Best Paddleboarding in South Carolina

Whether you are a beginner who is interested in learning to paddleboard or an expert who has been at it for years, choosing the right location can be tricky. WakeScout makes it easy to find the best paddleboarding in South Carolina regardless of your skill level. Locations include Charleston Outdoor Adventures, Lakeside Marina and Resort, Outside Hilton Head, Sky Pirate Parasail and Watersports, and SouthTown Wakepark just to name a few.

Do You Need to Have a Life Jacket to Paddleboard in SC?

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) classifies all personal watercrafts (PWC) including water skis, surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and others as vessels under 16 feet in length. In South Carolina and other states, the following regulations apply:

• Individuals ages 13 and older are not required to wear a life jacket, but they must have a Type I, II, III or properly-sized Type V life jacket with them at all times – onboard the craft – while on the water.
• Individuals ages 12 and under must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times when they are on the water.

Aside from these simple regulations, there are a few other things to keep in mind. Though the USCG does not require anyone 13 or older to wear a life jacket while on the water, they encourage everyone of every age to wear one at all times.

Where to Find the Best Paddleboarding in South Carolina

South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State because of its beautiful groves of palmettos that often stretch as far as the eye can see. Accompanied by more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams as well as countless lakes and ponds, the state is perfect for all manner of watersports.

Some of the most popular bodies of water are the state’s reservoirs, which offer incredible water skiing, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding opportunities. WakeScout has compiled a list of the best paddleboarding in South Carolina, including the five locations below.

Charleston Outdoor Adventures

Charleston Outdoor Adventures is situated on Folly Beach and King Flats Creek in South Carolina’s lowcountry away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Located on Bowens Island Road well outside of the city limits, there are numerous rivers, creeks, and streams that lazily amble through dense trees and beautiful clearings. From marshes and tidal flats to barrier islands and creeks, the opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat abound. Wading birds, sea turtles, and even dolphins make appearances from time to time.

While Charleston Outdoor Adventures is a popular destination for paddleboarding, it also offers also boat tours, fishing, and kayaking. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals are available, as well.

Lakeside Marina and Resort

Lakeside Marina and Resort is located on Cypress Shores Road in Eutawville, and it’s one of the absolute best places for paddleboarding in South Carolina. It is every water lover’s dream, and it’s the perfect place to learn new skills and more. Found on Lake Marion, visitors can find a large marina, boat rentals, and fishing opportunities, as well. Lakeside Marina and Resort is a popular family vacation destination thanks to the nearby outlet shopping and restaurants, and lodging is available nearby.

Water skis, wakeboards, and kneeboards are available onsite, and while the resort is open seven days a week, it is recommended to call ahead to book an appointment.

Outside Hilton Head

Outside Hilton Head is located on Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island, and it offers access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Broad Creek. Beginners will especially appreciate Outside Hilton Head for its three-hour private trip in which experienced USCG licensed captains provide instruction in water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing, and more. All the necessary equipment is included, and the experience is available from May through August by appointment only.

Aside from various watersports, visitors can also book a Dolphin Eco Tour, which is the most popular boat trip on the island. Other activities include the guided Kayak Nature Tour, the Private Shark Tooth Island Cruise, and a 4.5 hour excursion called The Outback that takes guests to Page and Dalfuskie Islands.

Sky Pirate Parasail and Watersports

While parasailing is the name of the game at Sky Pirate Parasail and Watersports, it is often overlooked as one of the best paddleboarding spots in South Carolina. It is also located on Hilton Head Island and gives visitors access to the beautiful Skull Creek and Atlantic intercoastal waters. Sky Pirate Parasail and Watersports has everything needed for waterskiing, wakesurfing, wakeskating, tubing, SUP, kneeboarding, and more. Those who are especially adventurous can try parasailing – one of the most thrilling experiences on Hilton Head Island.

Sky Pirate Parasail and Watersports can be found on Simmons Road on the docks of the Broad Creek Marina. Between activities, consider taking one of the numerous boat tours and cruises, many of which are suitable for large groups.

SouthTown Wake Park

Found just outside of Charlotte in Rock Hill on East Rambo Road, SouthTown Wake Park is an exceptional place to SUP or wakeboard. The expansive calm waters provide plenty of room for stand-up paddleboarding, but they are best known for their cable wakeboarding experience. SouthTown Wake Park offers two Sesitec cables, and the full-size tower cable includes kickers, a rooftop rail, and more. Though suitable for most families, the park accommodates participants who are seven years of age or older.

There are two lakes, including “Get Started Lake” which is ideal for beginners. The main lake offers some of the best paddleboarding in South Carolina thanks to its size and calm waters. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own gear, but rentals are available for beginners.

Experience the Best Paddleboarding in South Carolina with WakeScout

WakeScout is committed to helping beginner, intermediate, and experienced paddleboarders find the perfect locations for their next outdoor excursions based on their preferences and needs. Whether you just bought your first stand-up paddleboard or you’re an expert testing the latest SUP in the water, we can help you find the best destination.

Our comprehensive list of the best paddleboarding in South Carolina includes water parks, lakes, marinas, resorts, and more. Feel free to browse our South Carolina directory to choose your favorite Palmetto State destination.