Situated between the sound and sea, the OBX has just the right bodies of water and weather conditions for endless fun on the water. Hatteras Island is nationally known as a hot spot for kiteboarding and surfers from all over the U.S. make their way to the OBX for surfing trips and competitions throughout the year. Whether it’s watching the sunset as you glide your paddleboard over the sound or seeing the excitement of your child catching their first wave, these are the special memories and snap shots you’ll keep with you for years to come. Check out our travel planner, packed with watersport activities you can experience during your vacation.
DAY 1 – SURFING LESSONS
Catching your first wave is a thrill like no other. Kids and adults can learn Surfing 101 from instructors who live and breathe surfing. Your experienced instructor will teach you the basics and coach you along in the water. Farmdog Surf School offers private, group, and 3-day camps for beginners to advanced surfers.
Farm Dog Surf School
2500 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head
(252) 255-2233
Open Daily from 7 am – 7 pm in the summer / 8 am – 4 pm in the off-season
DAY 2 – KAYAK ECO-TOUR
Deemed one of the Top 100 of America’s Best Adventures by National Geographic, a kayak eco-tour is a must while visiting the Outer Banks. Nature lovers can take in all the beautiful sights and sounds of local wildlife as you paddle along. Coastal Kayak Touring offers day and night tours along the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary in Duck and Corolla, the maritime forest and marsh in Kitty Hawk, the Alligator River near Manteo, and the waters at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge near Hatteras Island.
Coastal Kayak Touring Co.
1240 Duck Road #116, Duck
(252) 441-3393
8:30 am – 8:00 pm
DAY 3 – NIGHT LIGHTED STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING TOUR
For a nighttime adventure, sign up for the night lighted paddleboard tour through Outer Banks Paddleboard. At 9 pm, just as the sun is setting in the summer time, take a tour around Southern Shores maritime waters or the beautiful Currituck Sound with a lighting system strapped to your paddleboard. The lights and your instructor will safely guide you through calm and relaxing waters.
Outer Banks Paddleboard
1578 Duck Road, Duck, NC
(252) 371-1737
Tour take place 9 pm – 10:30 pm on the weekdays during the summer. Call at least 2 hrs. in advance to book.
DAY 4 – JET SKIING
island Breeze Waterspors offer a great location for jet skiing near lots of famous OBX sights. Cruise at your leisure or take a tour where you can visit the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge, downtown Manteo, or head south towards the Inlet. This is a fun way to see famous OBX landmarks from the water.
Island Breeze Watersports
6714 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head
(252) 489-9149
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
DAY 5 – SKIMBOARDING CAMP
Skimboarding is just a part of being a kid at the beach. This sport can be a little challenging to pick up on your own, so sign the kids up for a 2 hour camp that includes 24 hour board rental. You’re sure to see huge smiles on their faces when they are finally able to glide across the water’s surface and catch an incoming wave.
The Pit Surf Shop
1209 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 480-3128
Open daily from 9 am – 9 pm
DAY 6 – WAKEBOARDING / WATER-SKIING
Take your group out for a day on the water wakeboarding and skiing with a private lesson from Kitty Hawk Kites. Their boats are the industries best so you have just the right equipment to master this sport. Their talented instructors will be on deck to offer support and tips. Trips typically last 2-4 hours and discounted rates are available for larger groups.
Kitty Hawk Kites – Duck Location
1216 Duck Road, Duck, NC
1-877-359-8447
DAY 7 – KITEBOARDING
Whether you’re advanced or just starting out, REAL Watersports in Waves is the top spot to learn some new kiteboarding skills and tricks. You can sign up for a semi-private or private lesson for all skill levels on the Pamlico Sound. The wind conditions, scenery, and coaches are the best of the best for this sport.
REAL Watersports Inc.
25706 Highway 12
Waves, NC 27982
(252) 987-6000
9:00 am – 8:00 pm