Charleston County parks

For some Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission activities, a chaperon is required for participants 15 and younger. Registration is required for all programs and some events. Call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com to register.

May special events

Salsa Under the Stars: The Folly Beach Fishing Pier brings Latin music to Folly Beach this summer with Salsa Under the Stars on May 9. DJ Luigi of Latin Groove will spice up the night with the best salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Food and beverages available for purchase at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the Gangplank Gift and Tackle Shop. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 10. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

Moonlight Mixer: Join the shaggers at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier on May 30 for this beach tradition. Headlining the event will be DJ Rob Duren. Enjoy beach foods and cold beverages available for purchase on-site at Locklear's Beach City Grill and the pier gift shop. 7-11 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.). Tickets purchased in advance are $8 for Charleston County residents and $10 for noncounty residents. Tickets purchased at the gate (if available) are $10. Only 600 tickets will be sold. Advance tickets can be purchased at Charleston County parks headquarters or online at www.ccprc.com. Rain date is May 31. No refunds or exchanges. Call 795-4FUN (4386).

May programs

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes — Kayak Quickstart: Learn about the sport of kayaking during this two-hour, hands-on informal program. Experienced guides will show you how to enjoy the local waterways and wildlife from a sea kayak. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $12/$10 CCR discount. 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 9 and 6-8 p.m. May 23.

Pier Fishing Tournaments — Summer Pier Kickoff Tournament: Join the group at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier for some competitive fishing. Compete for category prizes as you fish off this pier. Tournament registration begins at 6 a.m. and takes place on-site only. No preregistration permitted. Competitive fishing goes until 4 p.m., and prizes are awarded at 4:15 p.m. Call the Folly Pier at 588-FISH (3474). Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Ages 3 and up. $12/$9 CCR discount/$7 ages 3-12 CCR and NCR $14/$12 CCR discount (King Mackerel). 6 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes — ACA Sea Kayak Basics: Learn basic strokes and rescues. Equipment design, fit and use for sea kayaking will be covered. Certified ACA instructors will provide beginning kayakers with the skills to paddle Charleston's protected waters. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 10.

Indigo, History of the Dye: During the mid-1700s indigo was an important crop for South Carolina. Investigate the history of indigo and how enslaved people cultivated and processed the plant. Bring a T-shirt to dye. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Ages 9 and up. $15/$12 CCR discount. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 10.

Introduction to Climbing — Introduction to Belaying: This three-hour class will teach you the fundamentals of belaying. You'll learn about knots, harnesses, belaying and climbing. Participants will be prepared to take a belay test upon their next visit to the Wall. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 14 and up. $24/$20 CCR discount. 1-4 p.m. May 10.

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes — Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic: Certified instructors will cover self- and assisted rescues and the strokes that make the rescues efficient. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11.

After Work Sea Kayak Tours — Charleston Harbor Kayak Tour: Close out your work day with a relaxing tour and scenic view of the Charleston skyline. The group will paddle from Sunrise Park on James Island, past The Battery, to homeport at Wappoo Cut Boat Landing. Preregistration required. Meets at off-site location. Ages 16 and up. $36/$30 CCR discount. 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 15.

Wilderness First Aid: This intensive two-day, hands-on certification, taught by Wilderness Medical Associates, covers how to deal with medical emergencies in the wilderness, at summer camp or on the trail. Class supplements lectures with realistic simulations. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $210/$190 CCR discount. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17-18.

Gardening with Tommy Blizard — Outstanding Orchids: Join Julie Ward and Tommy Blizard and learn what it takes to foster floral favorites. A few participants will go home with plants of their own. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for ages 15 and under. Caw Caw Interpretive Center: Ages 9 and up. $9/$7 CCR discount. 10 a.m.-noon May 17.

Surf Seining: Gain a new perspective on creatures of the surf zone. Anchovy, pompano, kingfish, stingray, crabs and a squid have shown up in nets. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon required for participants ages 15 and under. Isle of Palms County Park. Ages 6 and up. $8/$6 CCR discount. 1:30-2:30 p.m. May 17.

Whitewater Kayaking Programs — Intro to Whitewater Kayaking: Join ACA-certified instructors on an exciting whitewater kayak trip on the Saluda River in Columbia. Learn about ferries, peel outs and more as the group paddles this Class I/II river. Preregistration required. CCPRC headquarters. Ages 16 and up. $66/$55 CCR discount. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 18.

Canoeing At Caw Caw — Caw Caw Sunset/Moonrise Paddle: Enjoy an interpretive paddle at dusk. Witness the sun as it slips below the trees of the Caw Caw Swamp followed by the moonrise over Tea Farm Creek. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Ages 9 and up. $18/$15 CCR discount, 6:30-8:45 p.m. May 18.

Little Explorers — A Bug's Life: Learn about the way insects crawl, feed and fly through hands-on activities. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Preregistration required. A registered and paid chaperon required for child participants. Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Ages 3-5. $5/$4 CCR discount. 10-11 a.m. May 21.

Sea Kayak Instructional Classes — ACA Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement: Paddling hard and getting nowhere in your kayak? It's time to perfect your technique. Using on-water practice, ACA-certified instructors will assist you in performing your strokes and maneuvers with efficiency, fluidity and control. Preregistration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. $54/$45 CCR discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 24.