Best Places to Paddleboard in the United States – South Carolina 2021
1: Lake Murray
Once the largest human-made reservoir globally, Lake Murray is still a massive lake with over 50,000 square acres and 650 miles of shoreline to explore. The lake’s large size makes it well suited for various activities. Beginner paddlers, touring enthusiasts, and yogis can stick to the calm shoreline. At the same time, surfers and sailors will head out towards the rougher, windier center. Touring paddlers can gaze upon all sorts of historical sights and buildings from America’s past, with some structures dating as far back as the Civil and Revolutionary war.
Flooding and other accidents have swallowed up sawmills, bridges, homes, and other buildings since its creation, and the area was used for aircraft training during WWII. This makes the lake very popular with scuba divers as well. With plenty of wonderful sights out of the water and surprises within it, every day is an adventure when paddling on Lake Murray.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 218
Distance to Major Cities: 30 Minutes to Columbia
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
2: Folly Beach
Folly Beach is one of the best places to paddleboard if you’re hoping to surf or visit the Charleston area. Those who bring their camera will appreciate the various wildlife habitats, including one of the country’s largest Pelican Rookeries. The beach area is one of the best saltwater fishing spots in the state, and events are held throughout the year to reel in Flounder, Seatrout, and Triggerfish.
Paddle out into the sea if you want to get your surf on, or go with the local tour guides and explore Charleston by cutting up Stono River or Folly Creek. With refreshing and clear blue waters, you’ll quickly discover why Folly Beach is one of the most popular paddleboarding destinations in the state of South Carolina.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 211
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Charleston
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
3: Hammock Coast
Hammock Coast is one of the best places to launch from if you want to paddleboard on the coast, and especially worth visiting for surfers. You’ll find quite a few instructors willing to rent your gear and teach you how to SUP surf, and the coast has several islands and inlets that will protect you as you improve at surfing.
If you aren’t a surfer, you’ll still want to visit as the salt marshes, and barrier islands attract Sea Turtles, Eagles, Dolphins, and other cool and exotic animals. Along the long coastline, you’ll find other paddlers to hang out with without ever feeling cramped or overcrowded. If you stop by Myrtle Beach, you can enjoy other recreational activities, like one of the tallest ferris wheels in the country. If you want to paddleboard on the sea, Hammock Coast at Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to visit with a SUP.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 218
Distance to Major Cities: Direct Access to Myrtle Beach
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
4: Poinsett State Park Lake
South Carolina is considered one of the most beautiful states in the country, and Poinsett State Park is one reason. While small at just 10 acres, the calm lake is perfect for meditating as you relax and take in the natural setting of the state park. There are over 335 plants and 65 species of trees, with animals large and small near the water. Alligators, Snakes, and Bobcats are some of the cooler creatures you may encounter along the shore, while Stripped, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass are all easy to feel in from this small pond.
If you are looking for a place to cruise, hang with friends, practice yoga, or take in the beauty of nature, the Poinsett State Park Lake will be the perfect place for you to go!
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 222
Distance to Major Cities: 30 Minutes to Sumter
Motor Vehicles Allowed: No
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
5: Lake Wylie
Located on the border of North and South Carolina, residents of both love to visit Lake Wylie for all sorts of water sports, including stand up paddleboarding. The large 13,400 square acre lake has 325 miles of shoreline. Plus, there are plenty of paddleboarding vendors to rent boards from, guide you in yoga sessions, or provide private lessons.
Lake Wylie has some of the most diverse fishing in the state, with Drum, Eel, Catfish, Bass, Sunfish, and a dozen other fish species populating its waters. The water stays pretty shallow near the shore, which is great for beginner paddlers, but if you paddle out towards the center, you can catch the wind for some light surfing or sailing.
Lake Wylie is typically easier to visit if you’re in North Carolina, but it’s still worth traveling to if you want to paddle around the best spots in South Carolina.
Average Clear Weather Days per Year: 214
Distance to Major Cities: 30 Minutes to York
Motor Vehicles Allowed: Yes
Paddleboard Rentals Available: Yes
Conclusion: Plan Your Paddle Board Trip and Have Fun!
Thank you for reading our top paddleboarding destinations in South Carolina! We hope you’ve enjoyed going over our list and welcome any suggestions you may want to add to it. If you’ve been paddleboarding in South Carolina, leave a comment below or send us an email with any additions you might make.
While you’re visiting our site, check out our latest paddleboard reviews, instructional tips and tricks, and videos discussing some of the most popular paddleboards on the market. You can also find our top fifteen paddleboarding destinations in the whole United States here at SUPBoardGuide.com!
So be sure to let us know some of your favorite places to paddleboard in South Carolina!
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