Story & photos by Mark Shaffer Higher Ground’s been the heartbeat of the local paddling community since its doors first opened in 2004. After nearly twenty years of selling sporting gear for someone else, Tim Lovett (left) decided to go into business for himself and bought the shop in 2010. Beaufort native Leslie Norris signed on soon after. Tim first took up paddle boarding that same year and immediately sensed that SUP was the next wave in water sports.
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The Backyard Tourist’s Ego Takes a Paddling Story by Mark ShafferPhotos by Mark Shaffer & Tim Lovett Just before I hit the water – in that time-bending moment of suspended animation – two thoughts run through my head: A) This is going to be cold, and B) Did I forget to secure my glasses? A third thought might have flitted past in that nano-second, something along the lines of “What the hell am I doing out here?”
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The 8th Annual Beaufort Twilight Run Sets Record Pace By Mark Shaffer “If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” – John Bingham
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The 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival Raises The Bar – Again. By Mark Shaffer Every year about a month before the Beaufort International Film Festival kicks off fest director Ron Tucker begins to get nervous.
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A cinematic conversation with Beaufort Filmmakers VW Scheich & Uyen LeBy Mark Shaffer, Features Editor
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By Mark Shaffer, Features Editor Each year for the film festival edition of Lowcountry Weekly we ask a number of the attending filmmakers to take part in a simple, slightly goofy little Q&A. It’s our way of breaking the ice with newcomers and catching up with old friends from past festivals. Out of the Features category Producer Hoyt Richards (left) and Director David Spaltro responded. Richards’ “Intersection” is a romantic thriller with a twist that’s been racking up awards all over the festival circuit.
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On the Occasion of BIFF #10 On Saturday, February 13th, Myrtle Beach native Vanna White will receive the Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award at the 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival Awards Ceremony.
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A conversation with award-winning BIFF screenwriter Margaret Ford Rogers Interview by Mark Shaffer Throughout its first decade the Beaufort International Film Festival has built a dedicated following of fans and filmmakers – a family, if you will – who rarely, if ever, miss a chance to attend. Charleston based screenwriter, Margaret Ford Rogers, is a charter member of that family along with her friend and fellow writer, Marcia Chandler Rhea.
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Story and Photos by Mark Shaffer Woody: “Hey Mr. Peterson, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?” Norm: “Yep, now let’s get Joe Beer nipping at my liver, huh?” – From “Cheers” There’s a scene in Lawrence Kasdan’s classic 1985 western Silverado that’s stuck with me over the years. It’s the first meeting of Kevin Kline’s Paden and Linda Hunt’s diminutive saloonkeeper, Stella. Paden sips a whiskey and eyeballs the place, obviously impressed. She pours a drink and sizes him up.
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The Beaufort International Film Festival Celebrates a Milestone – A Look Back and the Road Ahead With Executive Director Ron Tucker Interview by Mark Shaffer “How the hell did you pull off something like this in Beaufort, South Carolina?” – Bestselling author and Beaufort resident Pat Conroy to BIFF director Ron Tucker during the 2010 festival.
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