THE LURE
Charleston offers some of the most well-rounded kiteboarding conditions in the US. The launches are friendly and there's an abundance of culture, history and alternative activities to keep everyone happy.

THE SET UP
The term 'Low Country' refers to South Carolina's southeast coast where the land is very flat compared to inland, where it rises dramatically to form the Blue Ridge mountains, just north of Charleston. There really are too many spots to mention on this 63-mile stretch of coast, so here are the basics: 60% of the spots are within 19-miles of each other. Ten spots are easily accessible by car, but so many more can be got to by boat as the nine barrier islands provide flying spots for any wind direction. The locals are really friendly and the huge pristine beaches offer plenty of room for launching and rigging, and if you like wheels, you'll find plenty of riding on the hard-packed sand. The salt flats and Atlantic waves make a mind-blowing playground for all experience levels. With low tide sandbars there are waves, flat water and mild chop for kickers all within a few tacks of each other. Atlantic swells can provide epic wave riding, and in general the water depths vary from kneedeep to over head height, depending on location and tide.

WIND & WEATHER:
The prevailing winds are cross- to cross-onshore with March to June boasting steady warm southerlies averaging 15 to 25 knots. The afternoon thermals from July to September come in a little less, at 12 to 18 knots. Fall and winter offer similar speeds, but from often gusty northeasterly frontals. In summer you can expect air temperatures in the 32°C/90°F region, and in winter closer to the 10°/50°F mark.

WATER:
Temperatures in the summer peak at 27°C/80°F and drop to 10°C/50°F in the winter.

CENTRES
From affordable to plush luxury, Charleston has it all: motels, hotels, inns, beach homes, condos, villas and cabins. Nightly prices range from $40 - $500. Dine on anything from home-style BBQs to eclectic gourmet dishes. Eat from $3 to $50. There's lots of choice and all the nightlife you can handle. If you're feeling casual, hang out on the islands. Those on a shopping mission can head to Charleston Peninsula where they'll also find the college of Charleston campus, so you can be sure of a lively vibe. Other activities include: surf, wakeboard, hike, bike, fish, kayak, skate, take in some art, watch a show, visit museums, plantations, forts, music festivals, tours and of course, shop!

AIRPORTS:
Charleston International Airport (CHS: Between a 20 and 45 minute drive from various spots – has connections to every major US city. Also fly to Columbia (CAE), Myrtle Beach (MYR) or Hilton Head Island (HHI) – all roughly 90 minutes away from Charleston area by car.

GETTING ABOUT:
There are good transport links in the US, but with so many spots on offer it makes sense to get a hire car. Lots of companies operate here.