Commercial real estate brokers in Hilton Head Island, SC

A title from the pen of Charles Dickens — “Great Expectations” — serves nicely to describe Kalen Anderson’s vision for her South Carolina women’s golf teams.

“Our standards are very high,” the veteran coach likes to say.

The results illustrate that her Gamecocks almost always perform at that level, and this year in no exception. Carolina will compete in the NCAA National Women’s Championship tournament for the 12th time in her 16 seasons and 11th in the past 13.

“I like where we are,” she said in previewing the championship that begins Friday at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Reasons for optimism abound.

The Gamecocks are ranked No. 4 nationally, battle tested with the nation’s toughest schedule, feature three players rated among the season’s top 50 and have experience at the championship venue.

And there’s this: A strong performance — second place in team competition and four players in the top 16 individuals — in their regional suggests the team is peaking at the right time.

The national tournament features a split format. The 30 teams play three rounds of stroke play before the field is cut to 15. A fourth stroke-play round determines the individual champion and the eight teams that advance into match play to decide the team title.

“Experience is so important, and all but one of our players have competed on the (Grayhawk) course,” Anderson said. “We played in the national tournament (at Grayhawk) last year and we played a practice round after a regular-season tournament in Arizona in March.

“We know when to be aggressive and when to play conservative. We know we have to play disciplined golf, and we’ve focused on that all spring.”

Plus, the Gamecocks will not be strangers to high-caliber competition. Although Carolina did not win a regular-season tournament, the team placed lower than fifth only once in 11 events against that formidable schedule.

“I always want to play a challenging schedule and we probably play one of the top five every year,” Anderson said. “You want to play tough opponents. You want to play the toughest venues. That prepares you for the end of the year.”

To that end, Anderson also scheduled more match-play opportunities this season with four tournaments featuring at least some head-to-head competition.

“We got in a lot of reps in match play, which helps us to understand the format,” she said.

A pair of sophomore All-Americans, Hannah Darling and Louise Rydqvist, anchor the lineup. They will be joined by seniors Mathilde Claisse and Justine Fournand, freshman Mia Sandtorv Lussand and graduate student Katherine Muzi on the travel squad. Rydqvist and Darling finished two-three in the regional with Claisse 11th and Lussand 16th.

Darling is ranked No. 6 among college players this year and No. 14 in the world among women amateurs. She is a finalist for the player of the year award. She leads the team with four top-five finishes, six top-10s and seven top-20s in nine stroke play starts. Her 71.88 scoring average and 14 rounds of par or better also lead the team.

“We played solid, steady golf in the regional and we’ll need the same in Scottsdale,” Anderson said.

In their previous trips to the NCAAs under Anderson, the Gamecocks have best finishes for fifth in 2012 (stroke-play format) and quarterfinals in 2016 (the second year of match play).

“This opportunity is what we work for all year,” Anderson said. “We have depth and experience. Now, we need to play our game and have fun, and I think we will. There are a lot of positives, and I like where we are.”

The man who brought the world the famously, unbelievably hot Carolina Reaper — hottest chili pepper in the world according to Guinness Book of World Records — has been thinking up something new.

Pepper X.

Ed Currie, known as Smokin’ Ed and owner-founder of Puckerbutt Pepper Company based in Fort Mill, told television station WCNC in Charlotte, Pepper X is 3 million Scoville units, compared to Carolina Reaper’s 1.64 million units.

Those numbers are so big it’s hard to imagine what they mean, but by comparison the lowly, simple Jalapeno measures 3,000 Scoville units.

Let’s just say the Reaper is so hot a reporter for NPR affiliate WFAE ate a small piece, rolled on the floor and hallucinated, according to the Puckerbutt website. That’s how people learned about the Reaper. He shared his story on the radio in 2011.

Another oft-told story is of a man who arrived at a New York ER after eating one with what’s known as a thunderclap headache. He’s written up in a medical journal.

“Those who don’t fear the Reaper are fools,” Currie says on his website. “It is Painfully Hot, with sweet, fruity undertones and hints of cinnamon and chocolate. It can be used to spice up your sauces, salsas or in combat.”

Currie describes eating a Reaper as an “increasing tidal wave of scorching fire that grips you from head to toe.”

It’s bright red and a cultivar of the Capsicum chinense plant. It was certified by Guinness as the hottest chili pepper in the world in 2017.

In the years since its development, Currie has opened a store on Main Street in Fort Mill, selling a variety of pepper sauces (mild to flaming), mustards, jellies and chocolates. One item is a sauce called “I Dare you Stupit.”

And Pockerbutt sells seeds. Grow your own Carolina Reaper if you dare. The website says the company grows more than 100,000 plants on their farms each year.

Curries used to be a banker, now he calls himself a mad scientist. Pepper X was 10 years in the making and is also a cultivar of Capsicum chili pepper. Currie has told various publications he needed Pepper X because most chili peppers were too mild.

He was looking for more heat but also flavor.

Pepper X peppers and sauces are not on the market just yet but they were used to make the hot sauce “The Last Dab,” a collaboration between Currie and The Heatonist founder Noah Chaimberg.

On his website Chaimberg says, “More than simple mouth burn, Pepper X singes your soul.”

So who wants to try Pepper X?

Currie is trying for a new world record for Pepper X and once he gets it he told WCNC it “ain’t never getting broken.”

Summertime can be quite fun on Hilton Head Island regardless of your interests. Whether you’re a local or among the island’s many visitors, the opportunities to have a memorable summer are endless.

Do you have an affinity for water sports? Riding personal watercraft is a popular activity around Hilton Head Island and the surrounding waterways.

A personal watercraft, often referred to generically as a Jet Ski, is a small jet-propelled marine transportation vehicle, generally used for recreational purposes, that is ridden across the surface of the water and has been a favorite activity for many families and friends who visit or live in the area. While many people tend to call all such vehicles as Jet Skis, that name refers to a specific brand of vehicle made by Kawasaki.

Although it’s all family fun, it’s still important to remain safe. According to South Carolina laws and regulations, a person aged 16 years old or older may operate any boat or personal watercraft (PWC) without restrictions. However, a person younger than 16 years old may operate a boat or PWC powered by less than 15 hp without restrictions. They may only operate a boat or PWC powered by 15 hp or more if they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old who is not under the influence of alcohol/drugs if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

If you’re looking to rent one for your next adventure, here are four local rental agencies on Hilton Head Island for you to book your next experience.

Sea Monkeys Watersports, located at 43A Jenkins Island Road, has plenty of rentals guests can take advantage of to explore the waters around the island. Among them, Jet Ski opportunities are available from Mondays through Saturdays for designated trip times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. ,1 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. Jet skis can be rented online at https://www.seamonkeyshhi.com/jetski-rentals or call 843-842-4754 for more information.

Each Jet Ski can seat either two adults or one adult and two children at a time. Each Jet Ski can be rented for $150 per vehicle and military discounts are available with current or reserve Identification card. To operate a Jet Ski through Sea Monkeys Watersports, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and parental or a legal guardian’s consent, any passenger riding with a 16 or 17 year old operator must be at least 18 years or older and children riding must weigh at least 30 pounds.

H2O Watersports is an activity and rental company on Hilton Head Island that can be found at 149 Lighthouse Road in Harbour Town. Aside from personal watercraft rentals, H2O Watersports also offers alligator tours, dolphin tours, boat tours, paddle boarding, sailing charters, parasailing and more. Activities are great for long-lasting memories for those in the family who may be looking for a thrill, a relaxing time or looking to see the local sights. personal watercraft can be rented online at https://www.h2osports.com/hilton-head-waverunner-jetski-rental.php or you may call 843-671-4386.

H2O offers “the largest riding area on Hilton Head Island” that is free from no wake zones, according to the company’s website. Single seated WaveRunners, a brand of personal watercraft, may be reserved for an hourly rate of $155 or a two-seat for $175 per hour.

WaveRunners offer guests the ability to ride in a seated position rather than Jet Skis, which allow an individual to sit in a position similar to riding a motorcycle.

In addition, at least one rider per WaveRunner must be 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license at check-in. Minors may drive as long as a licensed adult is onboard and riders must be at least 6 years. old. Switching passengers during the rental is not permitted by the company. However, for those interested in documenting their experience, GoPro video packages are available.

Lowcountry Watersports offers boat tours and rental services for water sport activities around the island. Located in Palmetto Bay Marina at 86 Helmsman Way, Suite 101, the outdoor adventure company offers families a unique way to experience the island from the water. Personal watercraft can be rented any day of the week and may be booked online at https://lowcountrywatersports.com/hilton-head-tours/jet-ski/ or call 843-684-2004 for more information.

Guests get the chance to reserve some of Lowcountry Watersports’ new VX Yamaha WaveRunners. The experience is a guided tour that lasts for 75 minutes and begins at Palmetto Bay and takes you through Broad Creek, which is a 6-mile-long waterway that divides Hilton Head Island, according to the company’s website. Each WaveRunner has a two person capacity and riders much be 6 years old or older. Operators must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. Each WaveRunner is $149 per rental.

Sky Pirate Parasail on Hilton Head offers a variety of outdoor activity options and earned Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice’ last year. Offering “thrill-of-a-lifetime adventures,” this company provides opportunities such as parasailing, tubing and skiing, personal watercraft riding, paddleboarding and boat rentals. Personal watercraft rentals can be rented per rider for every 90 minutes you wish to skim across the island’s surrounding waters. Reservations for your experience can be booked online at https://skypirateparasail.com/jet-skis/ or you can call 843-842-2566 for more information.

Sky Pirate Parasail offers “amazing yet affordable jet skis for rent” with the “most popular among riders” being the Yamaha WaveRunners. The company’s personal watercraft rentals are available from Mondays through Sundays between 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seasonally. Riders will have the opportunity to cruise along Broad Creek to the designated riding area.

Rental rates are charged at $140 per 90 minutes for a single rider or $150 per 90 minutes for double riders. Only a maximum of two riders are allowed for each WaveRunner and guests must be at least 18 years old and with a valid driver’s license to rent and operate one of the companies WaveRunners. Passengers must at least 6 years old or older and may only ride at the back. Riders must also watch a 10 minute safety video prior to the experience and will have to wear a life jacket at all times. In addition, you will not be allowed to operate any of the company’s WaveRunners if you are under the influence of alcohol.

This story was originally published April 29, 2023, 8:00 AM.

Each year, millions flock to Hilton Head Island for a luxurious, family and fun-filled getaway.

Aside from visiting the island’s 12 miles of pristine, white sand beaches, going on a dolphin tour, completing an escape room or biking throughout the island, there are many other ways to make lifelong memories on Hilton Head.

Want to see a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head Island? Travel high in the sky with Hilton Head Helicopters and view the island from the clouds. The company offers nine different tours that will certainly make for a thrilling memory for years to come. Budget-friendly options are also featured, such as the “Ocean View” tour that begins at just $39 per person.

Many tours will take you over different parts of the island, but other options are available as well. These options include tours that will take you over Old Town Bluffton, remote islands and downtown Savannah or a remote island populated by over 3,000 monkeys.

To view available tours, get more information or book your flight time, interested parties may call 843-505-7182, email reservations@flyhhi.com or go online at https://www.flyhhi.com/helicopter-tours/.

Rent a yacht from Hilton Head Yacht Charter and spend a day on the open ocean from Hilton Head Island. The company offers private day charters, sunset yacht charters, on the water dining and a full day yacht tour, which is a combined experience of the prior two services. Guests may choose their guests, activities, menus, and everything else available. Cocktails, water sports, lounging, butler service and other amenities all await those that choose to spend the day on one of the company’s yachts.

Interested guests may call call or text 781-254-3584, email concierge@hiltonheadyachtcharter.com, fill out the Interactive Cruise Preference Form or view the available charters online at https://hiltonheadyachtcharter.com/cruises/.

The charter headquarters can be found within the Shelter Cove Harbour Shops at 1 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head Island.

Take your family, friends or other half horseback riding through the island’s south end with Lawton Stables. The beloved stable has been named as a ‘must do’ on Hilton Head by many and is a place the entire family can enjoy. Lawton Stables’ trail rides allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the Lowcountry environment as they make their way through trails in over 600 acres of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Pony rides are available for children aged 7 and under and there is a free animal farm with several small animals to feed and for everyone to enjoy.

Further trail ride information can be found online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/information.

Reservations may be made over the phone at 843-671-2586 between 1-5 p.m. daily or online at https://www.lawtonstables.com/book-online.

Ahoy, scallywags! Become a pirate by spending the day with Pirates of Hilton Head. Join them on the island’s first and only custom pirate ship as your kids will become part of a pirate crew throughout the entirety of your journey. Everyone on board will get their own pirate name, learn how to talk like a pirate and search for treasure on the Hilton Head Pirate Cruise. The 1.5 hour cruise has a $39 admission and $10 admission for infants.

For more information and to book your adventure, go online and visit https://www.piratesofhiltonhead.com/pirate-ship-of-hilton-head/ or call 843-363- 7000.

If you’re looking to continue your pirate’s way of life, continue your journey to Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head to follow in the footsteps of the pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd as you read along to their stories while engaging in an immersive miniature golf experience. During each of the pirate’s courses, you’ll get to climb a mountain or explore hidden caves.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf of Hilton Head is located at 8 Marina Side Drive from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Hang out with the Mermaid of Hilton Head or even become a mermaid yourself! Grab your family and embark on the mermaid encounter tour. Although the tour doesn’t begin until mid-May, it’s best to plan ahead. This 75-minute tour provides children with tattoos and magic name tags that grow wildflowers if planted, bubble wands, an opportunity to meet a mermaid, a restroom aboard a cover boat and other opportunities throughout the tour.

For more mermaid fun, travel to the Mermaid of Hilton Head retail store, located at Tanger 2 Outlets, or become a mermaid with a special mermaid experience and professional photo shoot. Both children and adults can become a mermaid and may choose between options such as the beach at sunset, an indoor beach experience or a bachelorette experience.

This story was originally published April 22, 2023, 8:00 AM.

THOMASTON, Ga., May 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the fastest growing express car wash companies in the country, opened their 160^th location on Wednesday, May 3 at 1 Plaza Drive on Hilton Head Island, SC.

To celebrate the grand opening, the brand-new Hilton Head Island location is offering free washes 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Wednesday, May 10. Additionally, new members can join any monthly unlimited membership plan for $9.99 for the first month during their first week of opening.

"We've been washing cars in South Carolina for almost ten years," said Tidal Wave Auto Spa founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "We're excited to open our fifteenth location in the state on Hilton Head Island, just a short drive from our Bluffton location. When living in a coastal community like Hilton Head, washing your car regularly to remove the salt buildup is essential to help keep your car sparkling into the future. We believe the convenience of our industry-leading car wash will benefit residents and visitors of Hilton Head Island for years to come and are proud to join this spirited community with our 160^th location."

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience with clean and attractive locations, the highest-quality car washes, and friendly customer service at every location.

The company offers single wash options and unlimited wash memberships to fit any budget, and customers planning to wash more than once a month can save money by joining any of Tidal Wave's Clean Club unlimited wash membership options. Clean Club members can wash at any Tidal Wave location every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment - plus, save time with exclusive club member wash lanes.

The company offers discounted membership plan options for families and fleet plans for businesses needing to wash multiple vehicles. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is proud to be part of the Hilton Head Island community, and offers a fundraising program that makes it easy to raise funds for local schools, churches, civic groups, sports teams and more.

About Tidal Wave Auto Spa

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 160 locations across 21 states. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top 10 conveyor car washes in the country and was included in the 2020 Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies. The company was recently recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has donated over $1 million dollars to charitable efforts.

Source: Tidal Wave Auto Spa