Behind the scenes at the Charleston magazine photo shoot

Behind the scenes at Shem Creek Boat Landing

It's always a pleasure working with a talented photographer. Yesterday's late afternoon photo shoot for Charleston magazine's upcoming "Water" issue (June) was at first terrifying, and then a real treat. With tornado warnings in effect, Charleston-based photographer Ben Williams didn't feel like we should reschedule due to "a little wind." Obviously he's not a regular SUP'er! But we were good sports and did what he said, including stripping down to shorts and bikinis in the rain for the first round of portraits at Red's Icehouse as the happy hour crowd poured in. The clouds eventually parted and the lighting was perfect for a group paddle session at Shem Creek Boat Landing.
It's good that Charleston's local media have finally taken an interest in standup paddleboarding and her growing community. With so many rich waterways and calm beaches, there's no reason this can't be a top SUP destination.
Look for Charleston magazine's June issue featuring locals who live to surf and standup paddleboard. With Ben Williams behind the lens, it's sure to be a beautiful sight.

Contact us at: dean@deanwatersports.com

Padding 2,200 miles for two great causes

Will Rich and Mike Simpson paddle in to Shem Creek after 670 nautical miles

Pictured: Mike Simpson, Dean Johnson, David Clifford, and Will Rich

Tonight we had the honor of meeting Mike Simpson and Will Rich from SUP the Coast during their short stop here in Charleston, SC. These guys are paddling from Key West, Florida all the way to Portland, Maine for two great causes- the Wounded Warrior Project and SUP Cleanup. They've been at it since March 1, in hopes to paddle at least 30 miles per day. Most days the weather has not been on their side, but they keep plowing up the East Coast regardless of the sideway rains and strong winds. Paddling 17' Bark boards, they are equipped with camping gear, bug suits, zinc sunscreen, and a leaky waterproof bag carrying an iPhone, GPS and SPOT tracking device. Will uses his iPhone to blog, tweet, and update the SUP the Coast Facebook page. As we shared a bucket of PBR, Dean Watersports got the lowdown on their 670 nautical mile journey thus far. These guys are rock stars! And they are going to have a lot of great stories by the end of this trip.

To learn more about SUP the Coast and this charitable quest, visit:

http://www.supthecoast.com/

To follow their blog:

http://supthecoast.wordpress.com/

Best of luck Mike and Will! We hope to see you in Wrightsville Beach, NC for the Carolina Cup on April 30.