In this article, we uncover 8 great places to SUP in South Carolina! Discover a fresh location to explore this paddling season.
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South Carolina is a state known for its picturesque beaches and tranquil waterways, making it a popular destination for paddleboarding. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a beginner, there are plenty of great places to explore. Here are the top 8 places we recommend to take your Atoll iSUP for an adventure!
Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is an artificial body of water situated in the northern region of South Carolina. The lake is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, boasting lush forests that encircle its perimeter. This ecosystem is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife species, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in activities such as paddle boarding.
Additionally, the lake also offers ample opportunities for fishing and swimming, making it a popular spot for families and individuals looking to spend a day on the water. To get here, you have to enter Devils Fork State Park. There are camping options within the park. In addition, there are waterfalls nearby accessible only by boat. Or if you have the endurance, by paddle board as well. For these reasons, we recommend a trip to Lake Jocassee for a wonderful weekend getaway.
For more information about the lake and camping options, check out the South Carolina State Park website.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. But what makes Folly Beach special is the calm ocean water that is characteristic of the beach. While some days you can expect to see decent-sized waves, on most occasions, it’s the perfect place to test your balance in the ocean. Plus, it’s one of the most famous beaches in South Carolina.
In addition to paddling, you can check out the many different restaurants in nearby Charleston. Or even the pier that extends over the water. If you’re into fun beach towns then a trip to Folly Beach must be on. your list!
For additional information on where to go, check out the Visit Folly Beach website.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. But did you know it’s also well-known for its rich Native American history? It’s true! According to the South Carolina State Parks website, “Rich in Native American history – namely the Edisto Indians, Edisto Beach on Edisto Island is one of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina.
Edisto Beach State Park features trails for hiking and biking that provide a wonderful tour of the park.” Plus, there is a guided tour of some interesting Edisto-Indian artifacts.
And, “for overnight accommodations, furnished cabins sit nestled in the woods. And campsites can be found along the Edisto Island oceanfront or in the shaded maritime forest.”
Sounds like a pretty cool spot, doesn’t it? For more information about the beach and what you can do while there, check out the South Carolina State Parks website.
Congaree River
The Congaree River is a beautiful and peaceful river that runs through the heart of South Carolina. If you’re tired of paddling on lakes and want to test yourself in a new environment, the Congaree River is a great place to start.
According to americanrivers.org, “There is much to explore along the Congaree River. Including the first BLUE TRAIL established by American Rivers and our partners in 2007. It starts near Columbia. The aquatic trail is the ideal way to experience all the river has to offer through canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other family-friendly activities. But the undeniable highlight of the journey is Cogaree National Park, the largest protected wilderness in South Carolina.”
If you fancy a trip down the Blue Trail, learn more about it by visiting the American Rivers website.
Hunting Island
Hunting Island is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina. It consists of a 5000-acre natural paradise located on a semi-tropical barrier island, just 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina. This unique location has been named one of America’s Top Ten Beaches by TripAdvisor. And it attracts over a million visitors annually. Despite its popularity, the Park’s miles of white-sand beach remain untouched and unspoiled. This provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.
The Park also features a camping area with easy access to the beach. As well as a recently updated Visitor Center which features murals depicting the ecosystems found on Hunting Island. All in all, Hunting Island State Park provides visitors with an ideal blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and educational experiences.
If you want more of a weekend getaway somewhere quiet, secluded, and peaceful, then we highly recommend a trip to the island. To learn more about it, check out their website here.
Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a man-made lake located in the central part of the state. It is dubbed the “Jewel of South Carolina” and it’s not difficult to see why!
Besides watching beautiful sunsets on the water, you can enjoy a round of golf at a nearby course, check out their world-class restaurants, and even spend the day with a few lines in the water to catch freshwater fish.
This is the perfect spot for a family weekend with the kids. For more information about Lake Murray, plan your visit at their site!
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is located on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. It sits conveniently just outside historic downtown Charleston. And it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of the state – making it a great choice for SUP in South Carolina.
This is another great place to grab your Atoll iSUP and explore the coast. In addition, if you’re looking for a fun family location, then the Isle of Palms should be on your radar.
On Explore Charleston’s website, they describe the area, “The Isle of Palms is both a residential and resort community with live music and beach volleyball at The Windjammer, ice cream and pizza along front beach, and families kicked back to enjoy it all.”
Sounds like a great place for a fun weekend getaway. For more information, check out their website here.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is known for its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters and is a prime spot for paddle boarding. The island’s location on the Atlantic coast means that the water is generally calm and easy to navigate, making it a great place for beginners to try out paddle boarding. Additionally, the island’s beaches are home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of fish. This makes it an ideal location for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore the local ecosystem while paddle boarding.
In addition, it just won Best Island in the US from Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Never knew there was such an award? We didn’t either! But it’s cool nonetheless.
While SUP is the main attraction for any adventure paddler type out there, the island also offers world-class golf courses, top-notch dining, biking, hiking, and more!
Visit the local marina for a great launch location and explore. You won’t regret it! If you’re ready to plan your next visit, be sure to head here for more information.
Conclusion
South Carolina is home to some of the best places to SUP in the United States. From Folly Beach to Hunting Island and Hilton Head, you can’t go wrong no matter where you decide to go when it comes to SUP in South Carolina. Just be sure to pack in, pump up, and paddle out. your Atoll iSUP for the ultimate adventure exploring the coast.
Have any questions? Comments? Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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