ROAD TRIP
Chucktown Kiteboarding WORDS BY SHEA GIBSON, FORCE KITE AND WAKE TEAM RIDER AND IKITESURF METEOROLOGIST
Chucktown, South Carolina is a gem of a city that lies in the pure beauty of the surrounding landscape along a vast, shallow coastal plain. Fresh breezes carry the salt air through the city and hot, sultry days are perfect for hitting the water. The rich maritime zone gives plenty of opportunity for kiteboarding, sailing, surfing, fishing and many other recreational activities. There are a plethora of scenic areas to visit with various plantations and parks that host beautiful marsh land scenes and quite a bit wildlife to experience. In other words, plenty to do on-and-off the water.
Morné Diedericks at the Morris island lighthouse. Jennifer Amram photo
THE KITEBOARDING SCENE Sullivan’s Island Station 28.5 and Isle of Palms Third Avenue are the two main spots to ride in Chucktown. There’s an additional remote locale along southwestern Folly Beach at the Charleston County Park and any other desolate barrier island or spit you can get to by boat. Onshore flows are very common as the land-sea interface provides rideable winds for a good portion of any year. The local kiters are very friendly and always willing to lend a hand, which delivers proof that southern values still exist in Chucktown. Crowds can get a
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little thick around Station 28.5, but a good bit more spread out along the other barrier island beaches nearby. All beaches currently allow kiteboarding without any bans or issues, and the kiters plan on keeping it that way. Heed the local rules, stay out of the small local swim zones at both the Folly and IOP piers and always use the 100 foot rule to stay away from beach goers and surfers. Everyone shares the stoke in Chucktown with great fellowship and pure fun on the water.
