Some of the most unique and family-friendly activities to enjoy on the South Carolina coast involve taking advantage of the wind.
Ride the Wind Day, coming up Aug. 23, celebrates the first man-powered flight, which took place in 1977 when a lightweight aircraft powered like a bicycle took flight.
To celebrate this monumental event, take advantage of the ocean breeze by enjoying a sport that uses the wind for power.
Go kiteboarding. Harness the wind with a kite while skimming across the surface of the water standing on a board. Sounds fantastic, right? Near your Isle of Palms vacation property, Force Kite & Wake in Mount Pleasant offers kiteboarding lessons with patient instructors who stress safety. They use Jet Skis to get riders up and going right away. Feel the rush when you catch some air.
If you prefer to be more of a spectator than an extreme adventure athlete, a sailing excursion may be just the ticket. Take a two-hour tour aboard the 50-foot Serena out of Isle of Palms with AquaSafaris. Experience the wind in your hair and the sun on your face while exploring the Barrier Islands.
Captain Jack’s Kiawah Sailing and Dolphin Watching charters out of Bohicket Marina take passengers on a three-hour adventure aboard the 33-foot Palmetto Tide. Relax and watch the world roll by while you hear tales of the area. Want to learn to sail? Captain Jack also gives lessons aboard the Palmetto Tide.
Get up, up in the air with a Parasailing adventure. Tidal Wave Watersports at Isle of Palms will have you soaring with the seagulls with a tether line that reaches nearly 200 feet.
If you’re vacationing on Kiawah Island, rent a Boogie board or surfboard at Sanctuary Beach, then hit the waves. Wind direction and tide times make a difference in a good break for riding waves.
Of course, you can always use the wind to fly a kite along the beach. It’s a colorful way to take advantage of the ocean breeze while feeling like a kid again. Head to Isle of Palms Front Beach or Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island for plenty of room to get your kite in the sky.
How will you ride the wind during your beach vacation?