A Guide to OBX Watersports

Get on board! Looking for a splash of adventure? You’re ready to try OBX watersports. The Outer Banks of North Carolina, a stunning string of barrier islands, is the ultimate playground for watersport lovers! Surrounded by temperate waters and reliable winds, it’s perfect for everything from thrilling kiteboarding to peaceful paddleboarding. The natural beauty of these barrier islands creates a unique setting where gentle breezes, good waves and clear waters set the stage for fun and excitement, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Check out where to learn and enjoy OBX watersports.

Sail

LEARN

Nor’banks Sailing and Watersports offers sailing lessons to anyone interested in sailing in Duck. If you’re down South 12, check out Hatteras Island Surf & Sail and Rodanthe Watersports. With friendly instructors and hands-on lessons, you’ll get the hang of the ropes. 

RENT

Nor’Banks allows you to rent sailboats for your own personal use so you can get out on the water all vacation long!

CRUISE

If you’re not really down with the whole “learning how to sail” thing, you can always take a sailing cruise where you can sit back and relax. Downeast Rover and Kitty Hawk Kites sailing cruises launch out of Manteo either during the day or at night for a unique experience exploring the Outer Banks.

Stand Up Paddleboard

LEARN

Kitty Hawk Kites offers paddleboard lessons for kids.

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When you’re ready to paddle out on your own, you can also rent a paddleboard from Kitty Hawk Watersports. Ocean Atlantic Rentals also offers paddleboard rentals along with life jackets for additional safety.

TOUR

Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School offers guided paddleboarding tours in Duck, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, and Avon. If you consider yourself a paddleboard pro, give SUP Yoga a try!

Kiteboard

LEARN

REAL Watersports in Waves is the place to go if you’re looking to learn how to kiteboard or just brush up on your skills. Join a camp for a week or just learn for a day. Kitty Hawk Kites in Rodanthe offers kiteboarding lessons as well.

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If you’ve already got the hang of kiteboarding, REAL Watersports offers rentals plus all the gear you need to get out on the water (and in the air).

Surf

LEARN

If you want to learn how to surf, you’ve got a wide array of local businesses to learn from! Outer Banks Surf School has you covered from Corolla to Hatteras and offers private lessons that cover the basics of surfing. You can also learn from Outer Surf, Corolla Surf Shop, and many more.

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Local businesses like Duck Village Outfitters and Ocean Atlantic Rentals offer surfboard rentals for you to get out and get on the waves!

It’s not just the conditions that make Outer Banks watersports special —the local vibe is fantastic, too! Friendly shops and instructors are eager to help you make the most of your time on the water. They’ll set you up with the best gear and offer guidance so you can feel confident and ready to ride the waves or enjoy a serene paddle. With so much to see and do, grab your gear and get ready to explore!

Other OBX Travel Guides You Might Like

Outer Banks Local Shopping Guide Top Beach Hacks For The Best Summer Ever A Pup’s Guide To The Outer Banks