Myrtle Beach Segway Offers New Way to Tour the Strand
By Lauren Poster
Okay, so you've done the decadent tourist thing. You've partied, you've bashed, you've trashed your hotel room. You've hit Broadway at the Beach; you've even gone to the beach (again). Or maybe you haven't. Still, a Segway tour might be one of the few things you haven't done on vacation. If you decide that redeeming yourself on the coolest super-green personal transportation machine is for you, check into Myrtle Beach Segway, offering rental services and guided tours throughout Market Commons and Huntington Beach State Park for parties numbering up to eight.
The tour guides are hardcore. They are quick to point out that while it is a lot of fun, the Segway is not a toy. You are required to wear a "brain cage" and sign a waiver. George Schnellman (think Bill Murray circa Lost in Translation) leads tours at Myrtle Beach Segway. Is it a coincidence that his name is German for "fast man?" Arriving at Huntington Beach State Park on a hazy spring day after heavy rainfall, I watch Mr. Schnellman begin the training session for his most recent group. He carries himself with a manner both canny and matter-of-fact. His laconic drawl is unwavering as he throws up a disclaimer about an injury he incurred during minor maintenance at his mother's house - the shifting and refracturing of several ribs, the pain that accompanies coughing or sneezing - in an attempt to assure that if his voice falters it is not because he's mad at us. And all this before describing a macabre series of misfortunes that could befall you on a Segway. Of a patron who recently corkscrewed his knee and ankle while attempting a dismount, he nonchalantly states "fortunately, he survived all that." But that's what happens when you don't listen to George.
The dynamic tour guide, who refers to a fellow guide who disappeared without a trace as casually as if he had mentioned a soup he dislikes, is a former software developer who decided to take a chance on something new: the outdoors.
Amidst talk of possible alligator attacks and dubiously reliable avoidance methods, clients are encouraged to hop on and experiment solo with the Jetson-like future machines. This is the kind of tough love that made learning to ride a bike so fun. Numbering among the patrons on this particular day are visitors from Edmonton, Alberta; New Jersey; and San Diego. In an attempt to ride the Segway myself, I note that I have not yet figured out how to just "chill out" without moving forward (which you can do at quite a clip). Sherry Morgan, a good-natured patron who has been showing notable skill, jerks forward just as I say this, laughing "neither have I!"
Segway on is the cutting edge in a line of eco-friendly transportation devices. Developed by Dean Kamen and debuted in late 2001, the Segway is a scooter-like vehicle with two large wheels, a standing pad and a steering rod planted down the center. Powered not by gasoline but by a motion-sensitive, computer-operated motor, the Segway uses iBot balancing technology to shift its direction anywhere you want it. The user shifts his center of gravity and the Segway follows, stabilized by six gyroscopes that keep it moving with you. Newer versions of the Segway resemble tiny, one-person pods. The vehicles can reach a speed of up to 12.5 mph and are generally not approved for road use. Depending on local legislation, they are relegated to sidewalks, parks, or private property. Many businesses (like docks or warehouses) and law enforcement / security providers also are adopting their use.
It's easy to get cocky on the Segway once you've figured it out. You feel like a robot drag racer. Exhibiting this devil-may-care attitude is Jeff Lash from San Diego, who has time enough to tell me his friends do this all over the world before yelling to his wife, "hit it, babe," and blowing off into the dusky horizon.
Eric Puthoff, operator of Myrtle Beach Segway, takes a moment to tell me about the business, which has been open since August of 2007. With offices originally in Surfside, they moved to Market Commons as soon as the center opened, and have been increasing in popularity ever since. Eric does tours himself, but mostly he stays in the office and coordinates tours by appointment. On Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday tours are available at Market Commons for $44 a person, with tours running at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Huntington Beach tours are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for $59 a person. Tours take between 1 and 2 hours with training included. Huntington Beach tours last longer, and attendees must pay for entrance to the park separately.
Myrtle Beach Segway also rents machines for "self-guided tours" at $35 an hour or $49 for two. They are more than willing to tailor their services to fit the individual customer, renting their machines for business meetings, birthdays, and an assortment of other events.
Eric notes that "you'd be surprised" what people might need a Segway for. When asked why he decided to open the business, he says he wanted to do his part to "go green." "If I can pay my bills and put food on the table then I'm happy," he says. Born in Massachusetts, he's been making his way south ever since, living in North Virginia for 17 years before settling finally in Myrtle Beach. He's aware that it takes time to build a new business and get word out, but the location at Market Commons is ideal, and now that summer is here, he says he's "rocking and rolling." Call 843-477-0800 to get in on the action.
Another way for our fat tourists to get even fatter…great. Why don t we start advertising next year to white trash rednecks directly? Now that we have our new BS tourism tax we should have enough money to do it. That would also solve our problem with our (lack of) high dollar international tourism. After we successfully scared doctors and lawyers on their harleys away, we at least never would have to worry about getting those damn foreigners. They rather spend 10 grand a vacation in florida anyways.
Jeez, Sceptic, who ruined your Cheerios this morning?
What a great way to travel!! We were fortunate to have George as our travel guide and ‘leader’ as three of us took a tour of Market Commons recently. George showed us what to do and before long, it felt great….being in the fresh air and enjoying the views was terrific! Thank you so much,George. My belated birthday present from my Virginia friends was the PERFECT gift!! It’s great to be a local AND to enjoy the area!! Thanks again, George..we’ll be back!!