Welcome to the best sports, recreation and fitness mecca in the United States! The Greater Charleston area has the most active and competitive recreational enthusiasts, per capita, than anywhere else in the states. Noble bragging yes, but the locals know it to be true. And until another sports-driven, metropolitan area challenges us – we will hold on to our banner in pride! We challenge another area to prove they can as well, provide A-Z in sports action! Sports activities for the visitor and local resident – it is all here for you! – compiled by the Charleston Metro Sports Council
A
ARENA SPORTS – SOCCER AND DODGEBALL
Arena City Soccer and Sports, is a year-round facility with recreational arena soccer and dodgeball leagues. GO! www.arenacitysoccer.com
ADULT TEAM SPORTS
Each local recreational department offers a number of league play for all skill levels. Refer to listing of “Recreation Departments” (pg. 25) for Web sites. The Charleston Sports and Social Club offers adult recreation team sports for softball, football, kickball, soccer, beach and indoor volleyball, frisbee golf, and more. www.charlestonssc.com
B
BADMINTON
Charleston has a local club of badminton enthusiasts. Open play every Friday evening at the College of Charleston’s Johnson Center gym. PH#: (843) 953-5559.
BASEBALL
A number of elite teams and clubs are available for the aspiring young baseball player. Check out Diamond Devils Baseball, www.diamonddevils.org, and Mt. Pleasant’s Diamond Warriors at www.diamondwarriors.org The local chapter of the national Men’s Adult Baseball League (MABL) was formed in 1992 and currently has eight teams. See Team Sports. GO! www.cmabl.com
BASKETBALL
See Team Sports.
BEACH SPORTS
Charleston County’s coastline has ample open public beach front access for swimming, surfing, paddelball, bocce and even nontraditional sports. The primary beaches are Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Edisto Beach, Seabrook and Kiawah Islands. GO! www.ccprc.com
BEACH TENNIS
First U.S. exhibition of this hybrid sport was held in May 2005 at the Charleston Maritime Festival. Now, the area is home to a Beach Tennis USA licensee group, the Carolina Beach Tennis. A new regulation court is located on the site of the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. GO! www.beachtennisusa.net
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Daniel Island is now home to a stop on the AVP Crocs Tour – The Charleston Open. Opportunities for locals to play in pre-tournament action. For the second year, the Family Circle Tennis Center will drop 1,500+ tons of sand on their 10K-seat stadium, making it the perfect venue for professional women and men volleyball players. GO! www.avp.com\charleston. In addition, the EVP Tour makes a stop at Isle of Palms Windjammer once a year. GO! www.eevb.net. And for recreational fun, the Charleston Beach Volleyball & Social Club is available. GO! www.charlestonvolleyball.net
BIKING
See Cycling & Outdoor Adventure Program.
BOATING
Some own, some lease and then some choose to have friends who have boats!
Where to Buy
In-water boat expos in the Charleston Harbor. SC Marine Association and Maritime Events/City Marina Co. host annual events. GO! www.scinwaterboatshow.com and www.charlestonspringboatshow.com
Where to Launch
14 Chas County PRC public boat landings, GO! www.ccprc.com
Where to Dock
More than 10 marinas along the inland waterway, including the Charleston Maritime Center, the host site for maritime activities. GO! www.ci.charleston.sc.us
Where to Eat
Many restaurants at Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village cater to diners by water. www.townofmountpleasant.com
BOCCE
Special Olympics of the Lowcountry hosts the region’s best corporate team challenge each year, the Bocce Bash, with close to 100 companies enjoying a day of competitive fun. www.boccebash.com
BODYBUILDING
The 2008 NPC JR. USA Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships will be held again at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center on May 17. Registration is available @ GO! www.npcjrusa.com
BOXING
Many locals practice their skills at Hurricane Boxing, a full service, state of the art boxing venue and practice facility for the College of Charleston Boxing Club. Boxers and enthusiasts at all levels are welcome. www.boxinggyms.com/hurricane.htm
C
CANOE
See Kayak/Canoe.
CYCLING
Charleston is home to the Lowcountry VW Racing Team, an amateur-level racing organization, GO! www.lowcountryvwracing.com. A number of short circuit and criterium races are held annually. FestiVELO includes a long week of all size tours, including a century and metric century tour in Charleston. GO! www.festivelo.org. This event along with many other activities are presented by the local Coastal Cyclists organization. GO! www.coastalcyclists.org
AREA RECREATION DEPARTMENTS
Due to Charleston’s unique geographic location, bridges and bodies of water separate the communities. However, collaboration efforts among the recreation agencies are far from being divided. These groups have developed cohesiveness and successful working relationships in providing various recreational programs and special events. They continue to maximize their resources through “partnerships,” ultimately allowing more funding to be used directly for the youth and adults involved in their programs.
Charleston County Park Recreation Commission
www.ccprc.com
Phone: 843-762-2172City of Charleston
Recreation Department
www.ci.charleston.sc.us
Phone: 843-724-7327City of North Charleston
Recreation Department
www.northcharleston.org
Phone: 843-745-1028Town of Mt. Pleasant
Recreation Department
www.mtpleasantrec.com
Phone: 843-884-2528St. Andrews Parks & Playgrounds
www.standrewsparks.com
Phone: 843-763-4360
SC PARKS
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site where history comes alive! Walk on the very spot where English Colonists in 1670 established the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. Visit the newly-renovated state park at 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. 843-852-4200 www.charlestowne.org
CHARLESTON WATERWAYS VOTED #1 VENUE FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Charleston Metro Area has a mild year-round climate with 234 days of sunshine, providing the perfect setting for outdoor sports and recreation. It includes more than 90 miles of Atlantic coastline, acres of freshwater lakes and rivers, and vast stretches of tidal marsh, the region is a water lover’s paradise. Just some of the water-centered activities enjoyed by area residents:
- Sailing and boating (with 17 marinas)
- Saltwater and freshwater fishing
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Swimming and surfing
- Shelling and beach strolling
- Bird watching
- Hiking and camping
- Hunting
- Waterside dining
Charleston Metro Area Parks & Preservation – More than 160 parks and recreational areas – encompassing more than 8,000 acres – are located throughout the region, with a total of 400,000 acres of protected lands. Programs are also in place to continually set aside dedicated green space and protected lands and waterways.
CYCLING – TRAILS
No mountains here, but the Francis Marion Park offers perfect terrain and a number of trails. GO! www.sctrails.net. Also, www.dirtworld.com offers a number of trails in outlying areas of Charleston.
D
DANCE AND CHEER
For young adults, there is a huge influx of national and regional youth dance and cheer competitions, with major events scheduled annually at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex. For schedules, GO! www.charlestonconvention.com
DANCE – SHAGGING
Charleston is mostly famous for creating the popular dance of the ’20s, “The Charleston.” On the other hand, or foot, The Shag has been declared the state’s official dance. Since the early ’60s, The Shag has been the favorite adult dance GO! www.charlestonshagclub.com
DISABLE SPORTS
Charleston has a number of proactive organizations to meet the needs of both youth and adults with disabilities, including physical and intellectual:
- Charleston Miracle League, a special field for disable children to play baseball, GO! www.charlestonmiracleleague.org
- Special Olympics of the Lowcountry, More than 1,600 athletes, 170 unified partners and 650 coaches and volunteers. Midwinter Games held in Charleston, GO! www.specialolympicsofthelowcountry.org
- Unified Sports, combine athletes with and without disabilities to enhance opportunities and achievements. All recreation departments offer programs, including the therapeutic programs at City of Charleston’s Recreation. GO! www.charlestoncity.info/recreation
- North Charleston Recreation Dept organizes a wheelchair basketball league and traveling team. GO! www.northcharleston.org
DISC GOLF
Charleston’s first private disc golf course is located at Trophy Lakes on Johns Island. 18-world class holes with many shots involving water, in and around trees, lots of strategy and unique pin locations. GO! www.h2osmosis.com/golfcourse.php3
DODGEBALL
See Arena Sports.
DOG AGILITY
Mt. Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park has been the host site for many U.S. Dog Agility Association events. GO! www.ccprc.com
DRAGON BOAT CREW
Dragon Boat Charleston is an active and competitive crew promoting wellness among cancer survivors and community through dragon boating at Bristol Marina. GO! www.dragonboatcharleston.org The inaugural Dragon Boat Festival will be staged at Brittlebank Park on May 3. All skill levels will compete and corporations are encouraged. GO! www.racedragonboats.com
E
EQUESTRIAN
Johns Island’s Mullet Hall Equestrian Center serves as a 738-acre host site for competitive horse shows, festivals, events, exhibitions, and trail riding. GO! www.ccprc.com
F
FENCING
The Dueling Society of Charleston provide fencing form, tactics, and psychology. Free mini-lessons each Wed. starting at 6:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park. GO! info@duelingsociety.com
FIELD HOCKEY
Local women’s field hockey information @ Ph#: 843-475-2442.
FIGURE SKATING
Carolina Ice Palace is home to the Figure Skating Club of Charleston and hosts a number of events & programs, GO! www.carolinaicepalace.com
FISHING, FRESH-WATER
Just outside the area, man-made lakes, Marion and Moultrie, are host to many competitive contests.
FISHING, IN-SHORE
A reputation for trout, snapper, bass, whiting and king mackerel which can be found in rivers, creeks and sounds indigenous to the Lowcountry. Shrimp and oysters are favorite choices among the dining enthusiasts.
FISHING, DEEP-SEA
Charters are available to take deep-sea enthusiasts to the world famous blackfish banks off Charleston Harbor. The Gulf Stream is 60 miles off the coast where dolphin and sailfish are plentiful.
GO-fish Web sites:
- www.dnr.sc.gov
- www.lowcountryfishscales.com
- www.carolinaladyanglers.org
- www.lowcountryanglers.org
- www.charlestonfishing.com
FITNESS ADVOCACY
Charleston Moves is a non-profit organization promoting bicycling, walking, running and public transportation for a healthy community and healthy lifestyle. A number of initiatives are on the “move” including working on the East Coast Greenway through Charleston. www.charlestonmoves.org
FITNESS TRAIL
A Parcourse FitCircuit Course is located at Hampton Park in Charleston and offers a method for gradual conditioning and all around fitness training. The equipment consists of eight separate fitness stations, with a total of 15 different exercise events. The loop road around the park is approximately one-mile long, offering a great area for walking, running, cycling and even rollerblading. For street closure times, go to www.ci.charleston.sc.us
FLAG FOOTBALL
See Team Sports.
FOOTBALL
See Team Sports.
FOX HUNTING
Middleton Place host the Blessing of the Hounds to mark the opening of fox hunting season each year in November. www.middletonplace.org
G
GYMNASTICS
James Island Recreation Complex is home of the Charleston Gymnastics Training Center. Talented and hard working athletes participate in competitions at the local, state, regional, national and international level and the competitive teams are recognized as one of the finest in the southeast. www.charlestoncity.info
GOLF
Charleston is the site of the first golf club, dating back to 1786. Now 222 years later, the area has some 30 private & public golf courses to call its own. A complete guide of all Charleston area courses. GO! www.charlestongolfguide.com
City of Charleston and North Charleston both own municipal golf courses. Charleston Municipal is located in James Island, www.charlestoncity.info, and Wescott Plantation in North Charleston/Summerville area, www.northcharleston.org.
H
HALF-RUBBER
A cross between baseball and stick ball, many claim the sport began on the Charleston’s beaches. Each year, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Mt. Pleasant stage competitions, bringing new visitors from other states.
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS (RUNNING)
Charleston’s own club is the Happy Heretics. GO! www.happyhereticsh3.us/home.html for the next run in the Holy City and other local areas.
HIKING
The Charleston Hiking Club, GO! http://www.angelfire.com/extreme3/chc
I
ICE HOCKEY
Carolina Ice Palace is the practice facility for the local professional hockey team, the South Carolina Stingrays and offers practice facilities for all age groups. GO! www.carolinaicepalace.com for a complete list of all local hockey associations, including the Charleston Youth Hockey Association.
ICE SKATING
Carolina Ice Palace is a state-of-the-art facility for all ages and skill levels. GO! www.carolinaicepalace.com
J
JET SKIING
The intercoastal waterway is a perfect venue for jet skiing and many rental establishments are available for the novice to the avid skier.
K
KAYAK/CANOE
Five public landings and the Atlantic Ocean offer easy access to water. GO! www.ccprc.com The Lowcountry Paddlers is a fun, diverse group of enthusiasts. GO! www.lowcountrypaddlers.net
KICKBALL
World Adult Kickball Association has the S.C. Palmetto Division for local players. GO! www.kickball.com/waka_divisions.phpll
KITEBOARDING
The Lowcountry Kiteboarding Organization is a diverse group of enthusiasts associated with one of the world’s fastest growing sport. Info @ Ph#: (843) 810-1551.
L
LACROSSE
The Charleston Lacrosse Club organizes adult lacrosse teams and volunteers to help coach high school teams. www.charlestonlacrosse.org
M
MARTIAL ARTS
A number of facilities for martial arts including Aikido, Karate, Judo, Ju-jitsu,and Taekwondo. Even the new craze of Kickboxing classes is held at centers, such as MUSC Wellness Center. GO! www.muschealth.com/wellnesscenter
MARATHON RUNNING
Kiawah Island just celebrated their 30th anniversary staging the area’s only marathon and 1/2 marathon. Kiawah Island Marathon is sanctioned by the USATF and listed as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. www.kiawahresort.com/recreation
O
OCEAN RACING
The Charleston Ocean Racing Association is a local sailing club, which hosts races and social events year-round. www.charlestonoceanracing.org
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM
Charleston County PRC provides a wide range of outdoor adventure recreation including hiking, backpacking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, a climbing wall and challenge course. The first of its kind to be accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. www.ccprc.com
Middleton Place also has a great outdoor program including, kayaking, nature trails, horseback riding and a challenge course. GO! www.middletonplace.org
OOZE BALL
Ooze ball is the largest mud volleyball tournament in the South. The College of Charleston Alumni Association hosts an annual tournament as a scholarship fundraiser. Close to 100 teams participate each May. GO! www.cofc.edu
P
PAINTBALL
An established club sport at The Citadel, where many cadet teams have competed on a national basis. Mt. Pleasant’s Park West Recreation Complex is now offering “Paintball days.” GO! www.mtpleasantrec.com
POLO
Charleston has a rich history of polo being played on plantations such as Boone Hall and Stono Ferry Plantations. Carolina Polo & Carriage Company for lessons. GO! www.cpcc.com
R
RACQUETBALL
Lowcountry Racquetball and St. Andrews Family Fitness, the home of two local tournaments annually, GO! www.scracquetball.org
ROCK CLIMBING
Charleston County PRC has a 50-foot-tall climbing wall with up to 14 top ropes. Combined with the Bouldering Cave, they offer 6,000 square feet of climbing surfaces. Host site for annual competitions. CLIMB! www.cpcc.com/polo.html
RUGBY
Charleston Outlaws Rugby Football Club for 33 years strong! Club hosts a number of local tournaments and travel throughout the state and region for competitions. GO! www.charlestonrugby.com
The Hurricanes WRFC is for experience and non-experience women rugby players. www.charlestonwomensrugby.org
RUNNING AND ROAD RACES
Charleston is home to a number of local running clubs including; Charleston Running Club, GO! www.charlestonrunningclub.com and Mt. Pleasant Track Club at GO! www.mtpleasantrec.com See page 39 for the 2008 schedule.
S
SAILING
Five Yacht Clubs provide sailing instruction for the beginner and racing opportunities for the challenger. 15 major regattas each year, including Hang-Over Cup in Jan. and Turkey Regatta in Nov. GO! Charleston Ocean Racing Association, www.charlestonoceanracing.org
SCUBA DIVING
Plenty of opportunities and clubs in the area, GO! www.charlestondiving.com
SCOTTISH GAMES
Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering is held at Boone Hall Plantation each fall. GO! www.charlestonscots.org/joomla
SKATEBOARDING
Mt. Pleasant Jones Center offers a unique outdoor facility for all skill levels. GO! www.mtpleasantrec.com
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING
No snow in Charleston, but the Greater Charleston Ski Club organizes great trips for locals! GO! www.charlestonskiclub.org
SOCCER
A number of soccer clubs are organized for the advancement of youth in this sport.
- Bridge Football Alliance, www.bridgefa.com,
- Charleston United Soccer, www.charlestonunitedsoccer.net
- Mount Pleasant Soccer, www.mpsoccer.com
- James Island Youth Soccer Club, www.jiysc.info
- Summerville Soccer Club, www.summervillesoccerclub.com
Spoccer.com is the hub for Charleston’s pickup soccer community. GO! www.spoccer.com. Go to Lowcountry Soccer, www.lowcountrysoccer.net for all schedules.
SOFTBALL
The North Charleston Recreation Department hosts five girl’s fast pitch softball tournaments annually. All are sanctioned by the National Softball Association for girls 10U-16U. GO! www.northcharleston.org and www.playnsa.com The North Charleston Recreation Department is affiliated with the Lowcountry Senior Softball Association and have men 50+ participate in both recreational and competitive softball programs. GO! www.northcharleston.org
SURFING
Folly Beach Washout with the best surf and a series of local and regional tournaments. Southern South Carolina/Eastern Surfing Association, GO! http://ssc.surfesa.org/
SWIMMING
There are many swimming opportunities available in the Charleston Area, including clubs, pools and beaches. Charleston Area Beaches (with lifeguards on duty seasonally) include:
- Folly Beach County Park. 600-foot beach front designated swimming area. www.beachparks.com/follybeach.htm
- Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah Island. 450-foot designated swimming area. www.beachparks.com/beachwalker.htm
- Isle of Palms County Park. 600 feet of ocean frontage. www.beachparks.com/isleofpalms.htm
From youth to seniors, Charleston offers a number of recreational swim clubs. The Palmetto Masters Swimming Program (18+) and the Marlin’s Southern Racing Team (the only Silver Medal Club, awarded by USA Swimming, in S.C.) Go! www.swimsmrt.com
SWIMMING – OPEN WATER
Rehabilitation Centers of Charleston hosts an annual 2.4 open water harbor swim, the Lowcountry Splash. GO! www.rcctherapy.com 2008 event to be held on May 31.
T
TEAM SPORTS
Each recreational department offers a unique blend of team sports for youth and adults, including Football, Flag-Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Softball. GO! To recreation department Web sites provided in sidebar on page 25.
TENNIS
Charleston has the 2nd highest number of league tennis players in the South, with 3,240 adults in local USTA league. Lowcountry Tennis Association is the premier local USTA league association, GO! www.lowcountry.usta.com.
For juniors, the Lowcountry Junior Tennis Association has formed, GO! www.lowcountryjuniortennis.org
Let’s Play Tennis is a free, non-commercial Web site for tennis players of all levels looking for tennis partners and friends. www.letsplaytennis.org/charleston
For women players, CALTA has over 700 members. www.caltatennis.net
To watch local professional tennis players compete each fall, GO! www.cptltennis.com
TRIATHLONS
The region currently has six events to call its own, including the Kiawah Triathlon, Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series (4) and the newest, East Cooper Coastal Triathlon. Local association is the Charleston Triathlon Club, GO! www.charlestontriathlonclub.com See page 39 for 2008 schedule.
U
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
The Charleston Ultimate Players Association, GO! www.charlestonultimate.com
UNDERWATER HOCKEY
The Charleston Blockade Runners practice and hold competitions at St. Andrews Family Fitness Plus., GO! www.geocities.com/thetropics/4434
V
VOLLEYBALL
See Team Sports.
W
WALKING
Pedestrian Lane, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
The three-mile bridge, which connects the City of Charleston and the Town of Mount Pleasant, has a 12-foot bicycle and pedestrian path along the entire south edge of the bridge overlooking the Harbor. Easy access and parking from both sides of the river.
The Westwalk I’On community walking trail in Mt. Pleasant has a series of three walks totaling 10 miles. The entire trail is in electronic form for use in GPS navigation system, GPX format. GO! www.ioncommunity.com
WATERSKIING & WAKEBOARDING
H2Osmosis Sports and Trophy Lakes on Johns Island, GO! www.h2osmosis.com
WIFFLEBALL
See Team Sports.
X
’XTREME SPORTS
Freestyle Motocross is just one unique sport the North Charleston Coliseum is host to each year. GO! www.coliseumpac.com for next show.
Y
YACHTING
The area is home to a number of yacht clubs and regattas all year around. GO! www.charlestonoceanracing.org
Z
ZAMBONI RIDING
Hockey fans go crazy to have the opportunity to ride the zamboni in other cities and this may just be a future activity for Lowcountry hockey enthusiasts.
