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OUTDOORS LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING MAGAZINE
JULY/AUGUST 2010
FREE
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WATER ISSUE
DESTINATION
IOP . LOWCOUNTRY SURFERS
UNDERWATER ARTIST K.C. SCOTT SUMMER BEACH GEAR GUIDE
SUP with
+
ADVENTURE GIRL
KITEBOARDING
Relax Memberships & Tee Times Available Call Today. RiverTowneCountryClub.com 843.849.2400
CHARLESTON SC, OUTDOORS JULY / AUGUST 2010
WATER ISSUE
NUMBER 3
PHOTOGRAPH JOHN LOTTERHOS OF INDIE SUNDAY
CONTENTS
14 DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
05
08 14
06
Calendar
Destinations Isle of Palms
12
Summer Beach Wear
26
Outdoor Living
22
08
Kiteboarding with AIR Surfers of the Lowcountry
19
Learning SUP with Adventure Girl
22
Underwater Artist K.C. Scott
28
Coast Head Chef David Pell
30
Special: Carefree Boating
Website
CharlestonSCoutdoors.com
/Chuckoutdoors
CharlestonSCoutdoors
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
03
C H A R L E S T O N
OUTDOORS //LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
PUBLISHER JASON KIRBY jason@charlestonscoutdoors.com MARKETING DIRECTOR DAVID KIRBY david@charlestonscoutdoors.com COPY EDITOR LINDA MOONEY linda@charlestonscoutdoors.com IT DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER LARRY COLLETT lcollett@netgalaxystudios.com WRITERS LINDA MOONEY, MEREDITH SIEMENS linda@charlestonscoutdoors.com meredithsiemens@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN LOTTERHOS john@indiesunday.com CREATIVE CONSULTANT/PHOTOGRAPHER AMANADA ROWELL amanda@charlestonscoutdoors.com OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING LYNN KIRBY lynn@charlestonscoutdoors.com 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.
JASON KIRBY
04
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
MEREDITH SIEMENS
LINDA MOONEY
JOHN LOTTERHOS
CALENDAR
July 4 The City of North Charleston is once again hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
July 16 Alzheimer’s Association Ride to Remember Cross-state cycling event. July 16-18. www.aridetoremember.org
July 4 14th annual Patriots Point 4th of July Blast. Beginning at 5:00 pm, guests will enjoy discounted admission to Patriots Point. Stick around for landside entertainment, enjoy sandwiches, snacks, sodas and water and, of course, the Lowcountry’s largest fireworks display shot from the deck of the USS Yorktown after nightfall (around 9:10).
July 17 2010 IOP Beach Run. 4 Mile Run Begins: 8:00 am. Youth Fun Runs Begin: 9:00 am Register at www.allsportrunning.com or at the IOP Rec Dept Course: The Beach Run will start and end behind the Windjammer on Front Beach.
July 8 Twilight 5k, Daniel Island, 6:30 pm 834-8539987 July 16 Folly Beach Moonlight Mixers - Shaggin’ on the Pier. Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier (843) 795-4386
July 17 Reggae Nights James Island County Park. (843) 795-4386 August 8 James Island Sprint at James Island County Park 843-881-8872 www.charlestontriathlonclub.com August 13 Folly Beach Moonlight Mixers - Shag-
gin’ on the Pier. Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier (843) 795-4386 August 14 All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1853 Maybank Highway, James Island 843-795-3527 August 21 2010 Half Rubber Tournament at Isle of Palms, Games begin 9 am. www.halfrubber.com August 26 2010 Battle of the Bands at The Music Farm www.musicfarm.com August 28 Hampton Park Fun Run 5K/1M 8am 843724-7327
CHECK US OUT @ facebook.com/charlestonscoutdoors twitter.com/chuckoutdoors
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
05
Destination
Isle of Palms
J
ust 13 miles northeast from Charleston sits one of the sexiest beaches in America (if Maxim counts as a source). Whimsical as the research may be, this men’s magazine dubbed Isle of Palms (IOP) one of the country’s six epicenters of shoreline eye candy last July, alongside famous contenders such as South Beach and Manhattan Beach, due largely to the “smoking-hot rich ladies” who shop the area. But babes and high-end boutiques aside, this sevenmile-long, one-mile-wide barrier island, with a popula-
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LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
A BEACHTOWN BURSTING WITH SIGHTS AND SCENTS, TOTALLY UNIQUE, AND UTTERLY DEVINE
tion of just 4,500, is best known for its pristine beaches spotted with bars, restaurants, condos and rental houses hugged between the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and salt marshes. With a laid-back atmosphere of golf carts intermixed with cars running alongside bike paths, this vacation destination hosts two world-class golf courses, both on Wild Dunes, and gorgeous clay and hardcourt surfaces for tennis.
The main drag, Ocean Boulevard, brims with pizza joints, seafood restaurants and beach-front bars, especially at Front Beach, between 10th and 14th Avenues, where you’ll find the Windjammer, one of the oldest and most popular. Peel and eat shrimp, a fried pickle and frozen margarita can be had while watching a bikini bash, volleyball game or live music. Coconut Joe’s, Banana Cabana and Fat Jacks also sit along Ocean Boulevard, interspersed with condos and rentals, putting much nightlife in walking distance. Just off 14th Street, the IOP County Park offers restrooms, showers, a picnic and beach volleyball nets as well as lifeguards and concessions during the high season. If it’s quiet you crave, steer away from Front Beach and stretch out on some sand with a book, beach-comb for shells or ride the waves on a rented Boogie Board. Go kayaking for a closer look at pelicans, dolphins or turtles, or rent a boat from the IOP Marina, which also hosts fishing contests and Morgan Creek Grill, an upscale restaurant with a rooftop bar. In short, IOP has not only beauty but something for everyone. Dip your toes on in. LM.
This 1 mile wide barrier island is best known for its pristine beaches and amazing championship golf courses.
From Left: A local fruit stand displays the seasons fresh bounty Coming to dock at the Isle of Palms Marina Beds of oyster shells dot the dunes The path to the relaxation At Right: The clouds roll in over the river Lunch with a view
Lowcountry
BOAT RENTALS AT ISLE OF PALMS MARINA
886.0209
843. www.iopmarina.com
Rent a boat for 3 hours Get 1 hour FREE! Bring this coupon when requesting your next Boat Rental. Outdoor Code:Stone CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
07
KITING
ON THE
SUMMER WINDS BY LINDA MOONEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY INDIE SUNDAY
T
ake surfing; feed it some steroids; add a hefty dose of
the modern-day technology, it was a Boeing aerodynamicist who
snowboarding, skateboarding and windsurfing; attach an
patented the first KiteSki in the United States in 1994, which
oversized power kite capable of pulling the rider the speed of a car while lifting him as much as 20 to 40 feet in the air so he
actually involved water skis. Even when the first official kiteboarding company appeared
can fly, spin and flip and, voilà, you have the newest water sport
in 1998, there were still only a couple dozen kitesurfers in the
hooking adrenaline junkies this decade.
world. But that same year, with the launch of several schools
Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing or power kiting, is
and the first competition in Maui, the sport turned mainstream
a fairly recent phenomenon. Though kites have been used to
and by the end of 2006, kitesurfers numbered 150,000 to
propel ships and land carts for hundreds of years, it wasn’t
200,000, making it arguably the world’s fastest growing water
until the late 70s and early 80s that they were developed for
sport. Today, there are magazines such as The Kiteboarder, Kite-
kitesurfing. While many inventors played a role leading up to
boarding and Kiteworld dedicated to the art.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
09
And probably no one knows the ins and outs of the sport better, locally, than Adam Von Ins, founder of Air, the two-story “green-extreme earth-sports center” in Mount Pleasant. A flyer of big power kites growing up, Von Ins turned his passion for interacting with the wind toward kiteboarding nearly 15 years ago when the sport first caught on. He left the corporate world to open his shop in 2003 as a way to share his enthusiasm for using fung (or wind) as a healing power to rejuvenate and enlighten the soul. The South Carolina native argued that Charleston, where he’d been living for several years, was the ideal place for kiteboarding. And it turns out he’s right. With its many rivers, inlets and barrier islands, which allow flying spots for any wind direction, Charleston offers year-round kiteboarding opportunities. Springtime has steady warm southerly winds anywhere from 18 to 30 mph and similar speeds in the fall and winter if you don’t mind gusty NE fronts. Even our summer afternoons create thermal winds from 10 to 18 mph. Because the coastline is angled, optimal wind directions are cross-shore SW, which tend to be steadier than the blustery NE winds. “On a warm, windy day, you can see 50 to 100 kiteboarders on the water,” says Elea Faucheron, a local kitesurfer herself, who began working alongside Von Ins five years ago and now serves as Air’s COO who makes all the wheels turn. Sullivan’s Island turns out to be a popular destination thanks to its shifting sandbar that allows for riding in both flat water and waves in the same session. You can take off from either side of Breach Inlet, but the 28.5-30 street public beach access for small catamarans, windsurfers and kiters is a popular launching spot, says Faucheron, who explains that kiteboards are actually considered watercraft and must obey similar rules, such as staying away from piers and crowded swimming spots. Air, which playfully advertises, “We understand your wind addiction,” remains the only shop in the state dedicated to power kiting. While they don’t rent kiteboarding equipment—for liability reasons—you can buy lessons, which can cost as much as $650 for beginners (7.5 hours spread over three or four days) or as little as $350 if you have some experience. You can also buy the gear from them outright, which runs $800 or more for the full setup from harness to power kite and board. When choosing equipment, consider your body weight, local wind conditions, your skill level and the type of board you want (wakeboard, directional or bidirectional). A skilled salesperson will be able to explain which kite would best fit your riding style.
The good news is, after the initial investment, wind costs nothing. And if you get good, you can even immerse yourself in the kiter culture by signing up for weeklong retreats to other magically windy lands such as the Florida Keys, Hatteras, South Padre and Cozumel, or join a club such as the Air Club for Girls, a meet-up group started by Faucheron several years ago. “While male kiteboarders seem to thrive on going solo, women tend to crave more camaraderie and support,” says Faucheron, who adds that the club is not a sub for lessons and you do need your own gear. In addition to their scheduled monthly outings, the gals (15 to 20 strong) have a texting system for spontaneous get-togethers when conditions are ideal. Air’s website, www.catchsomeair.us, is the goto spot for such news, including rider forums, gear reviews, lessons, DVDs, clothing and tips, such as how to do a jibe turn (by flattening the board and bringing the rear foot around front) or how to jump (by building tension in the lines from strongly edging the board, then flying the kite overhead and releasing the board’s edge just as you are going over a wave). Despite new kite design innovations and safety release systems, which have made the sport safer, kiteboarding can still pose hazards to kitesurfers, beachgoers, bystanders and swimmers, so it really is important to take lessons first. Power kites have lots of horsepower and can drag you, thus the origin of the phrase “kitemare.” But once you learn to control the kite, you’re 80% there, which is why the basics can be learned initially off water. It’s a good idea to start with a small power kite and carry a safety hook knife to cut entangled or snagged kite lines. You may also want to consider a helmet, impact vest and board leash. And beware of kitesurfing in directly offshore winds as you can get carried away to China if you’re not careful. Lastly, if buying used gear, be careful to inspect it for wear and tear. And most importantly, don’t forget, air isn’t just for breathing. Those who like to have fun also know how to catch it.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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GEAR OluKai Kia’i Trainer The Kia’i Trainer is the official footwear of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and was designed to withstand the rugged terrain of Hawaii’s shorelines, as well as the rigors of the HLA’s regimes. $100 olukai.com KENZO L’eauParKenzo Pour Homme This soft, green, citrus fragrance is a transparent blend of Japanese yuzu, ho leaf, lotus leaf, mint, pepper, and musk that is ideal for the active man. The soft, fresh fragrance lingers subtly, and is never too heavy. $54 sephora.com Sunbow SpongeBob Sunscreen The grown-up friendly micronized zinc formula found in this sunscreen provides a strong UVA/UVB barrier without chemical actives such as oxybenzone or octinoxate found in many other brands. $12.99 / Each sunbow.com
Surf Lodge Solid Fountain Board Shorts Loomstate has teamed up with Montauk’s much-loved boutique hotel The Surf Lodge to create an exclusive capsule collection of casual menswear inspired by classic surf style. $135.00 loomstate.org STARBOARD PRO Uncompensated performance for confident paddlers taking advantage of the narrower width. A length which is optimal for glide into waves and nose riding, while still maintaining a radical edge. star-board-sup.com RAY-BAN WAYFARER A slightly smaller interpretation on the most famous style in sunwear. The iconic Wayfarer® is immediately recognizable anywhere in the world. $124 ray-ban.com iLive Boombox for ipod This portable music system gives you an AM/ FM radio and an iPod dock, so you can enjoy your favorite playlists anywhere. apple.com
South Carolina’s most complete source for...
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDS RENTALS PRIVATE LESSONS
1255 Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Mount Pleasant (843) 884-9098
SURFERS OF THE
LOWCOUNTRY
by Linda Mooney
A
t the east end of Folly, where the houses stop on the right, there’s a stretch of beach that doubles as a mecca for surfers. Called the Washout, or Hollywood, this elbow of land sticks out just far enough to catch the best waves south of Wilmington and north of Jacksonville, making it the most popular surf spot in South Carolina and one of the best on the East Coast. According to the City of Folly Beach, the birth of this sweet spot may be owed to Hurricane Hugo, which in 1989 took out the homes that once stood on the block, freeing winds to sweep unencumbered, catching everything from NE to SW swells, clean top-to-bottom breaks with plenty of power. It is here where you’ll find the young, competitive crowd, the quasi-pro surfers who congregate year-round and live for the dozen or so competitions that come to the Washout every year. One such surfer is Mikee “the Rat” Rawlings. Blonde and tattooed, Mikee looks and sounds a lot like a surfer, especially when he says things like, “Surfing is my religion,” or when he talks about the ocean being “like space, the ultimate unchartered territory.” This is a man most at peace when gliding through the perfect barrel. I tracked down Mikee because word has it he’s the “go to” guy when it comes to local surf. Having grown up next to the Washout, Mikee began surfing at age 3 and went on to compete in numerous East Coast Championships between ages 12 and 20, alongside pros such as Kelly Slater, nine-time world champion. By 15, he had grabbed sponsorship from Quick Silver, who was also backing Slater. While he still competes locally—he won three first-place awards in his division this year—Mikee admits, he’s slowing down. After breaking his leg four times, his arm five times and suffering an aneurism eight years ago, the 36-year-old father of three is more excited these days about giving back.
All pictures are taken at Washout, Folly Beach
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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“There are so many talented kids. The hungry little ones are the best,” says Mikee, who still rides for five sponsors, including Billabong clothing, Sanuk sandals, Anarchy sunglasses and local surfboard makers Gary Wilson and Chris Darby. “Most champions are from the East Coast, where the waves are typically smaller. Once you get them in those perfect California waves, they go crazy and exceed.” As the General Manager for the Ocean Surf Shop on Centre Street, Mikee prides himself on finding upcoming gems, like 14-year-old tow-haired Grace, a poster child for sponsorship, or any one of his team of nine riders (six boys, three girls) who compete in the numerous Eastern Surfing Association competitions throughout the summer. He says the coolest thing about surfing is that it breaks down age barriers. “You get a 14 year old hanging out with a 55 year old, kids and dads together.” Formerly a surf instructor for the YMCA on Isle of Palms, Mikee says the thing he loves most about surfing these days is sharing the joy it has given him. His favorite day happens every August, this year on the 17th, when Surfers Healing comes to Folly Beach. Started by Israel Paskowitz, a former competitive surfer whose son was born with autism, Surfers Healing hosts day camps for autistic kids to expose them to the ocean sport, which seems to offer respite for those with sensory overload. “It’s something to see. Some 1,000 people on the beach, the joy of the kids, parents crying,” says Mikee, who understands on a personal level the power of the ocean to heal. It was where he turned, paddling into the solitude of nature, when
16
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
his little brother and grandmother passed away recently. Though he no longer participates in the big competitions out of the area, largely due to his now fulltime shop responsibilities, he doesn’t mind. The chance to run the Ocean Surf Shop—where he’s been hanging around since he was eight—is a dream come true. The opportunity fell into his lap after only four months of working as a part-time assistant. He admits that specialty shops can be intimidating but promises, “We don’t vibe on people when they come in. About 90% of surfers are beginners, so be honest about your ability.” “Our shop is based on heart and soul. I love sending people out the door on the right board,” says Mikee. “There are so many different constructions, technologies, densities and foams; it’s not all about how tall the board is. You don’t need an 8-foot board.” Ocean Surf Shop offers rentals, demos and used board as well as new surfboards ranging between $325 to $1200. But it’s not the only game in town. Folly Beach is actually home to two surf shops, McKevlins being the other. No matter where you end up shopping for your equipment, there’s no arguing that Folly Beach is where you want to take your board if you’re in the Charleston area. While novices may want to avoid the more aggressive Washout area, there are still plenty of stretches of beach worth checking out. OceanSurfShop.com offers a helpful map that breaks down the typical conditions for numerous spots on Folly Beach, identifying fickle breaks, sandbars, strong current tendencies and pointbreak quality.
In addition, here are some other useful tips to keep in mind for those new to surfing: Leave your pride on the shore. Young surfers are used to being “razzled” by their peers, says Mikee. But those who learn to shake it off and be cool and open to what the more experienced surfers have to say will eventually arrive at the top of the pecking order themselves. Know your limits. Folly Beach only has lifeguards at the county park, so you need to respect Mother Nature’s inherent threats. “Many novices don’t realize that even when it looks calm, there can be an undertow. The current is always going out,” warns Mikee. “If you’re not the best swimmer, be careful. There are boils, rips, bubbles…. Never turn your back to the ocean.” Get a surf update. There is no one best time to surf, though mornings are better for beating the winds, says Mikee. It’s all based on tides (and somewhat on winds), which change daily. Low tides make for shallow barrels, which are easier. You want
to catch the tide just as it’s coming back in. At dead low tide, you’ll get big waves. Mikee creates his own surf report daily (843-633-0268) based on wind and tide updates from the internet followed by a personal look at the water with his own eyes. Know the law. Between May 15 and September 15, surfers are not allowed within six blocks east or west of the Folly Beach Fishing Pier from the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Other times of the year, you can surf these blocks as long as you keep 200 feet from the pier. Leashes are also required by law. Check out the shredders. The Washout hosts dozens of competitions, including the Wahine Contest (for female surfers) in May, the Governor’s Cup of Surfing in August and two regional competitions this summer. For more information, check out the 2010 surf contest schedule online for the Southern South Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association: http://ssc. surfesa.org.
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
17
OCEAN SURF SHOP 3 1 C E N T E R S T. F O L LY B E A C H , S C
Top Boards Great People Together in Motion
OCEAN SURF SHOP
l
(843)588-9175
l
oceansurfshop.com SCS -SR:BH GA:NH
LEARNING
SUP
WITH
BY MEREDITH SIEMENS
Adventure Girl
E
ver since age 3 and sprinting my fastest to the deep end of the pool, neglecting to heed the fact that I did not truly know how to swim, I have thrived on a sense of adventure. Or perhaps it is the secondary rush of engaging in activities that prompt my mother to flail her arms and swear I must really not be her child and assure me that such activities will lead to an early grave for us both. This combination of danger and reprimand has led me to jump out of planes, scuba uncharted waters and give the black diamonds a whirl after a day of ski school (to be honest, I just got turned around on the lifts, but that is a tale for another time). On a perfectly tranquil 85-degree Thursday evening, it brought me to the James Island County Park boat launch to learn the fine art of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). This is, admittedly, a bit more relaxed on the imminent danger scale, but when you have my God-given lack of coordination, permanently reside 5 feet and10 inches from ground level, and have one leg that may or may not be longer than the other (make the excuses work for you), not even a walk in the park is truly safe. With these limitations in mind, a slow and heavy breeze in the air and an alpha male symphony sounding from the dog park, we approached the paddleboards and our destiny. At 12.5 feet long and 26 inches across, our aquatic chariots offered a bit more of welcomed wobble room than I expected. The primary-colored fleet offered rubber padding for extra grip and unlike water skis and other awkward, aquatic appendages that have thwarted me over the years, they seemed to offer a friendly invitation to board. Since the scene was secured and there was no backing out now (even with a minor germ phobic concern that we were in the same water as the dog park), it was time to meet my fellow Thursday thrill seekers. The eager class of four included my friend Trish, who was a bit less eager when I introduced her to John, the photographer who had just arrived to capture our first foray into CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
19
the world of upright water sports; Wes and Joanna, who are parents of four young children out for a date night, which automatically makes them greater adventurers than I may ever hope to be; and last, but certainly not least, there is our fearless instructor, Lynn. After a quick tutorial at the put-in, we kissed land and flip flops goodbye and headed knee first into the creek. There is a feeling of uncertainty that comes with basic actions in different environments. Much like taking the final push into a head stand at yoga, or one more step off a bungee platform, making the transition from knee to standing on the paddle board took some high-level conferencing between my brain and leg muscles. In one gloriously swift lurch, I was up...and dry. I am not going to say I was instantly one with the board, but I did feel firmly planted, with each paddle stroke propelling me to master SUP-erdom. That was until I had gotten up some speed, real paddling prowess, and realized that we had yet to cover stopping in our class. As I did a scan of the fast-approaching bank, roots and trees, I determined what looked to be the least painful landing spot and let gravity take me. I figured it best to break the ice for my fellow SUP-ers and let them know that it is okay to fall. In fact, I 20
LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
repeated the lesson a couple more times before class was over. I noted everyone else chose to stay on their boards, except for Trish who made an impressive back flip to try to rival me, but nobody likes a show-off. After that cool down, I was back and ready for action. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the trip more then. The risk of taking an embarrassing spill in front of friends new and old alike was over and the birds seemed to be singing louder and the strokes became more fluid. I had reached the paddle transitional phase of “loose�. Lynn worked with each of us to learn how to stop, turn, shift weight and even attempt the Downward Facing Dog for a great stretch on the board. I was surprised by the similarity to traditional kayaking, just a bit shifted to accommodate the standing body position. The sailing was almost too smooth when I asked Lynn how long it would generally take to feel the burn of this excellent core workout. She then helped me correct my stroke to a shorter more efficient movement, rather than the gondolier sweeping arms that I had been employing. She was right- that helped and I felt it. This should have taught me not to ask questions. With the basics under our belts, we could enjoy the paddle. The creek was a playground for jumping fish
and osprey, providing as much of a nature tour as a lesson. Once we had a cadence, I was amazed with the calm and peace of the process. I had honestly forgotten we were really doing a sport until the obstacle course of PVC pipe that I had been too intimidated to tackle out of the gate appeared again. This time I braced my board and readied for the American Gladiators of Paddle Boarding. A duck and weave and I was out, unscathed, with an ego point or two redeemed. This was especially necessary as we came to wrap up our course in the larger part of the lake. It was like the recital at the end of a series of dance lessons. Our audience
was the dog park, a sea of owners and man’s best friends, waiting for our aqua ballet. I was ready. Lynn, an eternal optimist and kind soul that didn’t laugh, even when her students made back flops and equally awkward balancing attempts, suggested maybe we would like to try a good, old-fashioned paddle race. That got my attention. As much as I enjoyed the serenity and my Zen was reaching an all time high, the thrill of victory spoke to me. Like maimed swans, we all maneuvered our boards to a somewhat straight starting line. There was a countdown and we were off. I heard the music reel of Visa Olympics commercials in my mind as I sank paddle stroke after paddle stroke into the murky water to try and edge out a friend and sweet mother of four. As I got closer and closer to land, I realized I had won and, even more importantly, I had stopped. By the time it was all said and done, I had gone down three times, none of which were graceful, but each making me realize that it is easy to get back up and for being a new SUP-er I think that has to be half the battle! Some SUP Opportunities to check out: James Island County Park www.ccprc.com 843-795-4386
SHARE THE STROKE
Half Moon Outfitters www.halfmoonoutfitters.com 843-556-6279
WE HAVE OVER 40 YEARS OF WATER SPORT EXPERIENCE HERE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY
RENTALS: SUP -- SURFBOARDS LESSONS: KITEBOARDING -- SURFING
(843) 886-3337
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
21
Evolution of
Stroke by Meredith Siemens
F
ish grow and evolve. In fact, there are around 24,000 species of fish alive today. The next most successful vertebrate is the bird, with a meager 8,600 species. Groupers start as females and become males as they age to keep populations up and recent discoveries seem to prove that some fish even have hands. ARTWORK PROVIDED BY K.C. SCOTT
CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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What is the point of all this? Artists do too (evolve, not the hands part). Meet K.C., Kasey & K. Scott – artist of the underwater. K.C. Scott grew up on Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, Michigan. He began school with a name that was easy for kindergarten spelling and a dream to play in the NBA and on the PGA tour. While he worked on that, he drew pictures of Michael Jordan and the sports cars sure to accompany his hoop dreams. When he topped off at 6’1, he decided to focus more on his golf game. That choice took him south from his beloved lakes and Michigan State University to Barry University in Florida, near the Keys where he had spent many childhood vacations. He found his given name, Kasey, to be better suited for college and the basketball drawings were replaced by sketches on the back of assignments during golf road trips. The travels paid off as his stick-swinging hobby gained him access to the mini tour circuit and a PGA tour event. Such accomplishments are not without a price though and the rigorous practice schedule kept Kasey on the green more often than on the water. While working at Waterlefe Golf & River Club in the spring of 2008, a member asked him to join for a day of fishing the Boca Grande Pass. The stretch, known for record-setting hammerhead sharks, amazing views and sugar sands, made for a day to remember – which is exactly what Kasey did. After the trip’s organizer refused to let him to pay for any of the day’s costs, Kasey took his mental image and went to work sketching it. The simple paper thank you caused quite a bit of talk and other members and friends asked for copies or pieces of their own. Kasey did as any unassuming beginner artist would and headed to Kinko’s to oblige with copies of his work. The response stuck with him though and a serendipitous sale at an art shop led him to buy some acrylic paints and a canvas. From there, the fish at the Sarasota Aquarium, mounts on restaurant walls and creatures from his memory were all free game for the painting. When perfecting any sport, hobby or art, it is prudent to look to the masters. Scott’s have changed from Michael Jordan to Tiger Woods, but now he contacted a new batch, the likes of wildlife artists Don Ray, Cary Chen, Guy Harvey and Diane Rome Peebles. As luck would have it, Cary Chen responded and he spent the day with him getting pointers on painting all angles of the images in his head. In that head are the freshwater fish he grew up chasing, with images like Pablo’s Red Eyed Shad, Undercover Brown and River Steel. They battle for canvas space with their colorful saltwater brothers, the likes of Stealth-Mode Sail, Boca Posse and Ghost of the Keys. His works are finding their places: inspiration scribbled on cocktail napkins, images displayed as wrapped vinyl on fishing boats out for the hunt or, recently, on a Panama mural at the Los Buzos Resort. He is perfecting his style and looking to start painting more people, but following solid fishing mantra, when they’re biting, it is best to stay put. Give the full collection a look and take a dip into the underwater where art and sport meet. Be sure to notice the signature though. It is now one very artistic, K. Scott.
At right: Scott, hard at work in his studio. Center: Setting the fly on a Tarpon during Magic Hour.
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LOWCOUNTRY ACTIVE LIVING
Above: The ‘Ghost of the Keys’ keeps his tail down and swims with the school. Below: A stealthy Swordfish patrols the seas looking for a meal.
OUTDOOR LIVING PICKING THE PERFECT POOL
WITH JAMES PARKER
F
ar from a new fashion fad, pools have been around for more than 2,000 years in places like Turkey. And today, they’re as popular as ever. In fact, in the midst of August’s muggy heat, having your own backyard pool can be a sanity saver. While many of us might skimp on such a luxury and resort to an inflatable or above-ground pool--the kind found at Sam’s Clubs and Kmarts-- James Parker of Pleasant Pools warns that these cheap alternatives come with a risk. “Two-thirds of drownings actually occur in aboveground pools when young children find their way in and can’t be easily seen,” says Parker. His advice: Either fence it in or consider splurging on one of these inground varieties: Vinyl: The cheapest of the three alternatives, vinyl pools still require digging a hole but are supported with steel walls and lined with plastic. While they can be substantially less expensive--about $7,000 to $16,000--they don’t have much integrity and can fail when ground water pushes up from underneath. Fiberglass: Definitely a step up, fiberglass constructions take abuse and hold up well but at an investment of around $18,000 and up. Using a composite material similar to that found on boat hulls, they can be installed in three to seven days and come in an increasing variety of shapes and finishes, including diverse textures and sparkled tiles. This is the choice most customers make, says Parker, whose company specializes in fiberglass and gunite concrete pools made by Blue Hawaiian. Gunite concrete: Though it costs about 30% more than fiberglass, a gunite concrete pool can be bent into any shape and has more options in exotic finishes from ink to pebble and polished quartz. This is what consumers choose when money is less of an issue than creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art. With gunite, you can mold rock castings into boulders, caves, grottos, waterfalls and water slides. These pools should be considered a work of art as they are finished.
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a one-of-a-kind piece of art. With gunite, you can mold rock castings into boulders, caves, grottos, waterfalls and water slides. These pools should be considered a work of art as they are finished. Whether you choose fiberglass or concrete, Parker insists that your best investment will be in the design planning around your pool, which is why he points many consumers toward the less expensive fiberglass so they can allocate money to amenities such as stucco finishing, a four-foot deck or a well-placed fireplace. “You’re buying an outdoor living area, not just a pool,” says Parker, who also owns Pleasant Landscapes. “And chances are you’ll look at your pool a hundred times more than you’ll end up swimming in it, so you might as well create an oasis.” Other amenities people like to add: fiber-optic colored lights, swim-up bars and gas-heated jets, which can increase water temperature by 90% within hours turning your pool into a “spool,” or half pool/half spa hot tub, so you can swim yearround even if there’s snow on the ground. Compare that to traditional heat pumps, which only increase water temperature 10 to 20 degrees more than usual. Customers are also switching to saltwater sanitation systems, which have become a popular trend lately. Upgrading a pool from chlorine to saltwater means that you’ll be dumping less chlorine into the water as saltwater creates its own sanitation system, making it easier to clean. While there will be that refreshing, natural saltwater taste from the hundreds of pounds of salt added, these pools actually contain less than eye drops. While most new pool owners insist on cleaning their own pool during the first year, usually by year three the novelty has worn off and a service company is outsourced, says Parker. Pleasant Pools offers weekly maintenance, from vacuuming the pool surface and bottom to cleaning debris from filters and checking pH levels. They can also repair pumps and upgrade older pools that are not compliant with today’s two-drain safety regulation, which went into effect several years ago following the drowning of a child who became caught in a single drain. For more information on Pleasant Pools: Isle of Palms (843) 886-9316 Daniel Island (843) 216-4798 Summerville (843) 851-8008 Johns Island (843) 768-6808 www.pleasantlandscapes.com CHARLESTONSCOUTDOORS.COM
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fresh catch A quick q&a with Coast’s Head Chef David Pell by Meredith Siemens Photography Indie Sunday Q: When did you begin cooking? What was your inspiration? A: I started working in restaurants around age 15, but front of the house things, as server and busboy. After school at USC, I went from Columbia to Paris. I spent a couple of years working around Europe and then back here to 39 Rue de Jean and then Coast. Q: How long have you been at Coast? A: It has been about 5 or 6 years – starting to lose track of time. Q: How does the French influence affect your take on the Coast cuisine & seafood in general? A: Really the cooking techniques are similar. Lots of people think it’s very specific, but it is really just tried and true techniques. The main thing I took away from French cooking was to know where your ingredients come from and use the freshest. Take the best products you can find and manipulate them with your skills. Since moving to Charleston, the local food movement is getting a lot stronger and it goes along with my philosophy of
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making good food. Q: You decide the menu items- what is the methodology? A: The original concept of Coast was to take the best local seafood we could find and prepare it using styles from around the world. The idea was seafood from all different coasts. You can see it on the menu with the seafood paella, braised golden tilefish, salt and pepper calamari… Q: What is your favorite menu item? A: That’s a tough one. I’d go with the braised grouper as one of my favorites. The cashew-encrusted tuna is also very good. It is one of those dishes people come back for again and again. Oh, and of course the fish tacos- those are wonderful! Q: Favorite night at Coast? A: It is a really good vibe on Sundays- there’s half off wine, $3 tacos and live music. The atmosphere really fits with the restaurant on Sunday nights – people are relaxed, enjoying, taking their time.
Q: When you are not in the kitchen what can we find you doing? <<<silence>>> Well, I work a lot – usually about 70 hours a week. A: I enjoy fishing and, believe it or not, I still like to cook. If I have a day off, I’ll invite a few friends over and cook something simple.
Second, and most importantly, do not overcook the fish. Since it doesn’t have a high fat content like meat, it will be done in 5-7 minutes. When it gets dry, it loses water content and 50% of its flavor. If you think it might be done, it probably is.
Q: When you make it out fishing- what’s your favorite catch? A: My favorite is triggerfish. They are a real pain – they don’t have much meat on them as far as the yield, but what they do have is really sweet.
For more great recipes and tips go to the all new charlestonscoutdoors.com
Q: What tip would you offer the amateur chef for cooking up fish? A: I have two things: First, make sure your grill or pan is very, very hot so the fish does not stick.
Pineapple-Chili Salsa 1 Pineapple 1 Mango, diced 1 bunch Cilantro 1 Red Pepper diced 1 Jalapeno, seeds removed and diced ½ Red Onion, diced Juice of three Limes 2 tsp Chili Powder Salt and Pepper to taste Slice the pineapple and remove the core and skin. Mark the pineapple on the grill and allow to cool. Dice the pineapple and combine it in a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the salsa to sit in the refrigerator for about two hours before serving.
R
IVERTOWNE
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LACE
HIGHWAY 41 & RIVERTOWNE PARKWAY MOUNT PLEASANT
Rivertowne Place in Mount Pleasant is the perfect neighborhood shopping and dining experience.
FEATURING: Harris Teeter with Starbucks O’Brions Pub & Grille Rivertowne Spirits Rivertowne Alterations & Cleaners
CAREFREE BOATING
CHARLESTON By Linda Mooney
It’s almost nonsensical to live in Charleston and not love water. All around, rivers, harbors, creeks and open seas beckon us to leave behind the laptops, cell phones, TVs and traffic jams to embark on a vessel capable of transporting our weary minds to a simpler place. Some crave it for the thrill of being in total control, speeding off into the horizon in any direction as city noises and distractions fade away. Others want to melt in the sun in total privacy, floating calmly into the salty air, fresh breeze and lapping waves. It is this incomparable peace that turns completely rational people into boating fanatics. The problem is, boats are expensive. They’re also high maintenance. First you have to commit to a type of boat, drop a lot of money, pay taxes, get insurance and then figure out where to store it (at a pricey wet slip or a dry storage facility, which may include your backyard but still involves toting by trailer). Add onto that the time and hassle in cleaning and repairing your boat and soon you may find yourself only mustering up the motivation to use it a few times a year. The solution: Join a club. A fairly recent concept, boat sharing has become a popular activity among water lovers. Like a gym membership, a boat club can also be seen as a worthwhile investment in your mental and emotional wellbeing—even your physical health if rigorous sailing is your cup of tea.
“For most people, membership costs a third that of owning one’s own boat,” says Kevin Bonnema, owner of the Carefree Boat Club, which began in 2002 and has spread to 21 locations in seven states, mostly on the East Coast. Bonnema’s club, which hopes to grow to 100 marinas over the next five years, encourages members to use boats at any location. So, while in D.C. party with relatives on a pontoon or set off for the high seas from Miami for an overnight fishing trip.
How it works: Pay a one-time fee, then monthly dues and have unlimited access to a fleet of boats (18 to 27 feet) for fishing, skiing, tubing or cruising, including pontoons, bowriders and deck boats. Of course, you have to pass a brief boating education program first, which teaches how to dock, operate in tight quarters, navigate channels, practice emergencies, follow the “rules of the road,” handle radio transmissions and use the many amenities onboard.
Patriots Point. With the USS Yorktown as its main attraction, Patriots Point is the most visited destination in the state. Dock at the Naval Museum then walk over to board this massive aircraft carrier for a firsthand experience of history.
You can make your reservations online or call the office for spontaneous trips. Once you arrive at the marina, simply look over your assigned boat like a rental car, load up your gear (with the help of dock hands), get a weather update, then take off in your ready-to-go, gassed-up vessel of choice. You can even bring your pets. When done, just fill the tank and leave.
Locally, the Carefree Boat Club is situated off Clouter Creek on Daniel Island and maintains a 10 to 1 member-to-boat ratio, making it a premier club with unlimited opportunities. From there, you can head to numerous destinations, including: Morris or Capers Island. Relax on a large uninhabited sandbar by pulling up to Morris Island, home of the infamous lighthouse in Charleston Harbor, or Capers Island, a marine preserve to the north. Anchor or pull onto the sand. Parties, some with DJs, are hosted regularly at both, with the Fourth of July being the rowdiest of the year. Shem Creek. This popular dining and drinking destination is not only spectacular for its views from the restaurants and bars lining the waterway but also for the fact that you can pull right up with your boat and tie onto any piling available.
Fort Sumter. Located in the heart of the Charleston Harbor, this National Monument and former Federal fort is the site where the civil war began in 1861 and is only accessible by boat. Pull right up and check out the onsite museum. Or just go fish. Pack some beers and cruise one of the many local rivers for red drum, speckled trout, flounder, bonnethead shark, black drum or bluefish, or go into the harbor and near-shore waters for channel bass, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and tarpon. When it gets hot, drop the anchor and dive on in.
W
E’LL WORRY ABOUT THE BOAT...
SO YOU CAN CONCENTRATE ON THE VIEW.
For a Fraction of the Cost of Boat Ownership Members Enjoy...
Training Unlimited Usage 21 Locations Huge Fleet of Boats Large Variety Great Availability 843-856-2533 CareFreeBoatClubSC.com
CAREFREE BOAT CLUB of Charleston BOATING WITHOUT OWNING... IT’S ABOUT TIME
Over the river and through the woods. Standard.
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