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Online Kayaking Guide for Charleston, SC
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• Lake Moultrie and Pinopolis Locks (below)
• Wando River and Cat Island
• Garris Landing to Bull Island
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A Sea Kayak Adventure on Mighty Lake Moultrie!
Lake Moultrie and Pinopolis Locks Trip Report (10/24/2009) related links
It was a crisp morning as we made our way to Moncks Corner, South Carolina for Sea Kayak Carolina’s second annual “Lake & Locks trip” associated with the Berkeley 
Blueways Paddlefest. We were expecting 19 paddlers total for the trip, scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. On the way I checked in by phone with the lockmaster, who confirmed that he would open the locks on request around 1 p.m.
Upon arrival at the YMCA Lions Beach, we hopped out of the cars in shorts and t-shirts, looking forward to the adventures of the day. We were stopped short, as the air temperature was 54 degrees, and a steady and cold 15 knot wind was blowing across the lake from the north. “This has got bad written all over it!” 
I thought — while smiling and proclaiming — “This will be great!”
I added another layer or two.
We unloaded the kayaks and made personal preparations as our guests and friends arrived. I hopped in my car and made my way from the beach to the William H. Dennis landing at the end of Carswell Lane, on the Tailrace Canal.
We piled into the shuttle vehicle. It was a tight fit; William had a few pretty paddlers piled on his lap! Back to Lions Beach, for final preparations for launch. The Pod was lucky to have three christenings that morning: Jim in his new P&H Capella 163, Kim in her new P&H Vela, and Annie in her new NDK Romany.
The wind had moderated somewhat, and was blowing about 10 knots. With the fetch across the whole lake, this provided some excitement. The waves were breaking on the beach at almost 1 foot! A little spice for the more experienced paddlers; and a bit intimidating for the less experienced.
OUR ROUTE [click through to Google Map]
We got the Pod of kayakers launched, and headed off directly into the wind. The plan was to get sorted out and head to the Short Stay Recreation Area. We headed almost due north, and were happy to find the lee provided by the shoreline of the
recreation area. We made our way east to a small beach for lunch on the seawall. There we were, lined up like seagulls on the seawall, eating lunch. It reminded me of an animal behavior adage. “Why do seagulls fly to the sea? If they flew to the bay they would be bagels.”
As we were getting ready to depart the lunch break, I again telephoned the lockmaster. The woman who answered told me she would let the lockmaster know that we were on our way.
The Pod took to the lake once again. As we were leaving, William pointed out the waves breaking a mile away against the seawall and locks – right where we were headed. “Don’t worry” – I told him, confident in our Pod.
As we left the shelter of the shoreline, the waves grew in size. As we approached the seawall near the lock, some of the Pod experienced it for the first time: CLAPOTIS! Clapotis is the phenomenon of waves that reflect or refract, and come together with another wave. This often doubles the waves in size!
Clapotis:
Incoming wave (red) reflected at the wall produces the outgoing wave (blue), both being overlaid resulting in the clapotis (black).
As we progressed along the seawall, the 1 foot (and occasionally 1 ½ foot) waves would hit the seawall, and reflect straight back out into the lake. Meeting the incoming 1 foot waves, they would temporarily become a 2 foot wave. And occasionally, the reflecting 1 ½ foot waves would meet incoming 1 ½ foot waves to become 3 foot waves! The more experienced paddlers were hootin’ and hollerin’; the less experienced paddlers were hanging on for dear life!
We arrived in the rectangular area immediately in front of the locks. I charged in to speak to a guard standing high on the seawall next to the control station of the locks. She informed me that the lockmaster was on the way. The wind blew the Pod into this rectangular area. Waves reflecting, waves refracting, it was like a washing machine. We got the Pod the heck out of there and back into the lake while waiting for the lockmaster. William got back into the washing machine, showing off with draw strokes towards and away from the seawall. You know William – he is a show-off! [Editor's Note: Wm. shows off when Scott says "William, show me X..Show me Y...Show me Z"]
Finally the lockmaster arrived. The Pod was getting fatigued, and perhaps a bit lake-sick. 
The lockmaster informed me that he couldn’t open the locks, as the waves were greater than the 1 ½ foot allowed. He told me I should have called first. After some discussion, and the wind and waves indeed diminishing a bit, he agreed to open the locks. As the gates slowly swung open, the Pod cheered, and entered the lock. Pulling along the dock on the left side of the lock, there was a bit of rockin’ and rollin’ until the lock gates swung shut behind us.
Then all was quiet and still. Too quiet. The Pod had been warned of the “giant sucking vortex” that 
appeared when the lockmaster pulled the plug to drain the water to the canal level. The Pod was hushed, except for a few stifled sobs and the murmuring of prayers. Then it happened! The water level started dropping. Inches at first, then feet at a time. The Pod realized that they had, once again, been duped, and that no giant sucking vortex would occur on the 73-foot transit straight down. Another collective cheer resounded and echoed against the walls of the lock!
And yet another cheer as the gates opened on the other side and let the Pod slide into the waters of the Tailrace Canal – the (man-made) head of the Cooper River. It was a different world from the wind and the waves on Lake Moultrie. No wind in the valley of the canal, and seemingly 20 degrees warmer. 
A few paddle jackets were shed, and the Pod continued down the canal.
A train passed over the railroad bridge just as we approached. “Nice touch arranging the train.” -- Robin complemented the trip leader. We passed under the railroad bridge. Carmen Rocio was executing sexy low brace turns to port and starboard in her Impex Force 3. The Pod started to slow down, instinctively realizing the trip was coming to an end, and not wanting the day to be over.
We passed under the Route 17/52 bridge. There is a sandy beach on the left bank under the bridge – perhaps some exploring is in order on the next trip. We pulled out on the left at the landing. The Pod displayed good teamwork carrying the boats to the grassy area at the top of the ramp. Two people to a boat, and watch out for the toggles! There historically have been some fire ant mounds in the area, so use caution.
We loaded the trailers, shuttled some folks back to their vehicles at Lions Beach, and headed back to the shop to rinse gear and officially end the Berkeley Blueways Paddlefest for another year.
RELATED LINKS —
›› WeI've created a Google Map with pertinent points for this trip.
›› View Brenda Hockensmith's photos of the 2009 trip
›› SKC Photo Gallery from the 2008 Lake & Locks Trip
›› YMCA Lions Beach is a private facility. More information online
›› Pinopolis Lockmaster: (843) 761-8311 x 2611
›› More information about the Pinopolis Lock
›› Moncks Corner weather forecast
›› Lake Moultrie forecast