Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

No shortage of tourists for water sports businesses in Myrtle Beach area

Gas prices are rising, job losses persist and vacations are shortening for many Myrtle Beach tourists, so it only makes sense that people would cut back on pricey beach excursions and activities, such as a $150 parasailing adventure or $135 Jet Ski rental, right?

Wrong.

This summer's business has been just as strong, and in some cases, better, than past summers, say area water sports business owners.

Vendors haven't lowered prices, and they instead chalk up the success in attracting tourists to their hospitable business practices or the once-in-a-lifetime experience that leads tourists to make sacrifices to parasail, Jet Ski, wake board or take a ride in a banana boat.

"We're doing very well. It's quite exciting actually," said Richard Thomas, owner of Thomas Outdoor Watersports in North Myrtle Beach, who said he was "a little nervous" about how the economy would affect his business this summer.

July and the first part of August have led to a

25 percent to 30 percent increase in profits from 2008, Thomas said.

Charlie Mize, who opened Carolina Wake Sports in May, said business has been "phenomenal."

He said it's the personal attention he and his co-workers give the customers that is helping the business thrive.

"We're trying to separate ourselves and make ourselves a little different. We're trying to be real personal with the customers," Mize said. "It's been great. People have absolutely loved it. We've actually had a lot of customers come again the next day or a few days later."

Business at Ocean Watersports in Myrtle Beach is "right on par" with past years, said general manager Chuck Post.

"We've actually had a small increase from last year. ... I was more concerned at the beginning of the year," he said.

"People are still doing things when they come on vacation."

Last year, Thomas Outdoor Watersports shut down one of its two locations, but Thomas said the business is nearly as strong as it was between two locations last year.

"There are more Jet Ski businesses now than there was two years ago and my business is up," he said.

Mize said he was expecting his business would take customers out on one two-hour trip each day, considering Carolina Wake Sports is in its infancy and has scarce means of marketing.

He's now averaging three a day.

The general manager of Downwind Sails, the first water sports company established in Myrtle Beach in 1973, said he felt fortunate this summer's business is about even with that of the past few years.

"People save money for their vacations and they're going to spend it on the things they like they do," said David Hearl.

"They'll skip a meal and go get a Jet Ski or go parasailing."