Learn wakeboarding, paddleboarding, fly boarding at Lake Murray

Riding around Lake Murray, various activities snare your attention.

You see women lounging on pontoons, wearing floppy hats, sipping on drinks with umbrellas and think, “I can do that.”

You see folks bouncing around on a tube behind a boat and think, “I could do that if I wanted to.”

Then you see other things. Dudes flipping upside down on a wakeboard. Someone breezing along in a sailboat. Fishermen casting and catching. Windsurfers. Paddle boarders. And you think, “I wish I could do that.”

Well, you can.

There are lessons for about every activity available on Lake Murray.

Boating

One of the first classes lake novices should take is boating safety offered by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

Boaters younger than 16 are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating, without supervision, a personal watercraft (Jet Ski) or a boat powered by at least a 15-horsepower motor.

But DNR encourages all boaters to take the course, either online or an instructor-led class.

“We recommend everybody take it,” said Robert McCullough, DNR spokesperson. “You’re going to get something out of it, no matter how experienced you are. Everyone can learn something.”

Go to www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated for information about the DNR boating classes.

Fishing

DNR also offers Family Fishing Clinics, teaching skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, and casting. Everyone ages 4 and older are welcome. For more information, go to www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed/fishingclinic.

Wakeboarding

For those interested in learning to wakeboard, the South Carolina Rough Riders will have their Weekend With The Pros from Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19 at the Frayed Knot restaurant. Pro wakeboarder Shaun Murray, four-time world champion, and the South Carolina Rough Riders will offer limited lessons and coaching.

Go to www.southcarolinaroughriders.com/wwtp closer to the event date for more information.

Paddleboarding

One of the newer lake activities is paddleboarding. California Republic not only offers lessons, but rents paddleboards as well.

“We have been teaching several hundred people per summer how to paddleboard since 2010,” said Steve Fisher, owner of California Republic.

“There is nothing like stand-up paddleboarding. It can be gentle and recreational and allow people the opportunity to converse and enjoy nature, or it can be a competitive outlet for those wishing to build a rock-hard core. It is everyman’s sport.”

Contact Fisher on Facebook, www.facebook.com/CalRepublic or call or text (803) 608-5033.

Windsurfing

For those interested in learning to windsurf, Whitecap Windsurfing offers small group lessons and clinics. Small group lessons are for a minimum of three and maximum of five people. Lessons are by appointment.

Go to http://whitecapsup.com for more information.

Sailing

Folks who want to learn to sail have several options.

Both of the largest sailing clubs on Lake Murray – Columbia Sailing Club and Lake Murray Sailing Club – offer classes and youth camps. Lanier Sailing Academy also offers options.

Go to www.columbiasailingclub.org, www.lmsc.org, and http://laniersail.com/a1/lake-murray-sc for more information.

Fly boarding

Perhaps the newest activity on Lake Murray is fly boarding, which works like a water-powered jet pack, with water pressure being directed from a personal watercraft through a 55-foot hose. This hose splits into two nozzles right under your feet, lifting you out of the water.

Lake Murray Watersports and Entertainment offers lessons, certification and the equipment to learn fly boarding. Go to www.lakemurrayentertainment.com/Watersports.

After all this activity, you can relax, sip drinks and wait for a spectacular Lake Murray sunset. No lessons required.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 11:09 AM with the headline "Learn wakeboarding, paddleboarding, fly boarding at Lake Murray."