Hilton Head Monthly - Hilton Head News, Real Estate, Dining, Attractions, Events & More

There’s no better place to spend summer days and nights than the Lowcountry. Whether it’s on the water, on land or on the town, there’s something for everyone on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton.

So, what are you waiting for?

By Heather Bragg, David Jakubiak and Sarah Peterman

ON the WATER

By David Jakubiak • Photo by Lindsay Brown

Cruising tidal marshes in a kayak or zipping across Calibogue Sound on while windsurfing are summertime flings adored by many islanders. But two new activities have exploded on the scene. Kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding represent an evolution in water sports. Each incorporates a board, like surfing, but adopts its own twist to create a one-of-a-kind thrill. We spoke with locals to learn the ins-and-outs.

THE PADDLEBOARDERS

It looks like a cross between a gondola and surfing: A person stands on long board cruising atop the water, or carving their way through waves. Mike Overton, owner of Outside Hilton Head, which offers an introduction to stand-up paddleboarding class, explained the two styles of the sport. One, on flat water, is akin to kayaking through a marsh with a great vantage, “because you’re standing up and can see everything,” said Overton. The other is surfing made easier, “because you are paddling out to the waves, rather than lying on your chest.”

Paddleboarding is also exercise. “It’s like pilates on the water,” Overton said. “The boards are so stable we’ve had yoga classes on them.” Glen Barroncini, of Atlantic Paddle Surfing on Hilton Head, started paddleboarding to make up for lost surfing time.

“Instead of waiting for weather and waves and tide, I can be out on the water.”

It’s incredibly accessible, he added. “I have friends with 5-years-olds and I take them out. My dad is 76 and has had two knee replacements. He was on it. You’re not limited to any age group, gender or demographic. That’s what I love about it.”

THE KITEBOARDERS

Three years ago, Hilton Head Islander Adam Kurtz noticed a person cutting through the water propelled by parachute-like kite. He knew he had to try it.

He enrolled in a three-day camp on Cape Hatteras, N.C., called REAL Kiteboarding, and returned hooked on the sport.

“It’s just you, the wind, and the kite, and you can go wherever you want,” he said.

Kurtz’s inspiration may have been island musician John Brackett. A windsurfer, Brackett was attracted by the ability to kiteboard in lower winds. “You can have anywhere from 12 knots to 20 knots and really go fast and have fun,” said Brackett. He also praised the evoloution of the sport over his decade of participation. The kites, he said, now use four or five lines. “You can steer left and right, and you can also power up or bleed off power as you need it,” he said. Both Kurtz and Brackett urge potential kiteboarders to get training.

“You need to take lessons,” Brackett said. “You are being pulled up as well as across the water, so you are basically skimming across the water on a thin board that acts as a rudder and a keel. You can go anywhere you want as soon as you get control of the kite.”

CATCH it, CLEAN it, COOK it

By Sarah Peterman

Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, catch your own dinner and enjoy the taste of fresh seafood. Spottail bass and trout are two of the most common fish in the area, but there are an abundance of shellfish as well. On Hilton Head Island you can fish in fresh and brackish water lagoons, tidal lagoons, estuaries, inshore
on Calibogue Sound and o shore in the Atlantic Ocean. You can also fish in many of the marinas and off select docks on the island. The equipment you’ll need will depend largely on what you’re aiming to catch. Commercial fishing boats will provide all that you need for your fishing excursion, but if you decide to go out on your own, fishing tackle can be rented and bait can be purchased from many of the shops in the marinas.

IT’S THE LAW! Nothing will ruin a good fishing trip like a huge fine from the Department of Natural Resources. People age 16 and older are required to have a South Carolina fishing license. As of July 1, shore-based anglers are required to have a license as well. Anyone who is shrimping with a cast net, crabbing with recreational traps or fishing from anywhere other than a commercial pier (i.e. a bridge) will be required to have a saltwater fishing license. They can be purchased at True Value Hardware in Coligny Plaza and Wal-Mart at Festival Center. Prices range from $5-35.

Fishing regulations include what can be kept and size limits. Consult the SC-DNR Web site or pick up a local fishing guide from any bait and tackle shop in the area to make sure you’re following all the rules.

Best places to cast your line

Any of the public beaches:
• Alder Lane Beach access
• Coligny Beach Park
• Fish Haul Park
• Driessen Beach Park
• Burkes Beach Access
• Folly Field Beach Park
• Islanders Beach Park

Offshore (2-14 miles):
• Betsy Ross Reef
• Tire Reef
• The Rip
• White Water Reef

Inland:
• Turtle Bay (off the Broad River)
• Brams Point
• Macks Creek
• May River
• Skull Creek
• Public piers
• Cross Island Bridge at the public dock
• Main Bridge at Pinckney Island

OUT and A BOAT

Not sure where to venture for a good fishing site? Charter a fishing boat for the day or hire a guide to take you around the local waters. A guide can tell you what’s in season, where to catch it and, if your lucky, offer up some tips on how to prepare the tasty morsel for cooking. If you left your fishing gear at home, ask the company you’re chartering from if they can rent you some for the day.

If you’re leaving the seafood for the restaurant to cook, chartering a boat is still a unique way to take in the 360-degree views of Lowcountry’s coastal gem — from the salty waters of Hilton Head Island to the scenic stillness of Bluffton’s majestic May River. The water awaits.

How big was your catch? E-mail us your fishing pictures to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .