Folly Beach’s hot-rod icon Paul Martin takes the drop on a wild Lowcountry wave, courtesy of Hurricane Irene.
NATIVE TALENT Charleston’s own Alexander Hume Ford (pictured here in a suit at Waikiki’s Outrigger Canoe Club, which he founded in 1908) saved the sport of surfing from oblivion.
SECRET SPOT: Author Chris Dixon sits off the lineup at one of our state’s remotest surf spots. “I can’t reveal where this one is though,” he says. “My buddies would never forgive me.”
Cape Island, Lighthouse Island, & Raccoon Key
Cape Island is part of the most untamed shoreline on the entire East Coast.
Luke Pope-Corbett’s loaded down Carolina skiff departs Garris Landing.
The easiest way to get a heavy surfboard across Bulls Island is by improvised trailer.
Luke admires one of the wild denizens lurking in a ditch.
“Pirate” Pete Kornack follows on the path to the beach.
The crew finally makes it down to the beach.
Getting prepped
Pete and Chris unload the boards.
Jellyfish are a common sight along our wild coast. Cannonball jellies like this aren’t much of a threat; it’s the wispy sea wasp, sea nettle, and Portuguese man-of-wars that can turn even a small-wave surf session dangerous.
Photographer Peter Frank Edwards dives under a wave.
Chris Brown prepares for an offshore drop.
Bulls Island
The Bulls Island Boneyard was once a forest. It’s a beautiful and dangerous spot with plenty of sunken hazards. Don’t try to surf here.
Capers Island Heritage Preserve/ Price & Dewees Inlets
Luke Pope-Corbett takes a drop, miles from civilization. Out here, you’re on your own.
Morris Island
When they’re not teaching surfing, Jenny and Chris Brown are happy to explore Sandy Point for waves.
Heading out of Folly Creek
Chris Brown, Luke Pope-Corbett, Jenny Brown, and Chris Dixon walk along beautiful Sandy Point.
Dixon’s dog, Frieda, mopes at not being allowed on a trek out to Bird Key.
Chris Dixon and Jenny plot their next beach landing.
A well-deserved break
Dixon’s VW camper has provided a home base for surf missions across the South.
Chris Dixon sets a speedy line miles from home.
Bird Key-Stono Seabird Sanctuary
Sandy Point, Kiawah Island
Jenny Brown takes off on an offshore peak.
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area
Luke Pope-Corbett
