SURF’S IN SESSION
Cross this item off your bucket list this summer. Head to Folly, popular for its surf breaks, where a plethora of pros lead private or group classes, and many offer special surf camps. Some will even come to a beach near you
Carolina Salt
Pro surfer Kyle Busey and his crew help beginners and more experienced surfers on IOP, Sullivan’s, and Folly beaches. Along with the usual lessons and board rentals, they also offer summer surf camps for kids on Folly Beach. 8 Center St., Folly Beach; carolinasaltsurflessons.com (opens in a new tab)
Isla Surf School
This team of instructors—ranging from former pros, veterans, and college students—all have years of experience under their rash guards and offer a wide range of lesson and tour options from private, semi-private, group lessons, and camps for kids. 220 W. Arctic Ave., Folly Beach; islasurfschool-charleston.com (opens in a new tab)
Shaka Surf School
Competitive surfer and coach Jenny Brown teaches surf techniques and etiquette to individuals and groups of all ages, but she has carved out a niche with her Wemoons Weekends, dedicating Saturday mornings to teaching women how to surf. 6th St. East, Folly Beach; shakasurfschool.com (opens in a new tab)
Sol Surfers
The OG among local surf schools, Sol Surfers was founded by Kai Dilling in 2000. Based on Folly, the College of Charleston surf instructor and his team provide lessons and camps for kids (complete with a shuttle from Mount Pleasant), as well as custom boards. 800 East Ashley Ave., Folly Beach; solsurfers.net (opens in a new tab)
WHAT’S SUP?
Learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) for fitness and fun while getting a cool perspective of our beaches and waterways
Charleston Community Sailing
This nonprofit’s mission is centered on getting Charleston residents on the water by sail as well as by paddle. Certified instructor Harriott Parker leads a variety of SUP classes from fitness workouts that build core strength to fun lessons for first timers to develop skills and confidence. Bring your board or rent one for a small additional fee. Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr. K Dock. Days & times vary. $20-$25. charlestoncommunitysailing.org (opens in a new tab)
Charleston Paddleboard Co.
Get your feet wet on a two-hour marsh tour behind Folly exploring creeks and tidal flats. 1871 Bowens Island Rd., James Island. $47. charlestonpaddleboardco.com (opens in a new tab)
Charleston SUP Safaris
Whether you want to glide through creeks, take on waves, practice yoga, or complete a circuit workout, this outfit has SUP classes for all interests and abilities, as well as options for private lessons to groups. 83 Center St., Folly Beach. From $50. charlestonsupsafaris.com (opens in a new tab)
Coastal Expeditions
Choose your scenery—the creeks and marshes behind Isle of Palms or the shrimp boats of Shem Creek out into the harbor with the downtown skyline—and guides with this longtime local outfitter will lead the way, offering tips on technique as well as natural history lessons. Isle of Palms Marina, 41st St. or Shem Creek, 514 Mill St. $60. coastalexpeditions.com (opens in a new tab)