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Folly Beach always has some kind of fun event going on, and the annual Wahine Classic is always one of the best. The all-girl surf contest is a two-day event featuring 16 different competitions, such as longboard, shortboard and tandem. This year, about 85 girls showed up from Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, as well local areas. Local favorites include Jenny Brown, Veronica Bolus and Kristen Tanner, who always take the majority of events.

But the Wahine Classic isn’t only fun for the surfers. About 200 spectators lined The Washout – the strip of beach on the east side of Folly with the best waves in Charleston – to watch the fun. People came with their kids, coolers and surfboards of their own the check out all the action. Even with the stifling heat close to 100 degrees, everyone was having a great time. Vendors, such as surfboard shops, set up brightly colored tents and each event was announced so everyone could easily follow the action.

There were five local judges, all surfers themselves who compete in events held by the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA). In the quarter and semi-finals, the girls have 15 minutes to catch up to 10 waves. In the finals, they have20 minutes to catch up to 12 waves. The judges score them on their two best waves and look for things such as good wave selection. At 4pm on Sunday, the girls were rewarded with surfboard charms to wear around their next. Each girl received a charm, in keeping with the just-for-fun theme of the event. Yes, it was a competition, but the Wahine Classic stresses making new friends over all else.

Case in point: Right before the awards were given, parents brought their kids into the ocean for the Push N’ Surf event. It introduces the kids to surfing and is fun for both boys and girls. This event isn’t judged – it’s purely for fun.

So next year, head down to Folly for the Wahine Classic. Can’t wait that long? Take your beach blanket down to The Washout to watch surfers take to the waves.

If fishing is your thing, the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Pier is the place to go. The pier is Charleston’s most popular spot for hauling in a big catch with a cooler of cold drinks by your side. Not only that, but the atmosphere can’t be beat. Standing 23 feet above sea level, the pier offers a spectacular view of the surrounding beach. When you’re not staring deep into the ocean water, you can catch a volleyball game being played nearby or check out the hot beach bodies lying on the sand.

Locals especially enjoy the many fishing tournaments on the pier throughout the summer. This year, things got started on May 21 with the Summer Pier Kickoff Tournament. And last Saturday, I stopped by the second Pier Fishing Tournament of the season to check things out for myself.

The day started early at 6am when parents and kids took to the pier. The timing was perfect; with Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, it was the perfect day for a little quality fishing time with good ol’ Dad. The pier was lined with people, mostly young kids enjoying the day with one or both parents. There was a lot of smiling and laughing, along with a few frustrated words when a catch turned out to be not so great. But it was clear that everyone was having a great time, despite the blazing sun.

When 4pm finally rolled around and everyone looked thoroughly exhausted, the awards ceremony began. Prizes were given for the largest King Mackerel catch and the three biggest catches. There are still two of these tournaments to come, on July 23 and September 17, and contestants will be judged in the same categories. The Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament, on August 20, will offer prizes for Adult Angler, Lady Angler, Youth Angler, Senior Angler, total weight of five fish and King Mackerel. The stakes are higher too; you can compete to win a boat, motor and trailer with a state record catch of Whiting, Spot or Croaker. Think you have what it takes?

Rental equipment is available if you need it, and each contestant can fish with up to two rods at once. For Charleston County residents, the cost to enter is $9 for adults and $7 for youth 12 and under. For non-residents, it costs adults and extra $3. For more info, call the pier at 843-588-3474 or visit the website.

And if you’re not a fishing a-fish-ianado, take a walk on the pier, which stretches 1,045 feet into the ocean, and see if you can spot someone hauling in the catch of the day!

You come to Folly for the ocean views and beach atmosphere, so why would you want to head inside when it’s time to eat? Most of the bars and restaurants on Folly offer outdoor seating, but only the locals know which porches, decks and patios are the best!

BLU Restaurant and bar has one of the most popular decks on Folly. It’s always jam packed on the weekends, mostly with twenty-somethings imbibing the day away. It sits directly on the beach, about 200 feet from the water, making it the ideal place to walk to from your beach blanket for a quick nibble. The food at BLU is some of the more gourmet that you’ll find on the beach, but the offerings outside consist of regular bar food, such as nachos. Dogs are welcome but BLU isn’t very kid-friendly on the weekends.

Bowen’s Island is about two miles from the beach, but well worth hopping in the car to get to. One of the most loved restaurants in Charleston, Bowen’s Island is little more than a shack with graffiti stained walls. So why do locals love it so much? The food and the atmosphere. Yes, there’s customer graffiti all over, but that’s just part of the charm. The outdoor seating offers views of marshland and wildlife, a nice change from the crashing waves. Food-wise, Bowen’s is known for shoveling piles of super fresh oysters onto your table and letting you dig in.

Snapper Jack’s is a popular place to catch live music on the weekends, but the view is another great reason to stop by. The third floor is a roof deck that overlooks Center Street and catches wind that smells of the ocean. The fare is typical burgers and beer, but the prices can’t be beat.

Taco Boy, also on Center Street, is another place you’ll often find a younger crowd. The small back patio is fenced in – so no views – but cozy nonetheless. There are a few coveted tables out front that allow for people watching. And the distinctive Mexican food is a Folly favorite, as are the margaritas. If you want to snag a seat on the patio here, you may have to wait your turn.

Folly Beach Crab Shack is a favorite for seafood, especially crab legs. The patio is fairly large and nicely lit up at night, but the beach is a quarter mile away. Instead, you’ll be watching people stroll down Center Street here as well. But when you’re on Folly, you don’t need to be right on the beach to be a part of the party.

Locklear’s Beach City Grill is on the pier and overlooks the ocean, much like BLU, but with more of a family atmosphere. Some locals think the food is just so-so, but it’s tough to beat the ocean view. At least stop in for a drink and listen to the waves.

Loggerhead’s is in the process of extending their deck, which sits a stone’s throw from the beach. The food is yummy and the location is great. Best of all, they have a good sized parking lot.

But the best way to find your favorite outdoor dining venue on Folly is to head there yourself and try them all!

Warm weather greeted Folly Beach the morning of April 30th as I headed down to the marina to prepare for the day. “A manatee passed through here about an hour ago-a big one” dockmaster Kurt Howard told me as I walked up to the dockhouse. Seems too early in the year, I think. Late April’s boating temperatures still warrant at least 2 clothing layers.

I put the word out to other mariners in the area. “I’ll keep eyes out”, responded Captain Joe of Charleston Outdoor Adventures. Daniel at Mariner’s Cay replied “Seen at homeowner’s dock around 8:30”. The reports, flowing back from the loose confederation of boat captains, tracked our April manatee’s progress up the Folly River. Around 2:30 that afternoon, Gresh Megget, of Absolute Reel Screamer Charters reported “He’s at Morris Island now”. Gresh watched the manatee moved through the flood channel between the sandbars, then out to sea.

In early May of 2008, I spotted a large pod of dolphin near the confluence of the Folly River and Lighthouse Creek. One of the dolphins appeared to have an abnormally short nose. As they came closer, I saw the huge mermaid tail of a manatee break the water. That particular day I couldn’t even find a fiddler crab to show my 6-year old passenger, so seeing such a rare sight made the trip. The animal turned into Lighthouse Creek heading toward the inlet at last sighting. I wonder if Gresh saw the same manatee I saw three years later?

Apparently, manatees frequent the Folly River. Since record keeping began in 1993, at least one manatee has been seen in the Folly River each year. In addition to the April 30th sighting, another manatee was seen passing north by Sunset Cay Marina on Saturday, May 28th. Is it possible that the same animals take this path each year?

The Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, is a common sight in warmer waters of central and south Florida estuaries. Manatee sightings in South Carolina peak in summer months, especially July and August, with few sightings as early as April. These slow moving marine mammals, reaching lengths of 13 feet and weights of 1500-2200 pounds, often become the victims of boat propeller strikes. According to SCDNR’s manatee page (http://www.dnr.sc.gov/manatee/lifeh.htm), between 1850 and 2004, 1117 manatee sightings have been reported. Boaters are encouraged to report manatee sightings to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/manatee/index.htm. If possible, make note of scars, which are used to identify individual animals. To avoid manatees while boating, DNR officials suggest traveling in the middle of channels, avoiding the creek edges where manatees swim.

Captain Anton DuMars, a coastal geologist and 30-year Folly Beach resident, owns and operates Tideline Tours, LLC. To contact Anton, please call or text 843-813-2497 or visit http://tidelinetours.com.

Charity work, serving the town, studying for exams, and acting in a big-budget Hollywood film are just all in a day’s work for Lindsey Lambrakos, the Queen of Folly Beach.

A clip featuring Lambrakos in "The Conspirator"

This Clemson student spent a few days earlier this year in Savannah filming the Robert Redford period piece “The Conspirator” which is all about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and other political officials during that time period.

Lambrakos played Fanny Seward in the film who in real life was the daughter of United States Senator William H. Seward. During the political upheaval surrounding the assassination of

Abraham Lincoln, an attempt was made on the life of William H. Seward and Fanny thwarted the would-be assassins by throwing her body over her ailing father and screaming for help.

In the film, Lambrakos acts out this dramatic scene and although it doesn’t last for more than a few seconds, it was enough to make her mother, local author

Lambrakos as Fanny Seward

Andrea Weathers, almost jumps out of her chair in the movie theater.

Both Weathers and Lambrakos went to Savannah for the filming of the movie. To prepare for the role, Lambrakos – who is a blonde – had to have her hair dyed blonde and bushy eyebrows drawn on seeing as women in the late 1800s didn’t spend much time plucking and waxing their brows like they do today.

Lambrakos also donned period clothing that included a corset, lace up shoes, petticoat, and old fashioned blouse and jacket, and jewelry. While at first it was fun to dress up, Lambrakos said after almost 20 hours of wearing the restrictive clothing she was ready to get out of them.

But for that small discomfort, Lambrakos said it was a thrill to work on the film.

“Working with Robert Redford was amazing,” she said. “He is like a living legend and to be directed by him was a great learning experience.”

Lambrakos has appeared as an extra in episodes of “Army Wives” and in a few commercials. She said she has no plans to make the Hollywood life into a career, but has a great time when she does take time out from her busy life to do some acting.

“It’s so exciting to see myself on screen,” she said. “When I saw the movie, I had two friends on either side of me and we were screaming during my scene.”

There’s nothing like going down to the beach, sniffing a washed up sea creature, rolling around in the sand warmed by the sun, and then running crazily into the ocean to meet a wave head first. At least that’s how it is for dogs.

The beach is like Disneyland for dogs. It’s full of different scents, tidal pools, various wet treasures like washed up jellyfish, seashells, sand crabs, a variety of birds, and the waves. Dogs love jumping over waves, chasing the sea foam, and taking a nice salty lick of the water. All in all, the beach is one of the best places for a dog to have a great time.

While dogs are allowed on Folly Beach year-round, from May 1 to September 30 dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A maximum fine of $500 can be issued to anyone who breaks this rule. Dogs must be on a leash while on the beach and under control by their owners. As always, dog waste must be picked up by pet owners.

These restrictions mean that vacationers who bring their dogs along on vacation can catch the sunrise and sunset with their dogs and have ample time together each day on the beach. During the peak hours when families are on the beach dogs will have to use that time to take a nice nap on the porch or curl up inside.

Many homes available for rent offer pet fees so that dogs can come along with their families to partake in the family vacation. If you’re looking for a place to stay check out our vacation rentals here.

Every summer thousands of families make their way to Folly Beach for fun-filled days on the beach. But when the lights go down and the waves crash on the empty beach, the Loggerhead turtles make their way out of the depths of the ocean to lay their eggs in the sand.

Every once in awhile, a lucky vacationer will get to see a female Loggerhead make her way out of the ocean and begin the nesting process. The sight of one of these turtles alone is remarkable as they are approximately three feet long and can weigh up to 300 lbs. Another amazing characteristic possessed by the Loggerheads is that it is widely believed to be true that they return to where they were hatched to deliver their own eggs.

Once on the beach and away from the surf (which takes 45 minutes) turtles begin to lay their eggs, which takes another 45 minutes. The turtles use their back flippers to dig their 18-inch nests. This process requires tons of energy, so it’s advised that vacationers and residents leave nothing behind after a day at the beach. This includes filling in any holes that were dug, smoothing over sand castles, and leaving the beach as natural as possible to make the turtles’ nesting process easier.

It takes anywhere from 45-65 days for the eggs to hatch. Once hatched, the hatchlings are on their own as their mothers do not come back to the nests to guide their young into the water. The hatchlings follow the moonlight to make their way into the water, which is why it is important for vacationers and residents to keep external lights off at night. Hatchlings can become confused by artificial light and find themselves in the street, tangled in the brush, or under beach houses.

From May to October, residents and vacationers are required to keep their external house lights off so that nesting turtles will lay their eggs. When artificial light is present, the turtles will often times avoid nesting and will release their eggs back into the water.

While walking on the beach at night is by no means prohibited on Folly Beach, it is recommended that red-light flashlights are used as opposed to standard flashlights. However, shining any kind of light on the turtles or using flash photography is prohibited.

Should vacationers come upon a mother turtle on the beach during any stage of the nesting process, the turtle should not be disturbed. The same goes for nests; these are protected by volunteers with Folly Turtles who make sure that nests are identified and observed so that the future hatchlings have a chance to make their way back into the water.

The best thing to do for the turtles aside from turning off external lights and keeping the beach clean is to contact Folly Beach Public Safety at (843) 588-2433 to report tracks or turtles.

Folly Beach has it all; sandy beaches, luxurious homes and condos, bars, restaurants, shopping, and more – all of which make it the perfect location for the wedding of your dreams.

The town of Folly Beach makes it easy for couples to tie the knot on the beach. Marriage licenses need to be obtained from the State of South Carolina for $70. Licenses can be obtained at the county courthouse in Charleston at 100 Broad Street, suite 469, on the 4^th floor anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 843-958-5182 for more information.

Couples need to wait 24 hours from the date of the application to obtain the license. Couples under 26 must present photo ID and couples must be at least 16 years of age. For weddings with more than 25 guests, a party permit needs to be obtained from the Public Safety Department.

Eager brides and grooms excited to get married will be pleased to know that no matter what season it is, Folly Beach provides beautiful weather almost year-round with the warm spring season, sultry summer weather, and a long-lasting autumn. This allows for weddings right on the beach complete with ocean breezes and the sound of the surf.

Popular locations on the beach perfect for nuptials include down by the lighthouse or at the county park. While the lighthouse itself is surrounded by water, when the tide is out the location provides for a scenic view of the beach, water, and the historic lighthouse. This setting is ideal for a small wedding.

The Pelican Watch Shelter at the Folly Beach County Park provides two levels of beach accessible shelter with a capacity of 200 people. This location provides views and access to the beach and can be used for the nuptials and/or  reception.

Picnic tables, grills, water and electricity access, and restrooms are available. The use of bands, loudspeakers, and any amplified music requires permission from park management. For wedding parties with more than 99 people  security is required.

The Pelican Watch Shelter can be rented for $450 for a day rental and $825 for a day and night rental, which covers the hours of 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Contact the state park at (843) 795-4386 to reserve the shelter.

If you are looking to plan a wedding on Folly Beach, visit the Folly Beach Wedding Guide right here on FollyBeach.com. Here you will find wedding planners, photographers, stylists and more. Our well known professionals are sure  to make your special day one to remember.

With the multitude of rental homes and condos on Folly Beach, a wedding day can extend into an entire weekend or week-long event. Check out the Folly Beach rental options available here.

“Are there any sharks here”?  I hear this question often from pre-teens, and increasingly as summer swimming season approaches.

Yes:  sharks swim here everywhere.  And sharks have been swimming here for a very, very long time.  Sharks came into existence some 400 million years ago during the Devonian period, almost 200 million years before the appearance of dinosaurs.  The fossil record has revealed approximately 2000 different shark species, while almost 1000 species live today.  Sharks have been quite successful.

Fishermen have been more successful and recently shark numbers have declined sharply.  One reason stems from shark biology.  Sharks grow and mature slowly, reaching breeding age around 7 to 8 years old.  They may stay pregnant for up to a year or more and only have a hand full of “pups”.  Shark fishing “takes” have apparently outnumbered shark births.  Contributors to the worldwide decline include targeted shark fishing for fins and food, and incidental catches from longline fisherman and drift nets.

Around Folly’s tidal creeks in the summer, I see 2 to 3 ft Bonnet head sharks almost every outing, swimming along the creek bank, scattering bait as they cruise for a meal.  Less often, I see black tip sharks, up to 100 lbs, exploding out of the water though a school of Menhaden.  One particular weekend, while measuring shoreline changes on Dewees Island, just North of the Isle of Palms, I witnessed hundreds of acrobatic Black tip shark jumps (at least 1 jump every 30 seconds or so, it seemed).  Our survey work took us waist deep into the water mere yards from the action, which was both exhilarating and a bit unnerving.  Also swimming among us, we find large Bull sharks, larger Tiger sharks, and (very rarely) Great white sharks.

On June 14th, 1964, Walter Maxwell found himself attached to a world record Tiger shark while fishing from the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach.  The shark weighed in a day later at 1780 pounds.  I personally have witnessed sharks catches up to 500 pounds within two miles of the beach.  My right thumb sports a nice scar from a careless Bull shark encounter.  Coincidentally, this same thumb found itself inside the mouth of a rattle snake during a 7th grade baseball practice.

“A lawyer fishing for sharks” sounds like the beginning of a joke.  But, in actuality, a (very ethical) local lawyer (and life-long Folly resident) has practically made a second career of catching, measuring, and releasing sharks within the waters surrounding Folly Island.  His boat hull serves as a large measuring stick as he brings the fish alongside.  This man’s data has contributed greatly to the body of science on sharks.

So, lets review:

-Sharks have lived on earth a very, very long time, but man may put an end to them without the help of worldwide conservation efforts.

-Sharks swim among us, but rarely hurt us, which seems to indicate we’re not their primary source of food.

-Large sharks will hurt you if you get too close.

-Lawyers can do good things for sharks.

As a Coastal Geologist and Ecologist, Anton DuMars brings science and education to Folly Beach visitors. To experience one of his tours, contact Tideline Tours here or by calling Anton at 843-813-2497.

Every year on the last day of the Festival of Carnival people all over the world prepare for one of the biggest parties ever. This party is what we all call Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Traditionally, it signifies the entrance into the fasting days of Lent for all those of the Catholic faith, but it’s also just a great excuse for a massive party.

While many think the real action happens way down in New Orleans, it’s probably just because they’ve never made it out to the annual Folly Gras festival and parade on Folly Beach.

Each year before Mardi Gras, Folly Beach shuts down the already bustling Center Street and kicks up the pace by turning it into a street fair full of New Orleans’ style food and drinks, dancing, activities, art, music, and a parade. With all the festivities going on, party-goers will think they’re down on Bourbon Street in the Bayou.

In keeping with the celebratory atmosphere, visitors are encouraged to come in full Mardi Gras regalia by wearing face masks, beads, and costumes to celebrate on the street. Masks and beads can be purchased at City Hall.

In addition, the public is welcome to take part in the parade as long as they’re dressed to the nines -Mardi Gras style.

To be in the parade, participants need to meet on West Arctic Street in front of the Tides hotel at 1:30 p.m. to prepare for the 2 p.m. parade. Vehicles are also allowed in the parade, but they must be fully decorated to cruise Center Street. Trophies will be given out for best float, costume, and food.

While the streets are bustling with people of all ages enjoying the street fair, local bands Gaslight Street, Guilt Ridden Troubadour, Shakin Martinis, SoulFish, and Elise Testone and the Freeloaders will be rocking out for your enjoyment. The Folly Beach Art Guild will also have their work on display in the vicinity.

The actual event is scheduled to last from noon until 5 p.m., but no die-hard Mardi Gras fan will stop the party before the shank of the evening is underway. After celebrating all day long on the street, keep the party going by visiting one of the many bars and restaurants on Folly Beach.

So come out to Folly Saturday, February 26 and be ready to get your party on.