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Beginners Guide to Surfing

Featured Image: Surfer Today

Have you ever wanted to start surfing, but didn’t know where to begin? We understand that learning how to surf can be daunting, which is why we’ve put together this beginner’s guide so you can learn the right way.

Choose the Right Board and Equipment

Beginning surfers often make the mistake of buying a shortboard first, when in fact these boards do not have the volume or length for a new surfer to catch enough waves to actually improve their skills. Instead, get a longboard between 9-10 feet. These are easier to paddle on and stand on, making it easier for you to be catching waves and popping up like a pro in no time. Once you’ve improved your basic skills, you can get your first serious board. When picking out your first board, you’ll also want to pick up an ankle leash, some surf wax, and (depending on the climate) a wetsuit.

Choose the Right Waves

Choosing the right location to learn how to surf can be difficult. When you first start out, you’ll want to avoid popular spots because they’re typically crowded. We recommend staying clear of these crowded spots to avoid putting yourself and others in harm’s way while you are learning. Once you’ve found a quieter location, find a stretch of ocean where the waves break over semi-shallow water (waist-deep to chest-deep). Here you can catch plenty of waves to practice paddling and standing up.

Learning Surf Etiquette

Learning to surf can be intimidating to some because of the reputation local surfers often have for being unforgiving to beginners, but as long as you follow the rules of the water you’ll have no problems. Surfing is somewhat unique in that waves are limited, which means every wave you catch is a wave someone else in the lineup can’t catch. Be mindful of who else is looking to catch the next wave, and if someone beats you to it, don’t drop in and cut them off. Maneuvers like that will land you on the @kook_of_the_day Instagram.

Don’t be this guy:

 

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God I rip #playgrabass #klassickook #kookoftheday #donthasslemeimlocal @keep.it.kook

A post shared by the Kook of the Day (@kook_of_the_day) on Mar 15, 2019 at 9:19am PDT

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Featured

Warmer Temperatures Mean Higher Numbers For Beach House Rental Properties

Featured Image Credit: 510oceanblvd.com

In 2014, a random survey conducted by College of Charleston showed that 20.7 percent of people who visit Charleston stay in a beach rental. This makes up for 900,000 of the visitors in Charleston every year. For 2017, this number has a strong possibility of jumping into the millions.

Even though Charleston is not the state’s biggest market for beach rentals, it’s definitely the strongest. Steven Ellis, who is a founding partner of Akers Ellis, said top-end prices have been increasing. For example, an eight bedroom oceanfront house on Kiawah Island can rent for up to $30,350 a week.

“The larger houses have grown in demand over the last several years,” said Missy Wurthhamm, general manager of villa rentals for Kiawah Island Golf Resort. “Inevitably our higher quality price point is the one that sells first.”

Folly Beach specifically rents out 80 percent of their beach front rentals during the summer. In comparison to Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms who have different attractions and a different vibe, Folly is known to have a more laid back atmosphere with a Bohemian edge to it.

Emily Johnson of Brevard, N.C., spends a week on Folly Beach every year.  “The surf,” she said while sitting on the beach east of the pier near her rental house last week. “I really like the restaurants. It’s very laid back.” The demand for a beach rental is becoming more and more popular. Jay Coan, also of Brevard, waited until the last minute to join his friends on Folly and couldn’t find a house for rent. He ended up staying in a hotel instead.

In 2016, an average room price for a beach rental property was $130.97. Currently, that number has risen to $141.17. From April until now, beach rental occupancy has also gone up 4 percent. This continued in the same months as last year, showing a steady rise year after year in the beach rental market.

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