Question: Beach gear rentals and bikes (Charleston, Isle of Palms: to buy, shop, cottage)

[ckcln]

Hi

Looking forward to our trip down in a few weeks!

Just wondering what most people do as far as beach gear rentals: umbrella, chairs? Should we book ahead or can we rent everything daily while on the beach? Do all the local beaches down there offer daily rentals? If so, what's the cost?

Also, anyone have experience with either Bike Shoppe of Charleston/IOP?

Thank you!!!

[roxanneself]

When we came down here we found it was cheaper to buy a few inexpensive chairs/umbrellas at the local Waves shop than it was to rent, plus we could take them with us to whatever beach we were visiting that day. At the end of our trip we found a family on the beach and gave them all our loot. The chairs for rent on the beach are much nicer quality though. The rates are about $30 a day for two chairs and an umbrella. You can reserve them ahead of time, but your visit is pretty early in the year, so I don't imagine you would need to. There are a few beach chair rental choices. Here's one: Isle of Palms Beach Chair Rentals
I have no idea about bike rentals, sorry.

[sundrop]

If you are on Folly Beach, look for the yellow chairs and umbrellas and see Mike.
Great guy, with fair rates. Tell him Angela sent ya!

[OurGreatEscape]

Bike rental will run you around $35/bike/wk. Daily rates range from $10-15.

FYI-Not all islands have rental beach chairs and umbrellas--Seabrook Island does not. Just about every grocery store carries some type of beach chair for purchase.

I'd suggest first inquiring if your rental comes with chairs and/or umbrella. I keep an assortment of chairs and umbrellas at the cottage for my guests' usage.