I work in a shop that has me surrounded by local sporting art but such local favorites of mine as Mike Savlen, and  Paul Puckett who are outstanding painters and artists but this art was in another medium.  Pallet wood, and the outline of fish are cut out of the repurposed wood.

The Artist, Jason Jernigan, moved here from Tampa Florida about a year ago.  He is a Pharmacist and was looking for a change of scenery, so the Lowcountry and MUSC called his name.  His profession keeps him indoors and this is a way for him to get outside and make his art.   Jason has only been doing the fish outlines for a ferw months and has plans on updating his process but he has the idea and the execution down.   I asked him why he liked doing the fish and he told me, “I love the water, always have. Its just relaxing and really, no matter what is going on I can get out there and be happy. I just like to have things around me that remind me of that.”

All the wood Jason uses is re-purposed pallet wood, he feels this gives the finished product a weathered and worn look.   The ones he showed me, a Redfish and a Sea Trout, both looked like vintage Bait and Tackle shop signs.  The Redfish is now proudly hanging in the hallway of my house and I smile every time I walk past it.  The rough, weathered look and the red stain remind me of “being out there” like Jason said and I know exactly what he means.   The Sea Trout has great detail, especially the “vampire” teeth up front are even cut into the silhouette.

We talked about the process of making these artistic pieces and how long it took to create one when he told me, “I usually can get one done in about 2-3 hours, counting time to paint and sand. Sometimes they take a little longer but not usually. ” He has done Redfish, Sea Trout, and a Tarpon but has received orders for Mahi-Mahi, a Hogfish and a Shark as well.  He also has plans for a Sea Turtle and a Marlin but he says he can pretty much do any fish anyone would like.   He currently has a few pieces hanging in Long Island Cafe and is hoping to have a few more hanging in more local establishments around town.

If you’d like to order one, or talk about the fish you’d like and what colors you’d like, E-mail is the best way to contact him and you can reach him at  jernigan.jason@gmail.com.  Jason adds that, all work can be 100% custom sized and colored.

here are the Mahi and the Hogfish that were just completed!

The post Holy Fish Art Batman! appeared first on Charleston Outdoors Magazine.

Two Tank DockDogs®:

Biggest DockDogs® Event in the Southeast

Double the splash, double the fun:

SEWE is proud to host the only two tank DockDogs® event east of the Mississippi

One of SEWE’s most popular events, Crowds will flock to Brittlebank Park to watch double the amount of this popular high-flying, big-splashing competition. With side-by-side 40’ x 20’ tanks, each holding nearly 30,000 gallons of water, dogs of all kinds and skill levels will compete in water jumping competitions, including Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve.“Waves” of competition will be held throughout the day Friday through Sunday, with finals Sunday afternoon. For more information or to pre-register your dog, visitdockdogs.com.

BRITTLEBANK PARK Registration Opens  |  Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. Competitions |  Friday &  Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.  |  Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Finals | Sunday, 4 p.m.

Special thanks to SEWE

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By Ali Akhyari

It’s the coolest small city in America according to GQ.  For two years in a row it has been the best city in the US according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine and most recently, the same magazine named it the best city on planet Earth. Indeed, our home has received a lot of attention and accolades from visitors. Really, though, the rest of the world is just realizing what locals have always known. Charleston is a beautiful, amazing place.

For sure, there is no shortage of natural beauty in Charleston. The city snuggles up to the Atlantic Ocean like a puppy and is traced by several tidal rivers that feed the marshes and create a base for the unique and beautiful ecosystem that makes Charleston so incredibly special. Additionally, we enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year. As a result, outdoors is a way of life.

Being surrounded by water, it should come as no surprise that James Island County Park has been host of the largest water-based festival on the East Coast for 22 years. The event will be even better on April 19-21, 2013 as the East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival evolves into the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival (ECPOF). The change recognizes that while Charleston makes it easy to be at the forefront of paddlesports, Charlestonians enjoy all manner of outdoor recreation.

“We want to take what has been a successful event for 22 years and make it better!” exclaims Josh Hall, Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission Outdoor Recreation Manager and mastermind of the festival. “If you loved what we have been doing with the Canoe and Kayak event, don’t worry; it will be here in all its glory with world class instructors sharing their trips and knowledge with paddlers.  Our hope is to expand the event and give other outdoor enthusiasts a reason to come take advantage of this great weekend.”

Gibbon Slack Line Team

To emphasize the exciting nature of the new festival, this year’s event will feature the high-flying antics of the Gibbons Slackline Team, who performed with Madonna in the 2012 Superbowl Halftime Show.  ECPOF promises to be the premier event on the eastern seaboard for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into paddling, biking, climbing, hiking, slacklining, camping, surfing, Frisbee golf or anything else, ECPOF will make you feel like a kid in a candy store, assuming you enjoy our planet Earth. Come see what all the fuss is about.

Mark your calendar:

www.ccprc.com/outdoorfest

 

The post Introducing the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival appeared first on Charleston Outdoors Magazine.

For many years, the area around Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant has been known for its seafood restaurants and its night life, with some great views of the creek and the marsh. Now you can also find a series of boardwalks with some wonderful views of the creek and the surrounding wetlands. Come out to Shem Creek Park and spend some time on its long boardwalks and short trails. While getting exercise, you will also see the historic creek and a variety of boats. This is a popular place for fishing as well.

The post Shem Creek appeared first on Charleston Outdoors Magazine.

This fall, your Charleston County Parks are working to offer Fit with Fido classes at James Island County Park!  Class dates and times this fall are below, or visit our website for details and to register. Be sure to sign up in advance to save your spot!

Paws & Pose Doga
at James Island County Park
That’s right, yoga for you and your dog! Regular practice brings greater flexibility, good health, and peace of mind for you and your dog. The class will begin with a 15-minute warm-up walk, followed by approximately 35-40 minutes of doga.

Dates & Time

• October 6, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• October 20, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• November 3, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Dog at James Island County Park

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Who Let the Dogs Out?

4^th Annual Dog Day Afternoon at Whirlin’ Waters Waterpark Sept. 9

Humans can beat the heat by escaping to area beaches and waterparks.  But what about man’s best friend?  On Sunday, Sept. 9, dogs will get their day at the waterpark at the 4^th Annual Dog Day Afternoon!

On that special day, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park opens its doors to canines, and the waterpark will truly “go to the dogs.”  Large dogs can romp around in the 27,000-sq. ft. Big Kahuna wave pool, while smaller pooches can make a splash in the refreshing Otter Bay kiddie pool. To maximize canine fun, owners will not be allowed in the water.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase at park concession stands, for cooling down the humans.

Advance admission is $10 per dog ($8 per Charleston County dog) and owners are free with their pets. Tickets are limited, so get yours today!  If available, all tickets sold on the day of the event will be $10.  Proof of your dog’s current vaccinations is required for entry to the event.

This event will mark the final day that a Charleston County waterpark is open.  Whirlin’ Waters closes for the season to humans on Sept. 3.  The 4^thAnnual Dog Day Afternoon is Sunday, September 9 from 12 – 5p.m. at Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark in North Charleston.  For more information, call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com. 

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Good Morning Charleston

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The Charleston Outdoors Dog!

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Let’s be honest, eighty-seven degrees is still hot. It’s just not as hot as ninety. As temperatures “drop” over the next few days, make sure to take advantage and get in some of the outdoor sports, music, and foodie events that the Lowcountry has to offer this weekend.

Start the weekend off Friday night as the Charleston Riverdogs plays the Asheville Tourists at 7:05 pm. The Dogs also plays the Greenville Drive twice over the weekend, first on Saturday at 7:05 pm and again Sunday at 5:05 pm. Sunday is family day at the Joe so bring the kids early to meet the players and enjoy free parking.

Soccer fans bummed that the UEFA Euro Cup is over can get their fill  of the sport Saturday night at 7:30 pm as the Charleston Battery takes on the Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island.

An outdoor music concert beats an indoor venue any day. Get in four different bands at the Last Summer on Earth concert at the Family Circle Magazine Stadium on Daniel Island. Saturday’s alt-pop/jam-rock lineup includes headliners Barenaked Ladies with support from Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Cracker.

If you haven’t yet checked out Mt. Pleasant’s new park, put on your shaggin’ shoes and head to the pier under the Ravenel Bridge for Shaggin’ on the Pier. Saturday night’s event starts at 8 pm and features live music from local bands.

Get out and enjoy the weather while supporting local businesses at the Charleston Farmer’s Market. Taking place in Marion Square from 8 am- 2 pm on Saturday, the market offers an abundance of fresh local produce, as well as tempting breakfast and brunch items, live entertainment, and an assortment of arts and crafts from Charlestonian artisans.

Okay, so it’s hot in Columbia. Really hot. But if you’re looking to get outside and out of Charleston for the weekend, check out our capital’s 3rd Annual Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival on Sunday July 15 at the urban farm City Roots. Presented by Slow Food Columbia and Sustainable Midlands, the festival features heirloom tomato tastings, a tomato contest, live music, tomato bobbing, and a tomato potluck.

The post Around Town: Get Out this Weekend, July 13-15 appeared first on Charleston Outdoors Magazine.

With the summer heat baring down on Charleston and the Lowcountry it might be time to stay cool indoors. Of course, you still want to be active and adventurous, so let me suggest checking out Coastal Climbing, Charleston’s premier Bouldering gym.

Kensie Whitfield and Jeanna Crockett didn’t open up Coastal Climbing just for the people of Charleston to escape the weather; instead they were fed up with the limited climbing opportunities Charleston provided.

“Growing up in Charleston I became frustrated with the lack of climbing,” Kensie recalls. He and Jeanna are sitting behind the welcome desk. It’s about 2:30 in the afternoon on a Wednesday and music is playing from the bouldering room. There are already a few climbers scaling the wall. Kensie continues, “I have been climbing for 14 or 15 years and I decided I wanted to spread my love of climbing to others.”

It was a 2011 summer climbing trip the Engaged couple went on that really cemented the idea of a climbing gym in their heads. “It was more of a soul searching trip,” Jeanna recalls. Later that year in November they found their space at 708 King Street.

Kensie and Jeanna see their climbing gym as more of a training facility for enthusiasts – like themselves – than a recreational gym. “Our ‘ideal’ client would be 18-30 year olds with a passion for climbing,” Kensie says. Jeanna quickly points out that they’ve already had climbers of all kinds since their soft opening on June 1st, “A lot of high school kids come during the day, and older active adults stop by frequently.” In fact, many of the locals around upper King Street drop by to use the gym equipment in the workout room.

Workout Room at Coastal Climbing

The facility not only includes a bouldering section with 13-foot high walls, but also has a workout room and a member’s lounge that over looks the wall. The lounge was designed as a place where members can use the Internet, and get some work done.

The bouldering space and training area takes up about 1,600 square feet of the 3,500 square foot facility. The bouldering wall is continuous with sections of different angles and grips. They change up the course every so often to keep the climbers challenged.

The Bouldering Wall at Coastal Climbing

“We want to provide a community here in Charleston for climbing enthusiasts,” says Kensie. Kensie and Jeanna still encourage beginners to come learn. “I have them sign the waiver, then I give them some lessons on the basics of climbing,” Kensie explains, “I want them to work toward being a confident and consistent climber.”

The rates are reasonably priced – a single day pass is $10 and shoe rental $3 – especially when you factor in the basic lesson Kensie provides for beginners. Monthly and Annual memberships are available for purchase (checkout Coastal Climbing’s website). Private Instruction is also available and these lessons are designed to take a climber – experienced or beginner – to the next level.

Yet the goal of the gym really is to be a haven for climbers. Kensie and Jeanna want the climbers to get to know one another and form relationships and share experiences. Already the two owners have witnessed experienced climbers helping out beginners.

Walking through the facility I overheard two young climbers discussing new climbing shoes. Kensie and Jeanna seemed familiar with the customers that stopped by during my visit. It certainly looks like the community is already getting established – the Coastal Climbing Facebook page already has over 500 “likes” as of July 1st.

Coastal Climbing gym is a new active place to hangout for both experienced climbers, and beginners looking to get into climbing. So if you are sick of the beach, the hot weather, or just looking for a new place to check out, go to Coastal Climbing gym on 708 King Street and get ready to climb your butt off.

Coastal Climbing’s grand opening is July 7th, but currently they are open 12-9 pm every day. More information is provided at coastalclimbing.com. Please email Kensie Whitfield with any questions about the gym at kensie@coastalclimbing.com.

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