Pawleys Island: Rent kayaks and embark on a scenic adventure

Are you and your family searching for a family-friendly water activity that combines adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty on your next vacation to Pawleys Island?

Kayaking in the creeks around Pawleys Island, or even in the ocean, could be the perfect choice. Of course, there are several local businesses that are ready to help make your kayaking experience one to remember.

The best bets for kayak rentals are Pawleys Kayaks, in business for 14 years, and Surf the Earth and Pawleys Island Beach Service, both in business for more than 30 years. Each of these businesses handle rentals and delivery of kayaks to your location.

‘A great place to kayak’

Molly Marlow, who owns Pawleys Kayaks with her husband, Ben, said Pawleys Island is a great place to kayak because of the dichotomy of creek vs. ocean.

“You can kayak in the ocean, which some visitors love to do in the early morning when the ocean is usually calm,” she said. “You can also kayak in Pawleys Creek, a beautiful salt marsh with lots of twists and turns.”

She said most people choose to kayak in the creek where they can see a variety of fish, coastal birds, and other animals.

“It is possible to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or even dolphins feeding in the creek, Marlow said.

Scott Benston, owner of Surf the Earth, agreed, saying that residents of the Pawleys Island area are “blessed to have such a spectacular ecosystem in our backyard.”

“Pristine salt marshes and secluded beaches offer year-round escapes,” he said. “Whether you’re exploring, birding, fishing, or just escaping, you are surrounded by water.”

Adrienne Fontenot, general manager of Pawleys Island Beach Service, said that the natural beauty is amazing, especially on Pawleys Creek.

“You’re sure to enjoy the meandering creek scenes and wildlife when you’re out on the water,” she said.

Family-friendly activity

Marlow, Benston, and Fontenot agree that kayaking is a family-friendly activity on Pawleys Island. Kayaking is fun for the whole family because it’s easy and convenient.

“Family members of all ages can enjoy kayaking, from toddlers up to grandparents,” Marlow said. “Visitors can have kayaks delivered to their vacation rental home, so they can use them on their own timeline and for whatever duration they want to kayak each time.”

“There is something for everyone in the family,” Benston said about kayaking on Pawleys.

“Day adventures are awesome: exploring our salt marsh creeks, hanging out on secluded sandbars, experiencing the local wildlife (dolphins, turtles, and shore birds), shelling, fishing,” Benston said, “or just relaxing and floating with the tides.”

In addition to rentals, Surf the Earth offers nearby kayaking excursions called eco-tours.

“Come along on our North Inlet Kayak Tour in partnership with The North Inlet Estuarian Research Reserve,” Bentson said. “It is an exclusive guided kayak tour through one of the healthiest ecosystems on the East Coast — a very special tour.”

Fontenot said kayaking on Pawleys Island can be an adventure families will always remember.

“Not only are you enjoying the outdoors as a family,” she said, “but you never know what you might discover:  a sandbar that offers a fun spot for a bite to eat, a new honey hole for fishing, or a sighting of one of the many bird species that call the island home.”

Bird species include Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans, Great Egrets, Osprey and more. There are also many species that migrate to Pawleys Island at certain times of the year, including Roseate Spoonbills, Piping Plovers, and Ruddy Turnstones.

Safety

As far as safety goes, Pawleys Kayaks, Surf the Earth, and Pawleys Island Beach Service all provide personal floatation devices with their rentals. They also suggest checking the tide and the weather before going out on the water, carrying a whistle, watching out for other boats and watercraft, being careful around docks and boat ramps, and wearing water shoes because of sharp oyster shells under the water’s surface.

“We love Pawleys Island, and we want you to love it, too,” Marlow said. “It is our pleasure and mission to make your trip to Pawleys Island enjoyable and memorable.”

For more information about rental and delivery costs for kayaks, as well as other rentals each of the businesses offers, including paddle boards, small boats, surfboards, and more, visit the websites for Pawleys Kayaks, Surf the Earth, and Pawleys Island Beach Service.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce