Riding the Sky Wheel

Sky Wheel - downtown Myrtle Beach. 2/9/25 dwm

 I was aware of the Sky Wheel in 2023 when I was in South Carolina for that year's Faith and Fundraising Conference but without a way to get there. With an extra day available and perfect weather to rent a bike, I was ready.

 The wheel came into view from a few blocks away since multiple buildings blocked the view of the 187-foot (20 story) ride while riding south on Ocean Boulevard. 

 I paid for my ticket the night before, so it was matter of showing the pass and getting in line. There were a number of empty gondolas, but that's because they load the cars in a way that keeps the wheel balanced.

Myrtle Beach, SC. 2/9/25 dwm

There was four groups waiting to ride when I joined the line. One joined the ride right away, the rest joined on its next stop. A ride lasts 10 - 15 minutes and makes four full-trips.

The large wheel ran silently, only music playing from the restaurant next door and the whirring of the gondola's air conditioners could be heard above the waves and the people along the boardwalk enjoying a record-setting warm day.

I was busy taking pictures the first two loops then enjoyed the spectacular views from the ride. 

On the last trip, as passengers finished their ride, I was parked at the apex of the ride. It felt like I was at the top of the ride for 60-seconds, which was a long time without moving, by then I was ready to go.

According to its history, the Sky Wheel was the first of its kind in the United States when it opened May 20, 2011.  I'm glad to become one of its riders.

  

 

The Sky Wheel is on the boardwalk on the Atlantic shore. 2/9/2025 dwm photo