Girl
SUP
spring gear guide
charleston
OUTLAWS RUGBY
a st r a l a d race seclafl:en t Ath is . P o k tr a AS a t e s r t m t e a o s t l N u s b i M g ae W W. W. R U N 4 A D E L A . C O M Had r as t year r and l da n e l race . ca P A k S r A r ma e t s reg i t h We W sW.eRcU No4nA dD E LaAn. CnOuM a l
RUN FOR
ADELA RUN FOR ADELA the second annual
one step at a time
{april 9th}
5K
one step at a time
sullivan’s island 8:30am
{april 9th} station 16
sullivan’s island 8:30am station 16
3.1 mile run or walk
5K
it’s on the beach.
dig it? it’s on the
beach. HELP KIDS KICK CANCER!
dig it?
Proceeds to benefit Camp Happy Days. 3.1 mile run or walk
HELP KIDS KICK CANCER! Proceeds to benefit Camp Happy Days.
This race is in memory of Adela Holmes Cook, a true Charlestonian, avid runner, and outdoors fanatic. Missed PRIZES for multiple dearly since April 10th, 2009 when she died tragically age groups in a golf cart accident at the young age of 18. Last + year we raised over $40,000 for the Adela Holmes School Spirit This race is in memory of Adela Holmes Cook, a true Cook Foundation with over 600 runners and numerous Award Charlestonian, avid runner, and outdoors fanatic. Missed PRIZES corporate and individual sponsorships. for multiple dearly since April 10th, 2009 when she died tragically age groups in a golf cart accident at the young age of 18. Last + year we raised over $40,000 for the Adela Holmes School Spirit For more information please visit www.run4adela.com--online registration available. Cook with 600to runners numerous This isFoundation the only official 5Kover race ever be run onand the beach at Sullivan’s Island. Bring your Awardfriends! For sponsorship information, please contact Dicksie Johnson at 843.442.1022 or sidicksie@aol.com corporate and individual sponsorships.
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C H A R L E S T O N
OUTDOORS
Editor’s Note
//LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
PUBLISHER JASON KIRBY jason@charlestonscoutdoors.com MARKETING/SALES DIRECTOR DAVID KIRBY david@charlestonscoutdoors.com COPY EDITOR LINDA MOONEY lindacmooney@yahoo.com ART DIRECTOR GRIFFIN BLACKWELDER griffin@charlestonscoutdoors.com IT DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER JOSE AMAYA lcollett@netgalaxystudios.com
My Nephew, Jackson, celebrated his 1st birthday earlier this month and I find myself already looking forward to when he can go on adventures with his uncle. Some of my favorite memories from childhood are of camping trips, learning to swim, fishing, hiking, and just experiencing all that the great outdoors has to offer. We are no doubt living in a world where technology has the power to bring us together, but it’s the natural world around us that creates the most powerful connections. I urge everyone to get with your family and friends and try something you have always wanted to do. Take a lesson or a class, join a club or sit in on a workshop, then take that knowledge and pass it on to the kids. ~Jason Kirby
WRITERS LINDA MOONEY, MEREDITH SIEMENS, NICOLE PETTINELLI, MAGGIE WINTERFELDT, JONATHAN CUMMINGS lindacmooney@yahoo.com meredithsiemens@gmail.com nicolempettinelli@yahoo.com maggie.winterfeldt@gmail.com geojonathan@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN LOTTERHOS, JOHNATHAN CUMMINGS john@indiesunday.com geojonathan@gmail.com OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING LYNN KIRBY lynn@charlestonscoutdoors.com MARKETING/SOCIAL NETWORKING SARAH MARIE GLASS sarah@charlestonscoutdoors.com SPECIAL THANKS TO KATHRYN VANZANT Published by Charleston SC Outdoors, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Charleston SC Outdoors. Charleston SC Outdoors magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space.
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LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
CONTENTS Cover Model: KATHRYN VANZANT
26 On the Squash Court Tucked away in downtown Charleston is one of the South’s most exclusive raquetball clubs. That’s where we find Adventure Girl.
contents and departments
14 Beach Health and Fitness
Everything you need to get your body beach ready five core strengthening exercises/ seven nutritional tips/ gear/ revitalizing the body
28 SUP Gear
30 Outdoor Living
22 Charleston’s Best Golf Courses
Take a look inside at some of the lowcountry’s premier courses. Spring is here, which means the greens and fairways are in perfect condition. Grab your clubs and head out to one of Charleston’s best tracks.
7 Rugby 10 Sailing 19 Glimpse into Spring Charleston Outlaws
On deck with Ned Goss
Charleston in full bloom
CALENDAR April 1
39th Annual Summerville Flowertown Festival, April 1-3, beautiful downtown Summerville
April 17
Blessing of the Fleet, Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, 11:30am6:00pm, 843-8848517
May 14
Pet Helpers 5K Race, 8am, Folly Beach, 843-795-1110
May 19
Cooper River Bridge Run 8am, Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, www.bridgerun.com
April 29-30 Palmetto 200 Mile Relay. from Congaree to Folly Beach, info@palmetto200.com
Yappy Hour at James Island County Park, 4pm- 7pm, live music and beverages, free with regular park admission
April 2
Family Circle Tennis, April 2-10, Daniel Island, www.familycirclecup.com
May 7
May 21
April 3
After the Bridge Run Ride Blackbaud Stadium, 2000 Daniel Island Dr., 100- and 73-mile rides leave at 8am; the 50- and 30-mile rides leave at 8:30am, a flat ride with plenty of rest stops and SAG support, www. charlestonbicyclecompany.com/ABBR. html
May 7
April 9
May 13 Moonlight Mixers, Folly Beach
April 2
Run for Adela 5K Race, Sullivan’s Island beach, Station 16. Proceeds go to Camp Happy Days, www. run4adela.com
April 9
Coastal Island Open Horse Show at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, John’s Island County Park, 843-207-6371, www.ccprc.com
April 15-17 East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival (ECCKF) James Island County Park, 21st annual event, familyfriendly, regular park admission fee, www. ccprc.com/ecckf
April 16
Hampton Park Fun Run 5K/1M, 8am, 843-724-7327
April 17
East Cooper Triathlon, 843881-8872, www.charlestontriathlonclub. com
TryCharleston Triathlon, www. trycharleston.org Coastal Island Open Horse Show, Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, John’s Island County Park, 843-207-6371, www.ccprc.com
May 7
Shaggin’ on the Cooper, Mount Pleasant Pier, gates open 7pm, music begins 8pm
Fishing Pier, 7pm- 11pm, dance under the stars
Run Forest Run 5K Race, 5pm, Hosted by the Charleston RiverDogs host, Joseph P. Riley Jr. Ballpark, 360 Fishburne Ave.
May 21
Folly Pier Fishing Tournament, 6am- 4pm, prizes awarded at 4:15pm, 843-588-FISH
May 22
James Island Sprint Tri #1, James Island County Park, 843-881-8872, www.charlestontriathlonclub.com
Charleston Rugby
story by Maggie Winterfeldt photos by Chris Clark
On an idyllic Saturday afternoon in late February, hopeful spectators drive around Daniel Island, following a series of hand-written signs leading to an obscure soccer field. Though it’s not quite spring, the breeze is balmy and people spread picnic blankets and open coolers. Dogs and babies frolic along the field. “H” shaped crossbars are erected in the end zones and the white lines are reestablished as Dead Ball Lines and Touchlines. A team of towering men, their legs as thick as tree trunks, march onto field, inhabiting such positions as Prop, Flanker and Hooker. Then for the next 80 minutes, they chase an oblong, laceless leather ball, sprinting tirelessly up and down the field. Swifter than football players, brawnier than soccer players, using brute strength to dominate scrums.. They are the Charleston Outlaws rugby team. And their last game against Charlotte end in a 78-0 victory--another “W” on their nearly flawless record and a game closer to the national title that eludes them.
The large crowd thrills the Outlaws, who—despite their dominance on the field—have had to fight hard for recognition and respect in a country and region where rugby is largely overlooked. Even something as basic as securing a field is a challenge. “We’re considered number 10 on the totem pole next CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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to Frisbee golf and flag football,” Head Coach Christopher Greenslade, a charismatic Welshman, notes of the Outlaws’ status in Charleston’s sports’ hierarchy. He adds good-humouredly, “Outlaws” is an apt name for a renegade team without a home.
The club has always worked from a philosophy that if you can’t do the basics, you don’t stand much chance of winning games.” Greenslade’s coaching approach clicked with team, and the number of players showing up to his practices each week steadily increased.
Greenslade—better known to his team by the Welsh moniker Coach Taffy—immigrated to Charleston in 2003 and took over the team later that year. Shortly after, Dave Hawkins, a fellow Welshman, joined as Assistant Coach. In the subsequent eight years, the Outlaws have become a powerhouse in the South and gained national recognition-quite a feat for an entirely volunteer-based organization in a small Southern city competing against teams from large metropolises like New York, D.C. and San Francisco.
The Outlaws’ open door recruitment style encourages all interested players to practice with the team. Consequently, they acquire players from a multitude of nationalities, athletic backgrounds and proficiencies. “A few players were born and bred in Charleston, but most are transplants from all over the world. In the past two seasons alone, the team has drawn players from Japan, Ireland and New Zealand, to name a few. This season, the Outlaws were joined by a Mexican player who, despite the natural build of a rugby player, knew nothing about the sport. In one season, he transformed from neophyte to star athlete.
“When I first got the team, it was just a bunch of guys with a lot of skill and talent but no kind of direction in terms of coaching. Just in-your-face playing without methodology, formation or shape,” explains Greenslade. “The first thing I did was find out what basics they had.
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“He made a comment that’s very typical to new players which is, ‘Where was I when this game was invented? Why am I only finding it now at 23?’” recalls Greenslade,. Not surprisingly, one of CORFC’s long-term goals is to
develop youth rugby in Charleston, and they’ve been in- and nimble hands) is belief in team ethos. He explains, strumental in implementing programs at Wando High “It’s a team sport. You’ve got to take the individual out of School, Burke Middle High School and College of Arts. it and play as a team.…You can be a superstar in one sport and then you come to rugby and it’s totally different.” Teaching rugby to players who haven’t grown up with it presents unique but surmountable challenges. Among The social aspect of rugby is as important as the aththem, eradicating bad habits acquired in other sports. For letic. “Once that final whistle goes, everybody is friends. example, many Americans new to rugby confuse the physi- That guy you beat up opposite you, you’re buying him a cal contact of rugby for the smash-mouth style of football. beer in the bar,” Greenslade says. The long hours spent together at intense bi-weekly practices and traveling to With only light compression padding to cushion blows, games deepen the team’s bond. With the Outlaws nearrugby tackles are executed with studied technique and fi- est home game in Columbia, SC—just over 100 miles nesse, which helps prevent injuries to both parties. In fact, away—the team frequently finds itself organizing carwhile it’s an impact sport, Greenslade says that beside from pools, cramming into buses and sleeping in motels, five or the odd dislocated finger or broken nose, “the relation be- six men to a room. These are adult men, many of whom tween the injuries you get in football and rugby is the differ- surpass 6’ and 250 lbs. “It’s very much of a family feelence between chalk and cheese;” it’s completely different. ing—brothers in arms. You make friends for life in rugby.” Perhaps the biggest difference between rugby and other sports isn’t physical but psychological. Rarely do high-level coaches and athletes define their sport in terms of ethics and camaraderie, yet these sentiments were echoed throughout the organization. One of the top qualities Greenslade looks for in his players (beside physical fitness
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After their victory over Charlotte, the Outlaws file off the field. Stripping off jerseys heavy with sweat and mud, the players from both teams crowd around the coolers—Queen City next to Holy City—rehydrating with frosty cans of Guinness, ready to celebrate a game well played among brothers.
Get Lessons in Sailing OnDeck photos & story by Maggie Winterfeldt
“Being here in Charleston harbor, it’s beautiful. It’s epic.… I came here and never left because of this,” says Ned Goss, elite sailor and OnDeck ocean sailing school’s principal instructor.
For 33-year-old Goss, who began sailing at 3, racing at 10 and teaching at 14, sailing has become second nature; yet he insists, it’s a lifelong learning sport. “Every time I go out, I learn something new, whether it’s how the boat reacts to the wind, waves or weather, trimming the sails…or exploring the navigation aspect,” he says. While Goss He stands on the Charleston Harbor Marina dock surveying has made a name for himself in the Olympic-level racing cirthe spectacular surrounding shoreline. To his right, the Ravenel cuit—he’s won numerous U.S. National and North American bridge looms. To his left, the distant shores of Sullivan’s Island Fireball Championships and has raced Melges 24s and 49ers twinkle and before him—beyond Fort Sumter—is the steeple- against the world’s best—he’s made a living out of sharing specked skyline of downtown Charleston. The landmasses shel- his passion for the sport with students of all ages and abilities. ter the harbor from the ocean, creating flat water and mixing with Charleston’s natural sea breeze for ideal sailing conditions. Dismissing the perception of sailing as a sport of the wealthy,
sailing
Goss insists “everyone can sail.” The advent of boat chartering companies like OnDeck has made the sport more accessible to the masses by eliminating the exorbitant cost of purchasing and maintaining a boat. In fact, Goss notes that since the recession, he’s seen an influx of 20- to 30-somethings learning to sail as an affordable and eco-friendly means of escaping their chaotic lives. Sailing a chartered boat around Charleston is greener and less expensive than flying to an exotic resort. This is not to say that there is a typical OnDeck student.
“There’s also a lot of people who come through here that have never sailed before; they’re from the middle of the country, come to Charleston on vacation and want to check out the harbor and try sailing. They take a couple classes, fall in love and now they’re out there sailing on their own on our boats,” Goss explains.
covering all learning styles from auditory to kinesthetic. By the end of this 3-day introductory class, students will be able to confidently sail in and out of the dock and take their friends and families around the harbor without a captain on board. Sailing is a multi-dimensional sport with many directions to explore. As students build confidence on the water, many want to experience racing. “Once you learn the basics, you start meeting people in the community, and it’s very easy to get involved and get out on a boat racing in the summer or on the weekends,” says Goss. OnDeck hosts weekly Wednesday night races in the harbor throughout the summer, and many students are able to connect with fellow sailors and put a crew together at these races.
With four Charleston-area yacht clubs—James lsland Yacht Club, Carolina Yacht Club, Hobcaw Yacht Club and the Charleston Yacht Club, which host races for the nonprofit Charleston As if proving his point, beginner students (all of whom appear Ocean Racing Association (CORA) all summer—there is ample to be in their 40s) walk past Goss and into a Colgate 26, a novopportunity for sailors of all abilities to find a crew and race. ice keelboat on which they will learn sailing basics. Because OnDeck’s teaching philosophy emphasizes a strong sailing One of Goss’s most memorable moments on the water was foundation, classes are taught in 2-7 day, small-group courses CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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racing 49ers in the 2004 US Sailing Team trials. He recalls, There are these moments in life when everything just works. “Those are the moments I cherish the most in sailing, when you have a skill and you use it to the best of your ability and you’re able to put everything together—and then the moment just happens. The first two days of the trials were those moments that told me I was on the right path. The end result wasn’t there. The breeze went light and it favored the lighter crews, but [not winning] didn’t diminish the experience of being there those first two days and having a lead over the rest of the fleet.” From the grueling athleticism of racing 49ers to the reward of watching a student fall in love with sailing, Goss embodies the school’s motto, “Sail calm, sail confident and sail for fun.”
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Beach Body Fitness beach workout
• Beach Workout • Weekend Warrior • Workout Gear • Nutrition Tips
5 Ways to Firm Your Body by Linda Mooney
Side Plank
Turn to one side, straighten your supporting arm and lift your hips to align your body to a 45-degree angle. Raise your opposite arm so it is at a 90-degree angle to your torso. Hold for at least 30 seconds and repeat on each side several times. This pose strengthens the arms, belly and legs. It also stretches the wrists and the back of the legs and improves balance.
Crescent Lunge
With your arms directly overhead and your torso vertical over squared-off hips, reaching actively for the sky, slowly lunge forward until your front leg is bent at a 90-degree angle, being sure that your knee never extends beyond your toes, which could lead to injury. Hold for at least 30 seconds and repeat several times on each leg. This strengthens the thighs, and legs overall, but can also tone up the arms if you hold a weighted medicine ball (as shown).
Triangle Pose
Standing with your feet arm’s width apart and your arms shooting outward from your sides, pull in opposite directions. Twist your torso over one leg, leaning forward and reaching for your foot. If you can, place your hand on your ankle or the ground; otherwise, grab your shin (as shown) while turning your head to face the opposing arm that is reaching upward to the sky. Your weight should be primarily over your front foot. Hold for at least 30 seconds and repeat several times on each side. This strengthens your core and upper leg muscles while releasing lower-back tension, improving balance and aiding digestion.
Forearm Plank
Stretch out into a pushup position but lean on your forearms not your hands. Tighten your body and lift your bottom to make sure your body is in a straight line from head to toe. Be careful not to arch. Hold for at least 30 seconds and repeat several times, resting between poses. This strengthens your core (belly) mostly but also strengthens joints.
Warrior II
Standing with your back foot facing forward and your front foot facing at a 90-degree angle to the other, in line with your knee, lunge forward until your knee is directly over your foot, not extending beyond the toes. Twist your torso to align with your front-facing knee and extend your arms directly outward, reaching in opposite directions with tension. Hold for at least 30 seconds and repeat several times on each side. This strengthens all the major muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abs and shoulders and stretches the hip flexors.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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Revitalizing your
Weekend Warrior Let’s assume you’re like many of us. You spend roughly 40 hours a week sitting on your butt, bent over a keyboard or piles of paper, only to shuffle home in a car, eat dinner, watch some TV and repeat the same cycle the next day. A typically sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your body, even if, and especially if, you compensate for your five days a week of inertia by going “all out” on the weekends. If you do, welcome to the world of DOMS: “delayed onset muscle soreness,” according to Abigail McClam, LBMT, owner of Oné Respé Massage Therapy for Wellness, which opened on Spring Street downtown last year.
by Linda Mooney happens like this: Muscles, when active, create lactic acid and carbon dioxide, then carrier molecules gather up and remove these metabolic waste products from the cells to prevent pain. However, often there’s a delay as feel-good endorphins are still pumping into our blood. We feel great after the game—till the next day, when the muscle fiber damage and waste buildup starts to hit.
High-intensity weekend sports—attempts to prove that we still have what it takes—can be a recipe for disaster. Whether it’s full-contact football or a seemingly harmless, but competitive, game of kickball, vigorous activity at infrequent intervals is more likely to lead to painful tears in muscle tissue, says Abigail.
As a child who underwent many surgeries and chronic pain for years, Abigail learned to relieve her own suffering first through integrative medicine (massage, acupuncture and Western medication) before becoming inspired to attend and graduate from the COMPTA Center for Massage and Natural Health in Ashville, NC, in 2008. Best of all, her Elon degree in Human Services still plays a role in her business, encouraging her to open the first wellness center in Charleston that works on a sliding-scale-payment program. She also pays homage to her 8 months spent in the Dominican Republic and Haiti providing health services and products by naming her center Oné Respé (pronounced “oh-nay res-pay”), “honor” and “respect” in Haitian Creole.
Of course, all exercise leads to tears in the muscle—it’s this breaking down and rebuilding of tissue that leads to muscle growth—but if not eased into and performed on a regular basis, we set ourselves up for injury. Muscle soreness
Today, Abigail surfs and knows intimately the fine line between playing the occasional warrior and staying injury-free. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent or minimize injuries.
Here’s her advice: Exercise more often. This is obvious but essential. Whether it’s biking, swimming, surfing, walking or running, find a way to work up a sweat at least three times a week to condition your muscles for more resiliency. And since the back often bears the brunt of the pain, be sure to strengthen your core, including your stomach, back, shoulders and legs.
Become body-intuitive. Massage puts you more in touch with your body. “Many athletes I work with express a heightened sense of understanding of what’s happening in their muscles during and after activity,” says Abigail. When you can sense your limitations, you’re less likely to hurt yourself.
Relax. Massage gives the athlete time to chill, rebuild muscle and recover. It improves sleep patterns, increases endorphins and serotonin levels (the feelgood and relaxation chemicals in our bodies) and decreases stress hormone levels. Massage may also activate pressure instead of pain receptors, lowering soreness intensity.
Do it regularly. Frequent massage shortens recovery time in muscle healing. It reduces swelling through manipulation, brings blood flow and oxygen to the area. It also accelerates the body’s natural self-repair capacities. Manual manipulation and stretching help maintain muscle length and flexibility and reduce injury.
Get the right type. For painful muscle spasms, Abigail recommends Integrated Massage, a combination of neuromuscular, deep-tissue and recovery massage, including a little Thai (or stretching). Soreness should fade after 24 to 36 hours, and the muscles should stay noticeably relaxed for 4 to 14 days, depending on the stress, acidity level and severity of pain previously.
Turn up the heat. A hot stone massage is also worth considering. By having heated stones applied directly to your trigger points, you can go a level deeper and allow knotted muscles to relax more quickly, says Abigail. Similar to using a heating pad—but much more enjoyable—this technique detoxes the muscle by improving circulation and bringing fresh blood to the area, speeding up recovery time.
Be specific. Conversation is the most important thing, says Abigail. When you first meet your massage therapist, explain as precisely as possible where the pain is and what it feels like. Your therapist will also physically scan your body with a gentle touch at first to sense differences in muscle length, texture and sensation between the left and right sides.
Try acupuncture. Especially when integrated with massage, acupuncture really does offer pain relief by manipulating the meridians, or energy pathways and trigger points, that run through our bodies. When energy epicenters become blocked, the healing flow gets interrupted. Acupuncture is not painful and is backed today by substantial science. When a point is blocked, it can lead to pain and illness and, therefore, needs to be unblocked, explains Abigail. Oné Respé also offers acupuncture on a sliding scale.
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Workout Gear by Nicole Pettinelli
beach workout
ASICS Favorite Short- Aloe/Iron
The ASICS Favorite Short is made with an incredibly soft mesh knit fabric that dries sweat immediately and helps eliminate odors. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the fabric’s permanent 50+ UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). The ultralight undergarment liner provides chafe-free, moisture-wicking comfort. Two seam details in the back of the shorts help enhance and flatter the fit. ASICS has strategically placed mesh inserts to increase ventilation in key sweat areas. Lastly, an interior security pocket ensures safe storage for personal items and other valuables. 100% polyester with an 88% polyester/12% spandex mesh and 3” inseam.
ASICS Favorite Shimmel-Aloe/Iron ASICS’s matching top, the Shimmel, offers the same odor-eliminating, soft-mesh knit, with the same UPF 50+ fabric used in the ASICS Favorite shorts. With a flattering feminine empire waistline and internal shelf bra with center-front mesh, the Shimmel provides comfort, style, support and breathability over traditional tank tops. 88% Polyester/12% spandex mesh.
$48.00 available at TrySports www.trysports.com
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ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 12 Women’s ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 12, a Neutral fit running shoe, suits runners with high arches and employs an Impact Guidance System that encourages the foot’s natural gait to strike from heel to toe. With less stiffness and a more natural feel, The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 12 also helps keep feet from slipping and offers a more compartmented outsole, softer heel and forefoot cushioning, sure to make them quick favorites.
$105 available at TrySports www.trysports.com
7 Healthy Eating Habits for That Beach Body by Linda Mooney Nix the sugar
Drink lots of water
Sometimes, hunger pangs are misread signs of dehydration as most people don’t intake enough agua. Be sure you get the full eight 8-ounces (64 oz.) recommended every day. Water can improve muscle tone, decrease appetite and rid the body of toxins that turn one’s metabolism sluggish. This happens because the liver has to pick up the slack for water-deprived kidneys, making it less able to burn calories effectively.
Watch portions
Most Americans consume far too many calories on a daily basis, which is likely why some 67% of us are overweight. Refresh yourself with the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid, which recommends daily 2-3 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of proteins, 3 cups of dairy and minimal fat (butter/ oil). Carbohydrates should also be eaten in small amounts as the body converts them into a form of sugar that burns off more quickly than fats or proteins and can lead to mood and energy swings, making you want to eat more. And according to research, Americans often underestimate the calories they consume— by 25% or more each day. Think of serving sizes in half-cups, the size of a deck of cards or hockey puck.
Americans on average consume more than 150 pounds of this intoxicating and addictive substance per person each year. Meanwhile, the body turns sugar into bloodstream fat two to five times more often than it does starchy foods. And it makes you crave more, writes Nancy Appleton, Ph.D., author of Suicide by Sugar. In her book, she details overwhelming evidence of sugar’s evils, including its links to cancer, immunesystem suppression, premature aging, increased cholesterol and protein-absorption interference, among many others.
But don’t starve yourself
When you eat too little, your body goes into genetic survival mode and hangs onto fat reserves as if it is saving up for a famine. The reality is, your body needs fuel to keep it going. Every time you skip a meal, it holds onto more of the next meal, slowing your metabolism. This is why it’s best to snack (healthfully) throughout the day, eating 5 or 6 light meals a day, one every few hours. Chew slowly and savor every bite. Listen to your body and recognize when you’ve had enough.
Try going veggie
Cut back on alcohol
We know, this is a tough one for some with all the beers about to be tossed around on the beach this summer. But the fact is, alcohol is basically pure sugar, which, as we’ve mentioned above, wreaks havoc on the body in numerous ways. Studies show that alcohol temporarily inhibits “lipid oxidation,” making it harder to burn fat.
Not only are animal carcasses hard to digest but whole milk, cheese and yogurt are high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which are linked to weight gain, heart disease and cancer. The American Medical Association says that a vegan diet, on the other hand, provides all the required vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron, and even plenty of protein. In fact, most vegan men consume about 103 grams of protein a day, when only 63 grams are recommended. Cover your bases by supplementing with Spirulina, a blue-green algae ‘superfood’ perfect for vegetarians.
Don’t be fooled by “diet.”
Even zero-calorie sodas may encourage weight gain, according to growing research. Recent studies link drinking too much diet soda with type 2 diabetes, stroke and a decrease in bone-mineral density. Evidence also suggests that artificial sweeteners, such as Aspartame, may promote cravings because fake sugars don’t satisfy initial craving like the real thing, perhaps making people drink more. This may be why government studies show that diet soda drinkers consume on average more than 26 ounces a day.
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A
Glimpse
the first to develop vascular tissues—roots, stems and leaves—all used to transport water and organic nutrients throughout the body of the plant. Ferns also rely on the old-school method of spore reproduction. Instead of growing spore capsules on stalks, like moss, they grow thousands of tiny spore capsules called sori on the undersides of their leaflets. Next time you see a fern, be sure to look for these bright orange sori. Also look for new shoots called
of
Spring photos and story by Jonathan Cummings
T
fiddleheads that may be growing underneath adult plants.
They say April showers bring May flowers, but down South our flowers like to start early, with or without the rain. You may have noticed the neighbors’ Bradford pear tree coming into full bloom back in late February. Well, it led the charge and other early bloomers like the ubiquitous daffodil followed suit. Then the pines unleashed an air raid and dusted every square inch of the Lowcountry with pollen and before you could say, “Claritin,” we were up to our itchy, watery eyeballs in Spring.
The development of the seed represents a major evolutionary step in plants because it allows plants to disperse their offspring away from the parent plant, thus eliminating competition for resources and expanding a plant’s range at the same time. A seed is an embryo plus some stored nutrients wrapped inside a protective coating. Some of the first plants to use seeds were the conifers, or cone-bearers. Today’s conifers include spruces, hemlocks, firs and, of course, pines. Pine trees are the most common conifers in Suffice it to say, Spring is a busy time of year in the bo- our area. They rely primarily on the wind to distribute poltanical realm and reproduction tops the season’s “to- len and have both male and female cones. The pollen cones do list” for most plants. While flowers certainly steal (male) release their pollen granules into the air and the the show with their flashy colors and fragrances, other wind carries the pollen to the seed cones (female) where plants have much homelier approaches to propagation. Mosses, for example, belong to a very primitive group of plants that lack roots and have no means of transporting water and nutrients within their bodies. They are found in woodland habitats and favor very damp, shady areas. Look closely for flag-like stalks growing out of the plant. These spore capsules are called sporangia (or individually, sporangium) and contain all the spores that may become future plants. Ferns are another ancient group of plants but higher up the evolutionary ladder than mosses. They were among CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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fertilization takes place. Since pollen is randomly dispersed in various directions, the trees release mass quantities to increase the odds of successful fertilization. This explains why you have to wash your car 20 times every March. It just wouldn’t be Spring without all the splendid splashes of color flowers provide. Flowering plants, called angiosperms, also use seeds but instead of cones, they produce fruit. But their fertilization method is very different from that of conifers. Relying on the wind to transport pollen, most flowering plants rely on animal pollinators. “The bright colors and scents of flowers attract animals such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds who inadvertently carry and distribute the pollen when moving from flower to flower.”
With the advent of the flower came the ability for plants to fertilize other plants that may be many miles away, the driving force behind their diversity. Fashion and function! So, when it comes down to business, flowers are all about the birds and the bees, which is why they truly are the Queens of Spring.
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LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
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Charleston’s Best
GOLF Courses by Linda Mooney
One of the world’s oldest outdoor sports, exploding in popularity in the United States, with a new course opening nearly every other day, golf has become the golden game. First, it’s fun, gets you outside and into fresh air and engulfs your senses with peaceful, lush greens, blooming flowers and singing birds. It’s great exercise, as you can walk at least 4 miles to the 18 holes, and if you skip the cart and carry your own bag, you’ll burn even more calories. Lastly, by grabbing a drink at many of the bars and restaurants onsite, you meet and network with like-minded sportsmen that could bolster your business or expand your community. Now, you just need to know where to go. Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you. Below are some of the hottest golf courses in the Charleston area.
Wild Dunes Resort
Want to mix up salt marshes with massive glistening dunes, rustling palm trees, rolling fairways and oceanside finishing holes in view of crashing waves? Play at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms. You’ll almost feel like you’ve travelled to Scotland, the birthplace of golf. With 36-holes collectively between the Harbor and Links Courses (both over 6,000 yards), players of every skill level will be challenged. Golf Digest also calls them among the “Best in the State,” and master designer Tom Fazio still cites these early-career courses among his favorites. If you’re travelling from out of town and staying as a guest at the Wild Dunes Resort, the pro shop may offer free-of-charge Callaway rentals, based on availability, group size and season or seven rounds of golf. You can even improve your game through various clinics and intensive lessons, from half-day drills with small groups to private one-hour or VIP five-hour instructional sessions, some of which include videotaping so you can take the lesson home and remember what you learned. Family and kid-only packages are also available. When accompanied by adults, children under 15 play for free after 5pm. For information, call 877-221-0901
Dunes West Golf & River Club
Located on the historic, antebellum Lexington Plantation, Dunes West Golf & River Club is an Arthur Hills-designed course—this time with old Southern charm. This par 72, 6871-yard masterpiece is set amid Bermuda grass-covered dunes and 200-year-old oaks draped in Spanish moss. Blending history with top-of-the-line facilities, this course gained national recognition when voted the “2009 Golf Course of the Year” by the Charleston Golf Course Owners Association. Dunes West Golf & River Club also offers memberships, group rates and lots of Lowcountry customer service. Downtown Charleston is just a short drive away with many great restaurants and historic sites to experience. For more information, call (843) 856-9000.
RiverTowne Country Club
Boasting itself as “the best membership value ever,” this beautiful coastal Carolina country club runs along the Wando River and Horlbeck Creek in Mount Pleasant. RiverTowne is surrounded by miles of marshlands, pampas grasses, oak trees and is an Arnold Palmer signature design. Recently host of an LPGA Tour event, this semiprivate golf club offers both a top-resort golf experience and traditional memberships. Voted “Best New Course” upon its opening and given 4.5 Stars by Golf Digest, RiverTowne Country Club has also racked up other media attention, including: “South Carolina Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association, an inclusion in the “Top 15 Best Places you can Play in the State” by The Post and Courier and “Course of the Year” by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. With five sets of tees, from 5100 yards to 7200 yards, the club offers a driving range, practice area and putting green, magnificent clubhouse with dining, family activities, a pro shop and PGA teaching professionals. There has never been a better time to become a member at RiverTowne, with new reduced monthly fees and a limited time free initiation. Privileges include unlimited rounds of golf; full use of the practice facilities, links at Patriots Point and AffinitiManaged Clubs and discounts on golf shop goods and club dining. For more information, call (843) 849-2400.
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Coosaw Creek Country Club
Farther afield, about 30 minutes from Charleston, the Coosaw Creek Country Club offers those in North Charleston an equally exquisite Par 71, member-owned, semi-private, 18-hole course surrounded by 600plus stately brick homes in a gated community of wetlands, towering pines and majestic oaks. Sitting on top of rolling terrain with 40-feet elevation changes in some areas and water coming into play on 11 holes, this “shotmaker’s course,” is an Arthur Hills design built in 1993. It incorporates Bermuda grass greens and fairways with nearly 50 sand bunkers. There’s also a natural-grass driving range, putting green, chipping area and PGA professionals on hand, such as Mike Benner, to provide instruction. Carts and clubs are available upon rental, though there are no caddies. An impressive restaurant and bar—Palmetto Grill—however, awaits you in the centrally located Clubhouse, along with a golf shop, locker rooms and two conference rooms. The Clubhouse can also be rented out for special occasions. Men’s and women’s leagues play weekly and member tournaments are hosted year-round. Family options include the Junior Olympic swimming pool, swim team and swim lessons as well as the nighttime-lit basketball and tennis courts and a fenced playground with swings and climbing structures. For more information, call (843) 767-9000.
Patriot’s Point Golf Links
Situated at the foot of the Cooper River bridge along Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, 5 minutes from downtown, Patriot’s Point Golf Links has been an institution for local and visiting golfers since 1979. With breathtaking, panoramic views of historic downtown, Shem Creek, Fort Sumter and the ships rolling into harbor, this Williard Byrd-designed, par 72 championship course was named “South Carolina Course of the Year for 2001” by the National Golf Course Owners Association and has perennially been acknowledged as the “Best Par-3 in the Lowcountry” for its 17th hole. With four sets of tees, ranging from 5100 to 7000 yards, the course caters to all skill levels, and if you like a renewed challenge, you’ll enjoy that the ever-changing grounds thanks to the winds that sweep across the harbor, altering the course for a different perspective one game to the next. At Patriot’s Point Gold Links, you’ll also find a lit driving range, PGA instruction, a Southern-style clubhouse with a golfers’ grill and patio and one of the most popular wedding and event facilities in Charleston. Like many golf courses, a dress code is enforced for members and guests. Men and women should wear khaki pants or Bermuda-style shorts with a collar shirt and softspiked cleats or tennis shoes. Denim, t-shirts, cut-offs and metal spikes are not allowed. For more information, call 843-881-0042 or 843-849-2385.
Stono Ferry
Golf Club
Cooled by Lowcountry breezes from the Intracoastal Waterway that borders this historic Revolutionary War battle site with centuries-old live oaks, the Stono Ferry Golf Club is a refuge from society’s hustle and bustle. Formerly titled “Charleston Area Course of the Year,” this championship Ron Garl design sits less than 30 minutes from downtown Charleston and is the closest course to Kiawah and Seabrook Island. Semi-private, but open for membership, this club offers low annual rates for local residents and boasts two indoor hitting bays with wireless sensors to capture motion faster than a standard video system, so instructors can capture, playback and analyze the swing motions in real-time 3-D, while providing immediate biofeedback to students. Onsite is a Learning Center for members as well as the College of Charleston’s men’s and women’s golf programs. In the main building, you’ll find a lounge/eating area with kitchen, restrooms, lockers rooms, conference areas, offices for the coaches and even a club repair section for regripping and basic shafting. Again, proper golf attire is required, which excludes denim. For more information, call (843) 763-1817.
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raquetball
On the Squash Court Each “Adventure Girl” assignment has its own element of uncertainty and surprise. An evening of squash, a true gentlemen’s sport, brought me to the most incongruous of locations—just down from another manner of gentlemen’s club on far Upper King Street.
with Adventure Girl Meredith H. Siemens
was occupied and a gallery of men sprawled across the distressed, brown leather chairs, red-faced and recovering from their own cardio-climbing bouts. Banter and nicknames bounced around the room, blurring the line between camaraderie and competition.
My apprehension eased as the key-coded door opened and a plucky fellow, with a jovial grin, greeted me with an indisputably Australian, “How ya going?” Meet Matt Jenson, the squash professional at the Charleston Squash Club. Mahogany walls were emblazoned with the names of the founding club members of 2006. Contrary to its gruff, olive-green warehoused exterior, the hall opened into a larger, inviting room with a GQ ambiance. Each detail is tailored, from the crisply rolled sweat towels to the etched mugs lining the well-appointed lounge. The squash courts, 2 ASB international single and 1 ASB North American double, are nothing to scoff at either. They are state of the art and a rare find this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. Bob Martin, a member of the club for the last two years, hopes the top-notch facility will help grow the game in Charleston. That initiative is off to a solid start, considering that at 6:30 pm Monday, the club is bustling and I just missed “the rush.” Each court 26
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
The crowd was welcoming and gave the feel of a well-acquainted prep school class who had come of age. As the only lady in the midst, the odds were certainly not bad either. Matt assured me there were also women members, adding that
around 70% of the 90 members have family memberships. Membership options for the club include family, individual and junior levels. A good portion of players are at the beginner level, with a full array of clinics and challenge play for every stage of the game. Prices are a detail to discuss at the club, but member Chris Chipley vouches, “If you play a lot of squash, it’s a heck of a deal!”
must be able to anticipate and outmaneuver your opponent. Since this was not likely to happen against a world- ranked player, we simply worked on achieving a constant rally. By rally, I mean, Matt stood still and I ran around chasing the ball like a cat after a laser pointer. As I began to work up a sweat, I understood that only time and practice provide the knowledge to anticipate the ball’s movements and dominate the T (squash lingo for being ready).
The only caveat is that the club seeks players ready to commit, accept the challenge of the game and compete regularly. To encourage that, Charleston Squash Club offers prospective members the opportunity to come in and try four visits free in order to get a feel for the sport. As the club cleared out, I was eager to learn what all these “work hard, play hard” power-squash players were raving about. I stepped onto the court and adjusted my all-white ensemble for a crash course in this thinking man’s sport— – touted to be chess on your feet. I mentioned, nonchalantly throwing the racquet over my shoulder, “I play tennis.” Famous last words. I noticed Matt’s stance lower and eyes brighten, obviously unshaken by my proclamation of stringed-apparatus sport greatness.
Meet Matt Jenson, pro and the #2 ranked squash player in the world. He is a man schooled by the Australian Sports Institute, having played since the age of 6, with a product line of equipment that bears his signature. Like the warehouse that houses this sporting retreat, there is much more than meets the eye. I realized then that I was probably not going to win, but at least I was getting pointers from one of the best. We discussed the basics of grip, positioning and form and with a quick “Ya Ready?”—thwack. The biggest squash surprise? The game ball, , about the size of a ping pong ball (of which there are four varying weights and speeds), doesn’t offer a forgiving bounce. This is a challenge you do not fully appreciate until a solid missed swing, or six, later.
The lesson was a great introduction to the sport Forbes magazine declared “the healthiest sport to play,” burning around 70% more calories than tennis or racquetball. As Joe Qualey, a multiple-year grand champion summed it up, “It’s intense energy and a great, great workout in 45 minutes.” Perhaps the second best part of the experience is hitting the showers, a lush locker room where laundry service for your soiled whites is an exclusive member perk! Do check it out the club and in the words of your new Aussie coach, it’s “good on ya mate!” For more information: Check out: www.charletsonsquashclub.com 1437 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 (843) 577-1099 info@charlestonsquashclub.com
Once we got beyond the basic motor skill issues, the strategy began. Squash is a game of placement and hustle. You CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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Finding the Right Stand Up Board
Charleston’s fastest-growing water sport, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), is a fun, easy way to spend a day on the water. With very minimal equipment or experience needed, you can get started paddling today and enjoy everything from ocean swells to fishing on still lakes and paddling twisting river bends. Charleston SC Outdoors visited two local shops to test boards and paddles and get advice on this year’s hottest new water sport. Both shops had a great selection of equipment and a friendly, knowledgeable staff that made trying this sport fun and not at all daunting. This Summer, both Half-Moon Outfitters (843-881-9472) and Charleston Watersport (843884-9098) in Mount Pleasant will be offering SUP board lessons and races. In meantime, check out these great finds:
by Nicole Pettinelli
Starboard 11’2 Blend Stand Up Paddle Board
Olympic contender Svein Rasmussen started the Starboard company after 10 successful years on the Windsurfing Pro Tour. Through development and testing, he has taken what they learned about windsurfing and applied it to paddleboarding. Starboard’s wildly popular Blend board is great all-around. The 11-foot, 2-inch hull does well on flat water but really excels in waves. While surfing, the thinner rails and pintail provides a responsive feel. Once in a wave, it outclasses the competition with its quick, bottom-turning ability. In keeping with its traditional longboard feel, the nose is slightly wider and perfect for “hanging ten.” The Blend weighs only 22 pounds and is easy to load and unload from car tops, particularly for female paddlers. Available in a variety of colors, most Blend offer Starboard’s ultra-lightweight, Startouch-deck grip technology that worked surprisingly well at keeping our tester from slipping and, therefore enjoying the ride. The Blend will soon become available at Charleston Watersport in a minalist-white, three-fin thruster setup .
$999 available at Charleston Watersport www.charlestonwatersport.com
Takayama 11’6 Ali’i I Stand Up Paddle Board by SurfTech Five-time world champion surfer, shaper and owner of Hawaiian Pro Designs, Donald Takayama is a legend among surfers. Born in Hawaii and involved in surfing and shaping since he was a small child, his transition to the SUP market was not a surprise to anyone. The Ali’i I is designed to be an all-around board that will paddle fast in flat water and nose-ride like a traditional longboard. Donald shaped his board with a slightly narrower 29-inch width to improve surfing ability and added 4-inch rails for stability. The tail is a rounded pintail, designed to dig into the wave and provide maximum maneuverability and control and keep the board straight on each wave. The board comes with a deck pad and three-fin thruster setup. The Takayama Ali’i I is made with Surftech Tuflite EPS epoxy sandwich construction. Surftech is the only brand that uses a special foam-core technology that greatly increases the life of the board and keeps it from becoming waterlogged if it gets dinged or cracked. Overall the Ali’i was a lot of fun. We found it easy to balance, turn and track in the open water.
$1750 and up available at Half-Moon Outfitters www.halfmoonoutfitters.com
GEAR
Werner Bent Shaft Nitro SUP Paddle Werner Paddles is now offering two stand up paddle models in a bent shaft configuration. Both the Nitro and the new, midsize Fuse are available. Bent-shaft advantages include a more natural hand position, which gives more shaft contact for a lighter grip, better control and more natural wrist alignment, reducing repetitive stress injuries and fatigue. The bend in the shaft also increases the catch phase of the stroke (or, beginning of the stroke, where most of the power lies) for farther reach. Best for cruising, racing and heading downwind but not so great for surf. www.wernerpaddles.com $375 available at Charleston Watersport www.charlestonwatersport.com
Werner Carve SUP Paddle (not shown) The Carve paddle is a small, slender blade, made from premium laminate fiberglass, which excels in surfing and turning. The smaller blade on the Carve allows for faster cadence and is gentler on the joints, making it a good everyday paddle. $219- $259 available at Half-Moon Outfitters www.halfmoonoutfitters.com
From Indoor
Home to
Outdoor OM
Water
Decorative water features come in countless styles, shapes and sizes, which means you’re sure to find one that suits you. Water fountains can add immediate tranquility and are an attractive addition to your deck, yard or landscape. Grand and stately, with statues and tiers, or minimalist and natural looking, water fountains and ponds always beautify a landscape and can also host goldfish or Koi.
Springtime in the Lowcountry is upon us, bringing idyllic temperatures, longer days and flourishing landscapes. This combination lends itself to optimal outdoor living, especially if your space is used correctly, incorporating a few essentials. So, before you dust off the old lawn chairs and settle for simply arranging them around the grill, check out your options--upgrades that can bring you peace by balancing the natural elements.
Or what about a pool, hot tub or spa? Add an impressive waterfall or rock for extra pizzazz. Consult with a landscaping professional to learn about sophisticated advances in artificial rock technology that give a real rock look. If bathtub or chlorine are not your thing, consider an outdoor shower. Custom doors make remarkable statements, as do the use of river rocks or mosaic tiles. If you have the space, you could add an entire post-beach wash room or dressing area.
Earth
Air
Beyond plastic badminton sets and makeshift wiffle ball diamonds is a world of first-class recreational activities to be enjoyed in your own backyard. Install a tournament-size beach volleyball court and, walla, you‘ve achieved supreme recreational status. Soft, white beach sand laid as the foundation brings the excitement of a friendly volleyball tourney brought to your own lawn. Or maybe you appreciate the solitude of golf? Putting greens, sand traps and even a driving pad could just steps from your back door- no cart needed. Now, imagine, after a set of volleyball or round perfecting your short game, cooking up fresh, seasonal dishes from vegetables and herbs growing in your own yard. Few things are more rewarding. If you’re not sure what will produce most naturally given your soil, sunlight and space conditions, contact a green-thumb expert (yes, such as myself) for a lesson in planting and cultivating.
Fire
The ability to cook meals outside is at the top of most people’s essential ‘outdoor living list.’ Whether you’re hosting the neighborhood party or cooking for one, a classic fire pit or roasting area allows not only a hassle-free cooking station but also an all-seasons source of enjoyment, as you can enjoy fire pits well into fall for both cooking or warming up outdoors. High-end materials, such as granite or limestone, can transform a space into an elegant focal point. Work with a professional to customize design symbols, such as a compass rose or patterned brick overlay, then top it off with plush seating, cushions and throws. You might even want to forgo the sofa for a night under the stars. Whether you’re craving hotdogs or S’mores, everyone wants an outdoor kitchen. Go all out and plan a fully functional chef’s kitchen with built-in oven, deep sink and wine cooler or stick to basic appliances and save some cash. 30
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
OK, we cheated. We’re not really talking about ”air,” but lighting. Accent lighting can highlight nifty features, cast a multitude of warm tones and moods. It also provides visibility of your outdoor oasis on days when you’re forced indoors. Turn up the lights outside and consider adding garden art. Think less pink flamingos and gnomes and more white gables, iron accents, and stone elements or a stately gazebo. Arbors can also be outdoor artwork, adding grace above watering hole or patch of blooming flowers. Finally, it’s imperative to add seating for people to gather and converse. Outdoor seating around fire inevitably offers warmth and relaxation, whether you choose leisurely Adirondacks or smooth wooden benches. If you’re lucky enough to have a view, create seating that highlights your landscape. Treat yourself and your visitors to wicker seating, paired with comfy cushions and ease into long gazes of the marsh.
We hope, after reading this, you’ll scan your outdoor space and contemplating the myriad ways to improve it. If you get stumped on ideas or manpower, contact a professional for an estimate or design appointment. Information courtesy of James Parker, owner of Pleasant Landscapes. www.PleasantLandscapes.com 843-886-9314 Isle of Palms 843-851-8008 Summerville 843-768-6808 Johns Island 843-216-8445 Daniel Island
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