Image by Amanda Click / TheDigitel
Update April 27: After spending some quality beach time out on Isle of Palms this weekend, I figured this was well worth another plug.
For those of you who get antsy just laying on the beach, Tidal Wave Water Sports has the cure for your summertime boredom.
First reporting: I had the chance to spend an afternoon at Tidal Wave Water Sports last week and let me tell you, that crew out on Isle of Palms has every toy imaginable to show you an amazing time out on the water.
True, Tidal Wave is a popular tourist destination, but don't let that sway you from paying them a visit. Locals who are enthusiastic or curious about water sports should without a doubt check this spot out. No matter if you're an advanced wakeboarder looking to tear it up with some friends or a first time banana boater, they've got you covered.
Owners Michael Malley and twin brothers Mark and Michael Fiem are a laid back group of Pittsburgh natives who all met back in 90's in Ocean City, Maryland. The guys were doing the same thing up in Ocean City, providing jet skis and parasailing to the masses - that's more than 30 years experience between the three of them. With that experience and natural chemistry, the three reconnected about 6 years ago here in the Charleston area and Tidal Wave Water Sports was born.
So, what all does Tidal Wave have to offer? I'm so glad you asked! Tidal Wave offers up wave runner rentals, a 30-mile waverunner safari tour that takes you to Bull Island and through the Lowcountry's back waterways, parasailing, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana boat rides, tubing and chartered boat rides. Below is a picture of their fleet of waverrunners that are kept in top condition by their on-site mechanic.
It's a lot to take in, I know, so I'm going to go ahead and recommend the high-speed 30-mile waverunner safari tour and parasailing. At $115, The safari tour gives you the most bang for you buck. It's a high-speed follow the leader chase that lets you really utilize the powerful machines and explore some of the Lowcountry's breathtaking scenery. If you're looking for something more low key, parasailing will be right up your alley. A 10 minute boat ride takes you out between Capers Island and and Isle of Palms, and once you're up in the air, the view is out of this world. It's surprisingly calm and quiet up in the sky, so calm in fact that I had no trouble at all bringing my camera up with me to snap a few money shots.
The fellas took me out on a wakeboarding adventure once I was out of the air. Their brand new wakeboarding boat doubles as a boat that families, friends, or companies can rent out for an evening of fun on the Harbor. The boat had just been outfitted with a brand new sound system which we had bumping while owner Michael Malley and tour guide Dan De La Carrera shredded wake. Tidal Wave has boards to fit guests of all sizes, but feel free to bring your own gear, and tunes
Add some spice in your Charleston summer and visit Tidal Wave Water Sports. They're located at 69 41st Avenue at the Isle of Palms Marina. Check out their pricing options then give them a call at (843) 886-8456 to make reservations. Tell them Amanda from TheDigitel sent you.
For more pics from my trip, check out the photo set on Flickr.
