The first step of planning a paddle in the Lowcountry or any tidal river zone is to look up the tides on the day you would like to paddle. You should always ride with the tides because the tides can flow up 3 miles a hour in our area, and that would make any paddle extremely slow or even stop you from making any progress.

There are three types of trips you can plan: a low tide paddle; a high tide paddle; or a shuttle trip.

A high tide paddle is where you would launch before high tide, paddle inland with the incoming tide, and then paddle back to the original launching location when the tide turns and is falling. The earlier you launch for high tide the longer your paddle trip can be. So launch a hour before high tide, and you will have a 2 hour trip out and back.

A low tide paddle is where you launch before low tide, paddle out with the falling tide, and then paddle inland when the tide begins to rise back to your launching location. The earlier you launch for low tide the longer your paddle trip can be. So launch a hour before low tide, and you will have a 2 hour trip total out and back.

A Shuttle trip is where you launch at the beginning of a falling or rising tide, paddle with tide to another boat ramp with the tidal flow. For this you require two cars or a pick-up at the second location.

Once you look at the tides for the day you can figure out what type of trip you want to plan.

2. Weather & Wind

For kayaking you want to check the weather forecast for any sort of thunderstorms or weather that would make paddling difficult. You should also check the wind speeds,  and we suggest for beginners not to paddle if the average wind speed is over 10 mph because the chop, and wind will make paddling much more difficult.

3. Boat Ramps

Once you have the tides, you can look at the Boat Ramps in your area, and see which ones you would like to launch from. For a Low tide paddle you probably want to start farther inland, for a high tide paddle you can start closer to the open ocean, and for a shuttle you want to make sure that the launching and landing area are not too far apart.

4. Float plan

Once you have your trip planned, be sure to tell someone who is staying home what your plan is, when you are going, where you are going, and when you will be back.  Iff there is some sort of emergency someone will know where you are.

Now have fun and enjoy your paddling!

Please let us know if have any questions.

We at Higher Ground would like to know what you think of our store, services, and products! Please let us know what we are doing right and what we can improve upon.

We would like you to review us here at our Yellow Marketing Page. After a quick registration (all info is kept private), there will be an option to review us at the bottom of the page.

Please give us your feedback so that we can serve you better!

Thank you!

Higher Ground Staff

Register Here

We are having a special event at Higher Ground to help people get out on the water this spring! Here’s how it works…

Spend $500-$749 on your kayak, and get $50 in store credit.

Spend $750-$999 and get $75 in store credit.

Spend $1000 or more  and get $100 in store credit.

Offer good through May 12th!

This offer applys to any kayaks we have in stock including Hobie, Wilderness Systesm, Perception, and Current Designs. Your store credit is also good for a whole year so their is no rush to spend your rebate once you received it!

If you have any questions about what kayak we have in stock or about this offer please feel free.

Photo credit: goingslo

Boat Length

Boat length is the first factor when deciding upon a kayak to paddle in the Lowcountry. The most popular length at Higher Ground are 12-14 foot kayaks. The longer the boat the more effectively it paddles, the less it turns each time you paddle, the better it is at gliding, and fighting any sort of wind or current. You can go longer than 14 feet but that is usually a little harder to maneuver in a tight creek or to transport. Though a boat over 14 feet would be a great long distance paddling machine or work out kayak. Under 12 feel is best for if you are staying in very protected waters or very short paddle trips.

Different length Wilderness System Tarpons

Boat Width

The next factor to look at is the width of the boat which you are interested in. The wider the boat usually the more stable it is but also the lower it’s top speed is, and slower it acceleration. It is best to get a boat that is wide enough for the amount of paddling experience you have, but that you can grow into.

Types of Materials

There are two major types of materials that most boats are made of. Most recreational to intermediate style kayaks are rotomolded plastic. Which is a thick plastic that is great for durability, toughness, and cost. It is easy to repair, hard to damage, and will last a very long time even if not well taken care of.

A Rotomolded Perception Carolina 14

The second type of material mostly used in intermediate to touring kayak is composite material usually derived from fiberglass, Kevlar, or a combination of both. These boats are much stiffer, lighter, and efficient then a comparable rotomolded plastic boat. They can scratch or with heavy abuse crack like any fiberglassed boat. But if they are properly cared for, and care is taken when launching or landing they will provide a lifetime of enjoyable and efficient paddling.

A Composite Current Design Willow

As always please let us know if you have any questions or if there was anything you would like covered in further detail.

]]> http://kayakbeaufortsc.com/?feed=rss2&p=357 1 http://kayakbeaufortsc.com/?p=442 http://kayakbeaufortsc.com/?p=442#comments Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:52:29 +0000 Paul Cuenin http://kayakbeaufortsc.com/?p=442 Higher Ground is Open on Sundays starting this week! We will be open from 12-4:30 so come by and get some great gear, clothes, or just hang out this Sunday!

Instant Gratification For Your Ears. Skullcandy is a company that strives to bring top quality sound in a headphone with a focus on the action sports based consumer and the ever growing electronics market. They are great headphones for hanging out, paddling, biking, or just relaxing on the beach! Great quality sound, and quality product.

The North Face Kids Clothes

We now have The North Face Girls and Boys Resolve Rain jackets in, and some great kids t-shirts too! Great gear for summer, and so tough you know it will be a great hand me down.

More Keen Sandals & Kids Keens

Keens super comfy, super popular sandals are back! With even more designs. We have Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s in stock now. Great sandals for traveling, kayaking, walking, or just relaxing.

New North Face Backpacks & Travel Bags

Made from durable laminate material, a spacious The North Face duffel is designed to handle the elements with extra bar tacks and double stitching.

PrAna Clothing

Some really great stuff for spring, and summer! PrAna make super high quality yoga, and climbing clothing that feel great and perform even better.

The North Face Mens

We have a bunch of new The North Face Summer clothes out on the rack! For guys we have the classic class v swim trunks, cool t-shirts, trek pants, trek shorts, and some great button down shirts including the Boulder Gorge S/S woven shirt which is a great fishing shirt.

The North Face Women’s

For the Ladies that love The North Face we have great shirts, capris, tank tops, class v swim trunks, and the super nice kayla wrap dress.

Horny Toad Clothing

New Women’s Horny Toad is all out on the rack with fresh plaids, super soft skirts & shirts, and some great capris. Come by and get yours before they are gone!

New Men’s Horny Toad is all out on the racks with great casual short sleeve button ups, soft Tees, and some super sturdy shorts. Come by and get some new clothes for the new warm weather!

We will keep you updated as we get more in! If you want instant updates then check our facebook page and become a fan!

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