OBX Kayaking
Paddling canoes and kayaks is permitted in all waters along the Outer Banks. Rental places are plentiful and are available in Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. Guided tours are offered in many areas of the Outer Banks, including Kitty Hawk Woods, Alligator River, and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges.
You can find the most detailed and comprehensive list of kayak launch sites from our friends at OBX Paddlers Club. They offer detailed descriptions and information about launch sites from Corolla to Hatteras, Roanoke Island, Currituck, and inland sites as well.
OBX Surfing/Bodyboarding/Skimboarding
The Outer Banks is known as one of the premier spots on the East Coast to catch some waves. And whether you are looking to take a lesson from the pros, or get a board and some gear before paddling out, there are plenty of local establishments that will share your stoke! Below is a listing of great places and sites to hit up before heading out.
OBX Paddleboarding
Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a hot sport on the Outer Banks, and rentals are available at surf shops and through water sports outfitters. SUP is much easier in the sound or on a calm day in the ocean, so if you’re new to the sport practice there first. Then, if you’re adventurous, you can take to surfing the ocean waves.
OBX Kite Boarding/Windsurfing
The Outer Banks has been dubbed the “Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing Capital of the East Coast.” The steady and consistent winds, temperate weather, shallow sound waters and rolling ocean waves – all provide great opportunities for both novices and extreme sport enthusiasts alike.
Check our Beach Accesses section for sound access points that make it convenient to launch if you have your own equipment. If you’re taking lessons or renting, you can find outfitters in Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. Hatteras Island is ranked as one of the top places in the world for kiteboarding.
Lessons & Equipment Rentals
Take an introductory surf lesson, either private or group, to learn the basics and ocean safety and keep the soft board for 24 hours after the time your lesson begins (a $25 value). SUP lessons are also available. Feel like heading out on your own and just need the gear. Rent a variety of surfboards and wetsuits, skim boards, SUPs, body boards and wetsuits.
To learn more, call 252-261-7222 or visit www.mydvo.com.
Choose your adventure at Kitty Hawk Surf Co. From surfing and SUP lessons, to SUP yoga lessons, SUP tours and kids surfing camps, you are bound to find the perfect adventure here. As far as rentals go, if you don’t have it, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. can provide it. Skim boards, body boards, surfboards, wetsuits and SUPs are all available for rent.
To learn more, call 252-441-6800 or visit www.khsurf.com.
Farmdog Surf School can host your corporate or special event, providing a world class Surf Camp featuring 3 and 5 day immersion for adult learners. To learn more, call (252) 256-1434 or visit www.farmdogsurfschool.com.
Specializing in on-site surf instruction from Corolla to Hatteras, instructors provide several types of lessons, including private and group lessons as well as multiple-day camps. SUP lessons are also available in which participants will learn basic techniques on land and then in the water. To learn more, call 252-599-2006, 252-573-8437 or visit www.obxsurfschool.com.
REAL’s surfing instructional programs help you learn and improve surfing skills and cover every level, from beginners to intermediate and advanced surfers. SUP lessons offer every level from beginner flatwater lessons to advanced wave riding. Kids will also love REAL’s kite boarding & surfing camps. To learn more, call 252-987-6000 or visit www.realwatersports.com.
Outer Surf is a Beach Road surf shop in Nags Head that offers surf lessons and camps for kids and adults. Visit www.outersurfnc.com for more info.
Surf Forecasts
To find the latest surf forecasts, conditions, and best secret spots, check out these websites. They are among the locals’ favorites:
