Kayaking
In recent years, Americans have become increasingly health conscious and
nature oriented. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy nature and get in some
good exercise. No experience is needed - the kayak rental companies will
teach you all you need to
know. You need reasonable upper body strength and decent coordination -
that's all. Life jackets are often required to be worn, (certainly
non-swimmers must wear life jackets), and everyone should wear old clothes and
foot covering that can get wet. There are kayak expeditions for dolphin
and bird watching, for viewing the sunset, for full moon enjoyment and even for
fireworks at Shelter Cove. Discount coupons are common in local
publications.
Kayaks come in many varieties: one or two passenger, sit on or sit in, with
or without a rudder.
If you have not been kayaking before (canoeing doesn't count) you should go
on a tour. Otherwise you can rent a kayak and go off on your own.
The tours generally offer instruction and guides who are knowledgeable about the
area and its nature.
When planning your kayak trip, consider which goals you have in
mind, then decide where you want to go. For example dolphin are best
spotted in the Calibogue Sound (a few are in the lower reaches of Broad
Creek). Birds are seen everywhere, but you are more likely to see some up
close in the smaller waterways, such as Jarvis Creek (on the North End
near Jenkins Island) or Calibogue Creek (near the mouth of Broad Creek ) or
Baynard Cove (near Braddock Cove in South Beach) ,as
well as around the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. The waters in the
smaller waterways are smoother than in Broad Creek (some mild boat wakes) or in
the Calibogue Sound, which can get quite choppy on windy days.
The tides are something to think about as well. At or near low tide
some waterways are inaccessible, and if you depart from land, it might be quite
muddy. At or near high tide is generally the best time to go. The
tide can also affect the level of difficulty. If you are kayaking upstream when
the tide is going out, you could be going against a three mile per hour
current. Conversely, the tide could make it easy if in your favor.
Think about going when the tide is full in, when there is little current.
Inexperienced kayakers should not attempt to go to Daufuski Island because the
tidal currents can be very strong and boat wakes and wind driven chop (waves)
can be brutal. If you go for the Shelter Cove fireworks, you should know
in the summer dozens of power boats show up for the event, and you will be
returning in the dark in a tiny kayak.
Listed here are some kayak rental and excursion companies in alphabetical
order. We make no representation regarding these companies. This
summarized information is provided to give you an idea who to call to get
complete information.
Broad Creek Kayak Company
843-342-3508 behind the Old Oyster Factory.
Broad Creek Marina
843-681-3625.
Coastal Kayaking
843-842-4194
Cool Breeze Kayaking , AKA Adventure Kayak Nature
Tours, 843-683-4040
operates in two locations: Pinckney Island and Broad Creek
C-Katz Watersportz 843-681-9008 Jenkins Rd.
at the RV Resort.
Kayak Hilton Head 843-684-1910 is located
at Simmons Landing, next to the Broad Creek Marina. Also offer kayak fishing. They
now have a second location at the RV Resort on the north end, from which
you can explore Pinckney Island 843-684-1912.
Marshgrass Adventures 843-684-3296 offers
kayak nature tours from various locations.
Outside Hilton Head, 843-686-6996
offers three locations: Pinckney Island, Broad Creek, and South Beach Marina
(843-671-2643). They provide dolphin watches, kids' summer camp,
fireworks, fishing, Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge and Daufuskie Island.
Palmetto Bay Water Sports 843-785-2345 is
located at the Palmetto Bay Marina.
Water Dog Outfitters
843-686-3554 at Broad Creek Marina.
Updated
05/12/08