Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

About Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

Isle of Palms is a city in the Charleston County of South Carolina.  It was originally named the Hunting Island and then Long Island and first inhabited by the indigenous Seewee Indians.  The island remained without permanent inhabitants until the late 19th century. The NE wind is best for wave riding, with wind speeds ranging from 15-25 knots, which usually blow early spring, winter and fall.  It is a superb spot for wave riding with incoming tides waist to head high.  The large swell completely flattens out on a strong offshore wind but on a light offshore the swell is small but makes it an epic wave riding spot.  The wind is always best in the mornings.  Be careful of strong currents during large swells and when the wind blows side shore, it is often accompanied by storms. The SW and NE winds are warm and steady and are best from November to March.  The SW does not always reach the beach at certain water and air temperatures.  The SE usually brings in choppy surf conditions.  The wind is difficult to predict, it is best to follow the Charleston Harbour forecast.  You could probably get three good days in a week in summer to kite.  The kite-able wind comes in unpredicted thermals that often only last a couple of hours and immediately die out.

Traveling to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

The closest city to Isle of Palms is Charleston, where the international airport is situated. Charleston is approximately a 25km drive from Isle of Palms.  It is best to rent a car to get to all the kite spots.

Facilities At Isle of Palms, South Carolina, USA

For kitesurfing, surfing and SUP lessons or rentals, visit the College of Charleston Kiteboarding club. www.olinah.com There is ample accommodation and restaurants in the area and a lively nightlife.  Stay at the Dunes Resort of the Palms Hotel along the white sandy beaches. Activities available on the Isle of Palms range from swimming, SUP, kitesurfing, surfing, music festivals, shopping, wakeboarding, hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking. Kiteboarding is only allowed in the areas where it is less crowded by beach goers.  Kiting is not allowed between 6th and 26th Avenues and stay away from the surfers when wave riding, as they have right of way.