Sunday, July 12, 2009 | Life, Health + Fitness
SP Surf’s up

Just four hours from Atlanta, Tybee Island isn’t just a relaxation destination—there’s plenty for the adventurous type, too

Kayaking in the ocean sure beats running on the treadmill.

By Colleen Oakley

I admit it, even a fitness fanatic like myself enjoys a nice, kick-back, do-nothing vacation every once in a while. That’s why every summer I look forward to house-sitting for my parents in Savannah for a week. They live on a lake, 10 minutes from Tybee Island, so I have two bodies of water in which to float around on, soaking up the sun.

But since I do write a fitness column—and I like getting paid—I figured this year I ought to so some research and find out what else Tybee has to offer besides helping me out with my tan.
Turns out, there’s quite a bit of activity on this tiny island. Keep these in mind for your next trip to the coast.

Stand-up Paddle Surfing
The waves on Tybee aren’t exactly “Endless Summer”-like, which makes them perfect for  Stand-up Paddle Surfing, where you stand on a board and use a long paddle to catch rides on the tide. You can also cruise around on flat water, which will improve your performance in the surf. Either way, it’s a great full-body workout.
WHERE: High Tide Surf Shop
COST: $80 for a 90-minute lesson
MORE INFO: 912-786-6556. www.hightidesurfshop.com.

Ocean Kayaking
Take an eco-tour through the many marshes and rivers around Tybee or paddle to Little Tybee Island, one of Georgia’s uninhabited islands (the über-adventurous can camp overnight there). You’re sure to see dolphins, otter, osprey and plenty of birds, while building up your arm strength at the same time. If you’re not into the group thing, rent a kayak for a solo trip and go whereever the wind (or the current) takes you.
WHERE: North Island Surf and Kayak
COST: $50 for a 3-hour tour, $100 for a full-day tour, or $40 for a full-day kayak rental only
MORE INFO: 912-786-4000. www.northislandkayak.com.

Jet-skiing
Even Miley Cyrus couldn’t resist the fun of this water sport while she was in Tybee this summer filming a movie. Rent a jet ski and jump waves, race friends, and explore the scenery.
WHERE: Tybee Jet Ski
COST: $89 per hour
MORE INFO: 912-785-8062. www.tybeejetski.com.

Boot Camp
There’s nothing fun about boot camp—unless you do it on a gorgeous beach when the sun is rising. Tybee Boot Camp meets near the old lighthouse every weekday morning at 6 a.m. Weights and mats are provided; you just have to get yourself out of bed and to the beach.
WHERE: On the North Beach of Tybee
COST: Donations are accepted
MORE INFO: 912-596-3009, or e-mail vickilyn62@gmail.com.  SP
Colleen Oakley is a freelance writer in Atlanta and the former editor of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine. Got a fitness challenge for her? E-mail her at colleen@sundaypaper.com.