Captain Ryan Carroll brings a lifelong love of the water to the Folly River
Captain Ryan Carroll and I first crossed paths when I joined some neighbors for a get-together aboard the Folly Tiki shortly after it launched. Ever since, whenever a large group of friends or family is in town, I book a sunset-and-dolphin cruise. Each trip reveals something new about Ryan, and I quickly realized he would make a great Faces of Folly candidate.
FOLLY CURRENT: Where were you born and how long have you been tied to Folly Beach?
CAPTAIN RYAN CARROLL: I was born on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in Accomack County, and we moved to Suffolk when I was 8. My sister and I grew up exploring the Nansemond River behind our house—mudlarking, throwing marsh mud at each other, and staying out until dark. When jellyfish were thick, we put on pantyhose and pulled each other around on surfboards. Nothing got in the way of river fun.
When I was old enough, I mowed lawns until I could buy a humble jon boat. A year later, at 15, I saved enough for a six-horsepower engine. We could not go far by land, but we could explore the waterways, and those adventures with my sister and friends started my love affair with the water.
In 2019, after celebrating New Year’s in Bocas del Toro, Panama, I anchored in Charleston on my way north to visit friends. I was rebuilding after a difficult relationship and had planned only a brief stop, but Folly became home. I put down roots along the Folly River, became a Lowcountry family man, and eventually created Folly Tiki as a way to share the river’s beauty and the island spirit I found in my travels.
FC: What is an experience that has had a lasting impact on who you are today?
RC: Buying my first sailboat changed my life. I had no sailing experience—just hope, positive vibes, and a desire for independence. During the survey, I followed the inspector around asking what each “rope” did. He was stunned that I had never sailed before. I learned by trial and error, absorbing every lesson I could from the old salty sailors at the marina. Eventually, I even learned that they are called “lines.”
Then John Scott invited me to crew on a delivery from Guadeloupe to Virginia. I immediately said yes. Learning to sail offshore, traveling only by wind, and watching sunsets and stars with no land or light pollution in sight was life-altering. That journey gave me the sailing bug for good.
FC: What’s your favorite thing about Folly Beach?
RC: The waves, sunrises, sunsets, and ever-changing marsh. Folly’s bohemian surf-town character and down-island vibe are rare in the States. It makes me feel at home, and it makes me want to protect this place while sharing its magic with others.
FC: Share a story you are fond of about Folly Beach.
RC: Launching the Folly Tiki for the first time is my favorite Folly story. I had carried the idea with me for years, inspired by the island spirit I found in my travels. Watching the boat finally leave the dock and begin bringing people together on the Folly River was a special moment.
FC: In your opinion, what’s the most important issue facing our community today?
RC: Hatred-fueled division. Disagreements are dividing our tight-knit community, and Facebook feuds are spilling into relationships across the island.
FC: If you were in charge, how would you fix it?
RC: A wise friend and local, Jordan Mills, used to say, “It’s all love, baby.” That is what we need more of. We all love this island, and kindness and respect are the way forward. We can have honest opinions and productive discourse without losing sight of one another. It’s all love on Folly, baby.
Pat “Wiggy” Hiban interviews a different “Face of Folly” for this column each month. If you have an idea of someone you think Pat should chat with, please send suggestions to editor@follycurrent.com.
