Georgia Magazine - July 2013 - (Page 43)

Paddleboarding Paddleboarding started in Hawaii, says North Myrtle Beach, S.C., native Chris Tilghman. Most people use boards made like kayaks, with a standing platform on the top, says Tilghman, and you steer it with the long one-handled paddle. “To protect the rider, we wear helmets, knee and shin guards,” he says, adding, “and I like to wear motocross gear that has pads to protect the hip and tailbone, because occasionally you do bounce off rocks.” Tilghman, who owns Surf Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, says you don’t have to know how to surf to do stand-up paddleboarding. He even did a class for women ages 60-70. At High Country Outfitters, located in Atlanta and Marietta, and founded in 1975 by James “Bubba” Sloan, paddleboarding is a major element, with some activity on the Chattahoochee River, where a six-mile race draws competitors. “Get the right board,” advises Sloan when asked how best to get started. He’s also involved in the sport on the Georgia coast, another paddleboarding-crazed spot that hosts a major SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) event. Golden Isles SUP Classic offers a seven-mile competitive race and a three-mile recreational race. Organized by Paddle & Putt, a shop on St. Simons Island, the competition has taken place in October in the past, but 2013 dates had not been determined at press time. The event is held on East Beach, St. Simons Island. Wake surfing and wakeboarding Wake surfing is growing. You start off on a board being drawn by a boat that creates a wave. The participant then rides the wave standing atop the board, much as a July 2013 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDING Chattahoochee River between Phenix City, Ala., and Columbus. Some say it’s the longest, urban white-water rafting course in the world, and, depending on how the water is governed up river, it can be lively. The pilot of this hang glider enjoys an eagle’s eye view from Lookout Mountain Flight Park on Lookout Mountain. surfer would do, but the wake surfer is not attached to the boat that produces the wake. At Callaway Gardens, wake surfing is a favorite activity, and the resort will hold the 2013 U.S. Wake Surfing National Championships Aug. 23-25. Wakeboarding is different because the participant continues to grasp the line attached to the boat, much like waterskiing. Founded in 1946, the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation organizes the criteria for this sport, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. In June and July (except July 4 weekend) at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, in Greensboro, the resort offers wakeboarding packages beginning at $475. Due to open in late summer or early fall this year, Terminus Wakeboard Park, terminuswakepark.com, near Emerson, is a multi-lake facility designed to accommodate wake boarders of all skill levels. It will include custom obstacles, the first of their kind anywhere. videotaping. There are a variety of experiences, from solo to tandem, where you’re tethered to a United States Parachute Association instructor. The experience starts with a 40- to 60-seconds free fall at 120 mph, followed by a five- to seven-minute glide under your open parachute. For the super adventurous eager to jump solo, prepare for a fourto six-hour instruction session, then jump that afternoon with two instructors alongside. Additionally, hang gliding is a favorite sport in Northwest Georgia, near Rising Fawn and Lookout Mountain with Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding. Choose solo or tandem flying. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s release. While not all adventurous activities may appeal to the average person, some, such as white-water rafting, can be absolutely mind-clearing and, with professional guides, offer minimal risk. Don’t choose any activity that exceeds your skill set, or you won’t have fun. And by all means, be realistic about your limitations when planning which one to enjoy. Jane F. Garvey, an avid whiteSkydiving and hang gliding water rafting fan, has introduced the Jumping from an airplane to float sport to many of her family members. toward the ground before pulling a cord on your parachute would strike How to get in touch many people as extreme. Sky Dive For more information on Georgia in Cedartown requires a minfeatured establishments and imum age of 18. Pricing varies from web exclusive businesses, several nearby web exclusive location, and season to season. Prices places to eat and stay for the night, plus are higher in summer generally and a few adventurous sports in neighboring also will vary depending on which states, see the July 2013 digital edition at type of experience you seek and othwww.georgiamagazine.org, page 43A. er services, such as photography and In the air More online at www.georgiamagazine.org 43 http://www.terminuswakepark.com http://www.georgiamagazine.org http://www.georgiamagazine.org http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2013

Georgia Magazine - July 2013
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Currents
Fly-in or Drive-In
“Air Fare America”
Wood Basket of the World
Link to Video on Georgia’s Tree Industry
Lighten Up!
Control What You Consume
Around Georgia
Enhancing your adventure
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Snapshot
More Snapshot photos
Plant of the month
July’s online trivia contest
Georgia Grown spotlight

Georgia Magazine - July 2013