For some, Hanna's a playmate

Surfers enamored, but it's a stormy relationshipBy Schuyler Kropf

FOLLY BEACH — Out here, putting together a hurricane kit means bringing an extra chunk of surfboard wax.

Dozens of surfers and a couple kayakers braved the sloppy approach of Tropical Storm Hanna on Friday by descending on the local surf haven known as "the Washout."

The surfing wasn't as good as most storms, but David Rodman's shattered board — the back one-third tore off in the crush of a swell — proved these weren't baby seas either.

Rodman stood on the beach with a group of about five others, rating the rides of those 100 yards offshore. Sudden plunges in the 6-foot seas and abrupt wipeouts brought a chorus of 'oohs,' 'aahs' and 'whoas' like you'd hear during Fourth of July fireworks.

"It's just so funny watching people get 'worked,' " said college student Eric Kirby, using surfer lingo to describe those who are on the losing end of a wipeout or "get creamed" disappearing into the turbulence of the waves.

Brett Wiard, 25, of Clearwater, Fla., was vacationing at Folly and said he lucked-out to be here, board-ready, during the storm.

"It's not good learning conditions," he said of rookies, and pointed out "it's a washing machine out there."

He added "I got crushed a few times. I just came down from top to bottom and landed hard on my board."

The "Washout," on Folly's east side, was packed with cars Friday where for most of the daylight hours the winds were relatively calm. The area is synonymous with surfing in the Charleston area, though many expected the better waves to kick up this morning after the rains passed overnight.

A few minor injuries were reported, but nothing more than the regular weekend fare of scrapes and knocks of venturing into the foam. A few riptides were spotted, some surfers stayed too close, ruining runs, but the occasional danger of bumping into sharks was gone.

Police Chief H.T. "Terry" Boatwright said he saw no reason to shoo any of the surf crowd away, saying conditions just weren't that hazardous.

"They're having a great time, God bless 'em," said Boatwright, who is not a surfer.

The main complaint Friday? Too many dudes in board shorts and not enough girls on the beach.