The sport of stand-up paddleboarding – which offers a great way to enjoy time in the great outdoors and to cool off when the temperatures heat up – has seen a surge in popularity nationwide in recent years. And on the Grand Strand, where waterways for enjoying the pastime can be found around nearly every corner, the sport is a perfect fit.
Next time you’re looking to get outside with the family during a vacation on the Carolina coast, consider one of these five local outfitters offering guided stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours of some of the local waters:
Jack’s Surf Lessons: Offering SUP tours in the calm waters of Murrells Inlet on the Grand Strand’s southern end, Jack’s one- and two-hour guided excursions are provided at either sunrise or sunset. Along the way, guests are likely to see an array of local wetland wildlife. Bonus: For those looking to grab a few zen moments while floating atop the local waters, Jack’s also offers SUP Yoga sessions in conjunction with local yoga studio Yoga in Common. For more information, visit jackssurflessons.com.
Kokopelli Surf Camp: This surf school serving Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach launches its tours out of the Cherry Grove Boat Landing in North Myrtle Beach and offers a trio of tour options: the three-hour Island Tour to Hog Inlet/Waites Island, the two-hour Salt Marsh Tour exploring the marsh and canals of Cherry Grove, and the two-hour Sunrise or Sunset Tour through the Cherry Grove Salt Marsh. Visit kokopellisurfcamp.com to learn more.
Crazy Sister Marina: Launching out of the marina in Murrells Inlet named for a somewhat-short-of-stable sibling, this tour starts with an introduction to paddleboarding, followed by a 1.5-hour guided tour of the adjacent, wildlife-filled marsh. Find more details and book your excursion at crazysister.com.
Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions: Offering two- and four-hour SUP tours out of North Myrtle Beach, this company’s guided SUP explorations of the Cherry Grove marshes regularly treat guests to sightings of an array of wildlife, including herons, egrets, eagles and other birds, sea turtles, and even dolphins. Visit greatescapeskayak.com to learn more.
Surf City Surf Shop: Surf City’s solo and group SUP tours along the calm, flat waters of the Intracoastal Waterway last 1.5 to two hours and include equipment, a T-shirt and stickers. Learn more at surfcitysurfshop.com.
After hitting the local waters and trying your hand at paddleboarding, head back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at Ocean Reef Resort to rest up for another day of adventure on the Grand Strand. Book your family vacation at Ocean Reef today!
