Location:
Trophy Lakes is located in Johns Island, just minutes outside of historic Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is known for its rich southern charm, great low country seafood, and the area is full of water sports opportunities.
Lake Characteristics:
Trophy Lakes was built by skiers for skiers. There are two lakes with two slalom courses and one jump ramp. The first lake is 275 feet wide, 2,250 feet long, an average depth of 10 to 12 feet, as well as 10 to 1 slopes. The second lake, is a little shorter, but is an equally super lake for slalom.
What's So Special About Trophy Lakes:
According to the Trophy Lakes Web site, "Andy Mapple notched a new world record here, 3 1/4 at 41 off. On the International Water Ski Federation's update of the men's slalom world record, five of the past eight entries came from Trophy Lakes. The women's world record has been set or tied here three of the last five times. Until Jim Michaels set a new Men IV record last year at his own lake, every age division from Men I to Men VI, except Men III, set its record at Trophy Lakes."
Why Are So Many Records Set At Trophy Lakes?:
The Trophy Lakes Web site states, "Trophy Lakes is known for its slow, forgiving water. The water feels slow because it is clear and deep, allowing the ski to ride low in the water and provide awesome deceleration in the turns. One of the great advantages of slow water is that you can get in trouble in the course and have time to correct your mistakes." The lakes are also surrounded by protective trees to cut down on the wind.
Water Ski School and Training:
The lake offers coaching for the beginner to the advanced. Areas of training include waterskiing, slalom skiing, wakeboarding, trick skiing, jump skiing, or recreational skiing. You can purchase training by the set, by the day, or by the week. Lake rental is also available.
Summer day camps give kids ages 8-16 the opportunity to enjoy waterskiing or wakeboarding with peers their own age.
Pro Shop:
The on-site pro shop carries water skis, boots, wakeboards, boat gear, and accessories (ropes, gloves, vests, wetsuits, etc.). Also available are recreational water toys, tools and hardware for your equipment, and apparel.
Accommodations:
Accommodations are available starting at $20 per person per night. Choose from dorm style or private rooms.
Camping is an option for tents at $10 per night or $20 per night for an RV site.
I've Received Personal Training at Trophy Lakes - Top Notch:
While a student at the College of Charleston, I spent a week one summer training on the slalom course at Trophy Lakes. The staff was professional, patient, and extremely helpful. I highly recommend their coaching and facility.
After your day on the water, travel in to Charleston for sight seeing, shopping, and dinner. The downtown area is packed with great things to see and do. Consider these options:
• Take a horse and carriage guided tour of the historic downtown area
• Shop in the historic slave market and other surrounding stores
• Visit the South Carolina Aquarium on the waterfront
• Take a stroll by the historic homes at the Battery
• Breathe in the sea air while walking in Waterfront Park
• Take a boat tour to Ft. Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• Visit the USS Yorktown Battleship on the Cooper River
• Tour plantations and gardens (Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation, etc.)