Sullivan's Island / The Lighthouse, South Carolina (USA)

Predicting wind is tricky; a lot of our kiteable wind comes in unpredicted spurts and thermals that may only last a couple of hours and then immediately shut off. When the water reaches a certain temperature during the early spring, late fall, and throughout winter, Southwest winds have a hard time reaching the beaches. It is not uncommon for the offshore forecasts to predict 20-25 knots of Southwest wind in conjunction with a warm front (ie thermal) and weather system. If the weather system is particularly strong and not accompanied by a lot of moisture, you may actually have that much wind at the beach. More often, the Southwest wind brings up the Southern moisture from Florida, as well as the warmer (and welcomed) temperatures. At the right time of the year this just feeds the thermals and makes for some great ocean riding. Other times (like the early spring, late fall, and winter), the cold water causes a large layer of moisture to develop along the beaches. This layer of moisture seems to block the onshore South to Southwest wind and turns a 20-25 knot beach forecast into a 10 knot day at best. For long range frontal forecasts, follow the frontal boundaries and isobars. But there are a lot of days that happen based more on local weather, rather than large area fronts (i.e., thermals or the lack thereof).

In Charleston, surfing is a year round sport. Spring waters start warming in March and wetsuits soon disappear. Summer waters hit the mid-high 80's°F and stay warm till October. Fall/winter water temps drop toward Thanksgiving average in the 50's°F. Typically, you can get away with only very minimal warmth protection for 7-8 months of the year. Winter temps average low 50's°F and many kiters just wear a full 3mm wetsuit. However, certain fronts may change currents and waters have been in the mid-lower 40's°F on occasion (January to February). Spring suits are in fashion usually by the end of April (sometimes earlier), skin no later than mid May, and back into shorties by October. The really thick rubber (4/3), booties, gloves and hoods don't usually come out until December through February, but it varies.

Depending on tide and season, the lighthouse can bring mild chop on an outgoing tide or some fun waves on set of high tide. Currents can become strong at times and may work in your favor if opposing the wind direction. To the North is a sandbar, which can bring some awesome wave action on the outside, and a bath like slick on the inside. Moon jellyfish are common during spring and summer. Be sure to have protection (jelly lotion or water pants) to avoid irritating stings.