Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School

Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons and Camp

2011-03-31T12:26:00.003-04:00

What's SUP on the OBX?

What is a typical stand up paddleboard lesson like? A typical SUP lesson lasts one hour. The lesson begins with the anatomy of a SUP and its terminology. Next paddling techniques, balance and feet positioning are discussed. Participants then practice popping up onto the SUP on the beach before getting wet. Safety protocols for the group are then discussed and the remainder on the lesson (usually about an hour) is spent on the water SUPing. The instructor is there to help you catch waves, improve your paddling technique and answer any questions you might have about surfing, the ocean, waves, or SUP culture.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons cost $45.00 a person.

What is a SUP Camp Like?

The SUP Camp is for beginner surfers who are trying to learn all they can about SUPing while at the OBX. The camp will last three days and lasts 1.5 hours each session. The camp will take you from kook (novice) to shredder (good SUPer). Besides learning how to drop in, go down the line, turn, paddle and judge waves we will also enlighten you on the topics of ocean safety, North Carolina coastal geology, lunar cycles, wave formation, surf history, board shape science, surf lingo and all other things surf related. School’s in session and SUPing is the class. Come and join us so you can get SUPing today.

SUP camps cost $115.00 a person.

What time do your lessons start?

All SUP lessons start at 9 AM unless otherwise noted but you should meet at 8:45 AM at our shop in Kitty Hawk. That gives us enough time to fill out waivers, handle payment and size you up for a board and wetsuit if necessary. The wind is usually better early so it pays to get out of bed. Plus there are a lot less people on the beach and in the water at that time and we get the beach all to ourselves.

Spring Paddling

2011-02-20T14:59:00.004-05:00

Less rain and cold wind means more warm sun & kayak tours.!!!!!!!! And getting back on the water after a cold, dark winter feels great. Come join us!!! We are currently doing the following kayak tours every week this Spring:

Safari River Maritime Forest @ 10:00 AM Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Tour @ 10:00 AM

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Call us at 252 261-0145 or check out our website at http://www.khkss.com/ for details.

Fall Kayak Tours on the Outer Banks

2010-10-22T12:24:00.006-04:00

Kayaking on the outer Banks may be best in the fall. Sweat doesn't pour out of your body with every paddle, the sunsets have more color and the the fall bird migrations are a sight to behold. Add that with less traffic on the road and at your favorite restaurants makes the Outer Banks an ideal place. To make the fall even more appealing, we lower our prices by HALF!!!! Some come take a kayak tour on the Outer Banks this fall, winter or spring. It will save you a grip of cash and you will get out on the water to see the Outer Banks in all its seasonal glory.

We offer kayak tours, surf lessons, and SUP lessons year round in any season. Just give us a call and we can help your get out there when everyone else is staying inside. Happy Paddling!!!

Fall Surfing and Paddling Schedule

2010-10-11T14:14:00.007-04:00

The fall is my favorite time of the year on the Outer Banks. The water is still warm and the wildlife displays are equally impressive. We are still offering kayak tours and surf lessons through October according to the following schedule. Give us a ring if you would like to go before winter sets in.

Kayak Tour & Surf Lesson Fall Schedule

Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School

Monday

10am Maritime Forest
5pm Maritime Forest

Tuesday

10am Maritime Forest
5pm Maritime Forest

Wednesday

7am Maritime Forest
10am Alligator River or 10am Maritime Forest
5pm Maritime Forest or 5pm Pea Island

Thursday

7am Maritime Forest
10am Maritime Forest or 10pm Corolla Marsh
5 pm Corolla Marsh or 5pm Maritime Forest

Friday

7am Maritime Forest

10am Maritime Forest or 10am Alligator River
5pm Maritime Forest

Saturday

7am Maritime Forest
10am Alligator River, or 10am Maritime Forest or 10am Corolla Marsh
5pm Maritime Forest

Sunday

7am Maritime Forest
10am Alligator River or 10am Maritime Forest
5pm Maritime Forest

Surf Lessons daily at 9 AM

Outer Banks Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

2010-06-18T09:01:00.004-04:00

The Outer Banks has some killer places for SUPs and the Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School just got some sweet new SUP boards. You can rent a board and cruise around the creek right off our dock, take a lesson or sign up for an SUP tour and we can show you around. A great full body workout, SUP paddling engages your core muscles, thighs, shoulders and arms all in one paddle motion. It is also great for practicing your balance. Also take these puppies into the ocean and catch some waves too!!!

Prices

Rentals/hour: $30/hour $40/2 hours $50/4 hours

Rental/day: $29/day $49/3 day $59/week

Lessons: $60/1.5 hour lesson

Tour: $60/1.5 hour tour

Clean Beaches = Healthy Businesses

2010-05-26T09:30:00.006-04:00

The Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School is a locally owned business that depends on healthy estuarine and ocean ecosystems to teach surf lessons and lead kayak tours for our cool customers on their vacations. Just like you guys we love playing in the amazing natural environments of the Outer Banks; our passion and your reason for visiting.

The recent lifting of the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling has us a bit nervous in light of the horrible environmental catastrophe plaguing the businesses, livelihoods and ecosystems of the Gulf Coast. As such, please join us on June 26th at 11 AM at the Bonnet Street beach access to participate in the "Hands Across the Sands" event, protesting offshore oil drilling in North Carolina. This event is brought to you by the Sierra Club and the Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. This very same protest led Florida to ban off-shore oil drilling in their state before the recent debacle in the Gulf Coast. With your help we can do the same in North Carolina. Please invite your friends, families and neighbors to join us in solidarity opposition to oil oil drilling. This can help send a clear message of opposition to an industry that places the people, places, wildlife and businesses in jeopardy.

Join us on June 26th to voice your opposition to off-shore oil drilling in North Carolina and help us preserve the Outer Banks natural wonders for generations to come.

For more information visit http://handsacrossthesand.org/ , http://nottheanswer.org/

Ocean Kayak Tours

2010-05-20T12:26:00.003-04:00

The Outer Banks has great paddling locations: Cypress swamps, salt marshes, freshwater river systems, inlets, islands, coves bays etc. But the Atlantic Ocean is an awesome spot to go paddling too. Our guides just paddled around the ocean this morning in the magic hours right around sunrise and it was amazing. Fish were jumping, dolphins were chasing the fish and the sunrise was incredible. Also the morning calm and light winds made for a calm and peaceful morning. We are offering ocean kayak tours this year every Thursday morning at 7AM.Early yes, but worth it.

Nesting Canada Geese

2010-04-04T09:04:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we spotted two pairs of nesting Canada geese on our Maritime Forest Tour. They are very protective of their nests, and definitely give you the stink eye as you paddle by, with their necks lowered. Once hatched they should linger around through early June as they grow under the watchful eye of their mothers. Fluffy Canada goslings are really cute. Come check 'em out because, as we all know, they do grow up fast. Happy Easter everyone!!!!!

Matt Lusk Does it Again

2010-03-24T11:40:00.004-04:00

Click on the link below to check out Fuel TV's interview of Matt Lusk's photojournalism of OBX surfing:

Interview

Pumping lighthouse, few takers

2010-03-10T16:28:00.001-05:00

Check out Matt Lusk's insane video footage of the lighthouse. The chosen frozen for sure!!!

http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/blog/_/post/4978556

Corolla Triathalon: Run, Pedal & Kayak Paddle

2010-03-09T14:03:00.005-05:00

Whalehead Club Triathalon: April 7 from 8-1 PM
Join us for a multi-athletic event beginning in Currituck Heritage Park. The "Pedal-Foot-Paddle" starts with a scenic cycle through Corolla followed by a run on the beach at low-tide, wrapping up with a kayak paddle on the Currituck Sound. For the more leisurely-minded enjoy the fun event, "Land and Light" - climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, then stroll through the park ending at the front porch of the historic Whalehead Club. Contestants may participate individually or as a team. Entry fee includes registration reception on Tuesday evening, and award celebration - including best costume - on race day.

Visit this link for a registration form. http://www.whaleheadclub.com/PDFs/pfp10_RegForm.pdf

Cheap Outer Bnaks Kayak Tours and Surf Lessons

2010-03-07T15:46:00.002-05:00

Last week to take advantage of our half price coupon for surf lessons and kayak tours. Check out our website www.khkss.com/deals for the coupon. Surf was pumping today in the OBX. Overhead barrels and walls with plenty of juice. . Warm sand too. Spring is almost here.

Our heartiest kayak tour ever????

2010-02-12T18:38:00.003-05:00

Heather did a kayak tour last Sunday afternoon with some of the crew from the Hellzapoppin Sideshow Review. Check their website http://www.hellzapoppin.com/Home.html for more info. They rock!!!!!! The crew ruled it at the Outer Banks Brewing Station http://www.obbrewing.com/on Saturday night and then went paddling before the Super Bowl!!! Temperatures were in the upper twenties as the sun was setting but the hearty crew paddled on under the stars and enjoyed our first ever nocturnal kayak tour in February!!!! And for the record we are scheduled for a kayak tour this Sunday....if we don't get snowed in....AGAIN!!!!! This could be a two snowman year on the Outer Banks with the next winter blast cranking. Moral of the story is its never to cold for a kayak tour on the OBX!!!!

Kayaking in the Outer Banks....In the snow?

2010-01-30T16:16:00.002-05:00

A cold winter storm blew into the OBX today and brought about 3 inches of snow before it turned to rain. Needless to say it was not a great day to paddle on the Outer Banks, but we are lookign forward to warmer days this coming spring.

Winter Surf

2010-01-12T19:13:00.003-05:00

Well...just be thankful that you come to surf in the Outer Banks in the summer. The water temperature is 37 degrees and it hasn't even bottomed out yet. The ocean will go from 77 in summer to 37 in the winter!!!!!!!! Imagine the worst ice cream head ache you have ever had every time you go under water. That's winter surfing in the Outer Banks. But there are no crowds, good waves if you can hack it.

Coupons for KHKSS

2010-01-07T18:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays from the Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School

2009-12-12T10:30:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!!!

2009-12-05T18:38:00.003-05:00

From now on all kayak tours are $20.00 from September 15th to March 15th. That is over half off the regular price!!!!!! These deals are like the Cliffs of Insanity in the Princess Bride!! Also all surf lessons are $30.00 during the same time frame. Get your paddle on in the off-season for half price!!!!!!! A little gift from the staff here at kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School to our customers this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Paddling

2009-11-21T14:19:00.003-05:00

Come and work off some of the calories, check out some wildlife and combat the tryptophan with a kayak tour, surf lesson or both. Kayaking this time of year is superb and the ocean water temps aren't that bad yet. Plus we got wetsuites and booties for all sizes. Mention this blog and get 20% of the tour our lesson price. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from the Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School!!!! Gobble gobble paddle paddle!

Merchants Millpond Camping Trips

2009-11-19T09:38:00.015-05:00

One of the hidden gems of the North Carolina State Park system is Merchants Millpond State Park in Gates County. Described as "[a]n enchanted forest, [with] primitive species of fish relatively unchanged over millions of years, towering bald cypress trees with massive trunks, luxuriant growths of Spanish moss. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina's rarest ecological communities. Together with upland forests, these environments create a haven for wildlife and humanity alike."

It is a paddler's paradise and one of the most unique camping locals in North Carolina. Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School offers guided overnight camping excursions to this majestic paddling mecca. We will paddle to our campsite, set up camp and begin to unwind in the natural beauty of the place. Explore the pond by kayak, hike the trails throught the forest, paddle up Bennets Creek, the source of the pond, and camp along the shores. Let our staff cater to your every needs; this will be the easiest camping trip you have ever been on. All trips include all equipment, fees, catered meals and transportation. This is also a great place for family camping trips, couples and first time kayakers as the environment is very sheltered from the elements. Call for more information.

2009 Dare County Big Sweep Beach Clean Up

2009-09-14T12:09:00.004-04:00

The Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is proud to support the 2009 North Carolina Big Sweep. Please come out and help us clean our coasts Saturday morning, September 26 from 9-12. Volunteers will be available at the following locations to provide gloves, bags and data cards: Southern Shores Fire Department, Kitty Hawk Bath House, Nags Head Town Hall, Coquina Beach Bath House, Chickahauk Beach Access, Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School @ 6150 N. Croatan Highway (w/ a free kayak rental to clean the creek), Kill Devil Hills Bath House, Bonnet Street Bath House, Ramp 4, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and the Pea Island Visitor Center. Thanks to Outer Banks Hauling for sponsoring a recycling program for aluminum cans, paper, glass bottles, magazines, steel cans, tin cans, cardboard and plastic bottles. Simply keep these items separate from your other trash and bring all the trash to the Outer Banks Brewing Station for a cookout lunch from 12-3 PM.

For more information or to volunteer contact:

Hatteras Island - Mary Helen Goodloe Murphy (252) 987-1303
Nags Head to Duck - Herman Hall (252) 305-7082
Corolla & Northern Beaches - Chelsea Hess (804) 836-3424

OBX Pro Surf Contest

2009-09-14T11:13:00.004-04:00

Come check out the Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest September 18-20 at the Comfort Inn in South Nags Head, Mile Post 16. Historically we have seen some incredible surfing go down at this contest from local pros like Noah Snyder and Jesse Hines, up and comers, WCT chargers like Pancho Sullivan and the iconic Matt Archibald. Members of the Outer Banks Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will be there selling Outer Banks Brewing Station beer to raise money for local coastal protection initiatives. The contest is sponsored by WRV. Check out their blog for more info. http://www.waveridingvehicles.com/blog/?p=242

Surf, Kayak & Yoga Retreats

2009-09-08T13:32:00.004-04:00

Get ready for 3 day surf, yoga and kayak packages coming this Fall!!!! Give us a ring for more details @ 252 261-0145.

Day 1

Fresh squeezed juice

Yoga Session

Breakfast

Surf Lesson

Lunch

Sunset Kayak Tour

Dinner

Meditation

Day 2

Fresh squeezed juice

Yoga Session

Breakfast

Lunch

Afternoon Kayak Tour

Dinner

Meditation

Day 3

Fresh squeezed juice

Yoga Session

Breakfast

Surf Lesson

Lunch

Afternoon Massage

Dinner

Meditation

Meals

Dining while on your Essential Soul retreat is an experience in and of it self. Daily fresh squeezed organic juices and Fair Trade coffees will help get you ready for the morning yoga session. Breakfast includes fresh, organic fruits, homemade breads, yogurt and homemade granola. Lunches and dinners are an eclectic mix of raw food dishes, locally sourced seafood and vegetarian options with taste, nutrition, organic and sustainability the only concern. These meals will help cleanse and heal the body and mind for the activities of the retreat. A sample menu is as follows:

Breakfast

Fresh squeezed carrot, apple and ginger juice

Fresh baked honey wheat bread

Apricot, pecan granola with fresh fruit and yogurt

Fair Trade Coffees and Teas

Lunch

Assorted, local seafood and vegetable sushi

Tabouli

Raw beet and orange juice borscht

Snacks

Raw, sprouted hummus

Fruit salad

Dinner

Locally sourced crab cakes

Brown Rice

Garden Salad

Seasonal Greens

Chocolate Mousse

All activities, transportation, lodging and meals included.

$700.00/per person includes 4 nights lodging/ 3 days of activities and meals.

Fall Overnight Kayak Camping Trips on the Outer Banks

2009-08-25T08:42:00.004-04:00

Fall is the best time to go on an overnight trip with the Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School. Let us cater an incredible outdoor camping experience via kayak for you. We do camping trips on the Roanoke River, the Albemarle Sound, False Cape State Park and Merchants Millpond in the Great Dismal Swamp.

Also check out our new promo video.

New Light Tackle, Fly Fishing Charters and Kayak Fishing Charters

2009-05-18T19:53:00.003-04:00

Every one knows that Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf School has the best kayak launch access in Kitty Hawk, but this launch site can also access incredible fishing. This year we are offering light tackle and fly fishing charters with Rio Mar Fishing Charters and kayak fishing charters with the Outer Banks Fishing School. Captains Dave Rohde and Mark Peters will put you on the best action for that time of year. Puppy drum, speckled trout, flounder, rockfish, you name it and you’ll catch it. Call us about these excursions available all summer long to reserve your fishing adventure. And get your grill ready too! This fish is good eatin'.

Summer Camps on the Outer Banks

2009-05-14T12:11:00.001-04:00

Check out our Coastal Explorer Summer Camps on the Outer Banks. The camp consists of a 5-day surf camp, 4 afternoons of kayak tours, an environmental based service project, Jr. Lifeguard Program with Kill Devil Hills’ oceanfront lifeguards and pizza party on Friday afternoon. Each participant will enjoy 4 kayak tours at different locations around the Outer Banks including the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Roanoke Island, Nags Head Woods and the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Coastal Preserve. This is a feast of water-based recreation for young people that guarantees a summer camp experience of a lifetime!!! Camps run all summer long starting June 8th.

2009 COASTAL EXPLORERS CAMP ITENERARY

Session 1: June 8th to 12th:

Monday, June 8th
8:00 AM Meet at Paddling Center Office: Kitty Hawk Kayaks: Mile Post 1
Meet and Greet
Surf Lesson #1 (8:30-11:30 AM)
LUNCH (12-1 PM)
Paddle Maritime Forest: Coastal Ecology Clinic (1:30-3:30 PM)
Wrap up the day 4 PM
Tuesday June 9th 2009
8 AM Meet at Paddling Center Office
Surf Lesson #2 (8:30-11:30 AM) Coquina Beach Access
Lunch at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge (PIWR): (12-1 PM)Visit Center
Paddle PIWR- Scavenger Hunt (1-3:15 PM)
Wrap up day 4 PM
Wednesday June 10th 2009
8 AM Meet at Paddling Center Office
Surf Lesson #3 (8:30-11:30 AM)
LUNCH at Paddling Center Office: (12-1 PM)
Travel to Surf Board Factory Tour (1:30-2:30 PM)
ACA Kayak Rescue Clinic: (2:30-3:30 PM)
Wrap up day 4 PM
Thursday June 11th 2009
8 AM Meet at Paddling Center
Surf Lesson #4 (8:30-11:30 AM)
Transport to Alligator River Wildlife Refuge: Lunch (12-1pm)
Paddle Alligator River 1:15 - 3:15 PM: Head Back to Paddling Center
Wrap up day and Head home 4 PM
Friday June 12th 2009
Surf Lesson #1 (8:30-11:30 AM)
SURF Lesson: #5 Competition
LUNCH from a Local Restaurant
Surf Kayaking Lesson
Awards Ceremony and Head Home 4pm

Please note that the schedule is subject to change dependent on weather. Cost $350 per person. Space is limited to 10 participants. Camps later in the summer will follow the same weekly itinerary as above.

Alternative activities include:

-Kayak in morning instead of afternoon (if waves will be better in pm)
-YMCA Kayak pool clinic or College of the Albemarle Kayak access clinic
-North Carolina Aquarium visit with a behind the scenes activity
-Ocean Lifeguard Clinic with Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue Squad
-Nags Head Woods Nature Conservancy Hike and clinic with naturalist
-Roanoke Island Festival Park Visit with Paddle around the Island
-Crabbing in the Albemarle Sound

Kitty Hawk Kayaks and Surf School
6150 North Croatan Highway Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Phone: (252) 261- 0145 or 1 (866) 702-5061
Internet: http://www.khkss.com/ Email: info@khkss.com

Outer Banks Kayak Tours and Surf Lessons, Spring 2009

2009-05-07T14:38:00.001-04:00

Kitty Hawk Kayaks & Surf school is rarin' to go this Spring with warmer weather on the Outer Banks. Less rain and cold wind means more surf lessons and kayak tours. We are currently doing he following kayak tours every day:

Alligator River @ 9:00 AM
Maritime Forest @ 6:00 PM

the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Tour is also available by request. Call us at 252 261-0145 or check out our website at http://www.khkss.com/ for details.

Surf lessons are happening too!!! The water is warming up faster than usual and we should be out of our wetsuits by June. Spring is a great time of year for surfing on the Outer Banks, and whether its your first time in the water or you want to learn how to bash the lip harder, we can help.