South Carolina Kayaking and Canoeing

South Carolina sunset
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South Carolina is the 2nd to only Florida in the U.S. when it comes to tourism. This no doubt has to do with the mild climate and nice beaches along the coast such as Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island. Anywhere you find a combination of agreeable climate, beaches and a high degree of tourism you’re bound to find paddling and specifically kayaking. South Carolina has numerous kayaking opportunities both on the coast and inland on lakes and rivers. That’s not to mention its proximity to the paddling in the nearby states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Here is a guide to discovering some of those kayaking (and canoeing) options in and around the state of South Carolina.

Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking in South Carolina

With its nice weather, varying landscapes from mountains to coastline, and a plethora of golf courses, there is plenty of water in South Carolina to kayak, even for the beginners out there. Here are a few recreational paddling options in South Carolina.

Sea Kayaking Along South Carolina's Coast

South Carolina boasts some resort towns such as Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Kiawah Island. Exploring these areas is a no-brainer. But there are also many preserves and coastal trails to explore that are just great for viewing wildlife and for a unique kayaking experience.

Whitewater Kayaking and Canoeing in South Carolina

Not much more has to be said about South Carolina's Whitewater Kayaking Culture than that the Nantahala Outdoor Center resides in the neighboring state, North Carolina. Learn all about the NOC and the other whitewater options South Carolina and nearby states have to offer here.

General Canoe and Kayak Information for South Carolina

Here is some additional information for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the state of South Carolina.

Note on South Carolina Kayaking

In a lot of ways, South Carolina is the birthplace of modern kayaking in the United States. It was there, after all, that Perception Kayaks was born. From Perception came the plastic kayak, which revolutionized the kayaking industry. As a result, boats could be made much cheaper and could be mass produced, two factors integral to the propagation of a sport into the mainstream. Prior to this development, canoes were the main rental paddling boat as well as the main recreational boat to own. The advent of plastic changed all of that and within 20 years of the inception of plastic kayaks, kayaking had taken over the paddling world. Thank you, Perception Kayaks and thank you, South Carolina!