Isle Of Palms Magazine Spring/Summer 2019

12 www.IsleOfPalmsMagazine.com | www.ILoveIOP.com | www.IOPmag.com [ Feature ] Island and the wave setup for kiteboarding,” said Lurkin. He also mentioned other great attributes of kiteboarding on Isle of Palms being the access and that it doesn’t cost you anything but time. For him, an optimal day kiteboarding is when his two sons can join him at Breach Inlet to experience chest-high waves and southwest winds of 20-25 knots. If you’re contemplating a day kiteboarding, you can always call ahead to Force and check the weather conditions or swing by and pick up a map they created which shows the prime spots to kiteboard on Isle of Palms and other local beaches. The map features important information on wind direction, rider safety tips and local rules. Force also offers a free night class every month where they cover the essentials of weather decisions, beach etiquette and safety information in a laid-back setting. Now that you know the basics, it’s time to stop wondering about kiteboarding and start learning the sport. Dilling’s favorite thing to do as a kiteboarder in Isle of Palms is called a “downwinder” or “downy,” in the local lingo, where you set up for a downwind run and cruise down the coastline. While the Isle of Palms conditions for surfing are less than ideal, as Dilling noted, “It’s a good place to be a kiteboarder.” Force kiteboard instructor JP Lurkin lives on 37th Avenue on the Isle of Palms. He frequently kiteboards in that area with his two teenage boys, but he says most of the island except for front beach is good for kiteboarding. Before Lurkin started kiteboarding, he described himself as a “weekend warrior” who loved surfing and sailing. When he began kiteboarding in 2004, it made sense to use a strapless surfboard (called a directional board in kiteboarding lexicon). He has been a kiteboard instructor since 2007. He’s even taught kiteboarding in Miami during some winters, but this area always drew him back. “There’s something about Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Sesh: Going for a ride. Boosting: Big jumps or catching air. Downy: Colloquialism meaning you are setting up for a downwind run. Kitemare: A kiteboarding accident. Walk of Shame: When you’re not able to come back to where you started, and you have to walk back upwind along the beach. A kiteboarding map showing the best places to kiteboard on Isle of Palms and surrounding beaches, as well as the most favorable wind conditions for each location and what skill levels can do it safely. Learning the Lingo Kiteboarding Terms www.forcekiteandwake.com