A Beginner's Guide to Kitesurfing in Hatteras
Tucked along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Hatteras Island is a vacation destination known for its natural beauty, laid-back attitude, and epic watersports.
The island is home to a string of villages, including Hatteras, Buxton, and Frisco. You’ll also find Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a long stretch of preserved shoreline full of rich landscape and history.
The Hatteras area is known as one of the top destinations in the USA for kitesurfing. Due to its endless stretch of beaches, ideal wind conditions, and world-class waves, people flock from all over the country to enjoy this adventurous watersport. When you stay at Edgecamp Sporting Club, you’ve got access to all of the best kitesurfing spots nearby (and even your own lessons!).
Check out our beginner’s guide below on all things kitesurfing in Hatteras.
About Kitesurfing
Photo Credit: jennyt
Let’s start with the million dollar question: what is the difference between kitesurfing and kiteboarding? The answer is there is none! Kiteboarding is commonly referred to as kitesurfing, and the two words are interchangeable.
Kiteboarding is a wind-powered watersport in which you use a kite and board to propel yourself across the water. It was born out of windsurfing and shares many similarities, but it also involves elements of surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding. Kitesurfing is unique because it does not require waves; wind is the only force needed to power you along. While some riders prefer waves, many choose flat water to practice freestyle rides in smoother conditions.
Because kitesurfing is considered an “extreme” sport, it is recommended that you take kiteboarding lessons before trying it out on your own. The right wind direction, kitesurfing gear, and basic knowledge all go into having a successful kitesurfing experience.
Where to Kitesurf in Hatteras
As you now know, Hatteras is one of the most popular spots on the East Coast for kitesurfing. But with endless stretches of beaches, where is the best place to start?
CAPE HATTERAS NATIONAL SEASHORE
Photo Credit: Fsendek
With over 70 miles of coastline, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is the place to be for kitesurfing. The narrow island is surrounded by water on both sides. The Atlantic Ocean is to the East, while the Pamlico Sound is to the West. This unique layout offers kitesurfers the best of both worlds.
PAMLICO SOUND
Photo Credit: Jason Schronce
Experienced kitesurfers looking for epic waves can head to the East side for the best kiteboarding on the Atlantic. But for beginners and those who prefer flat waters, Pamlico Sound is the perfect spot. The soundside offers waist deep water for seven miles out. This shallow water is the ideal environment to learn how to kitesurf, catch downwinders, and practice freestyle moves without the waves.
Pamlico Sound is also home to the Canadian Hole, a small stretch of shoreline where kitesurfing conditions are at their absolute best. And if you’re an experienced kiter looking for the perfect downwinders, head to the famous “Planet of the Apes” downwinder on Mile Marker 46 in Hatteras.
Most kitesurfing lessons in the area utilize the Pamlico Sound waters for their lessons, making it a natural place to venture on your own once you’re done with lessons.
When to Kitesurf in Hatteras
The open season of kitesurfing runs from April to October. This time of the year offers the best wind conditions, with spring in particular known for its ideal Southwest winds. Fall is a great time to go for kiters who prefer waves, and of course, summer in Hatteras is always a good idea.
Lessons typically shut down during the winter as it is not the ideal time to go kitesurfing. If you plan to kite during the winter, be sure to check local wind conditions before your trip.
Kitesurfing Lessons in Hatteras
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KITE CLUB HATTERAS
Address: 40159 North End Rd, Avon, NC
Website: kiteclubhatteras.com
Kite Club Hatteras is a local kiteboarding school offering a range of lessons and services. They are a great option for beginners or experienced kiteboarders looking for a quick refresher before hitting the water.
They offer a 3-part lesson series for beginners. Lesson 1 is a three-hour educational lesson that covers all of the basics. You’ll learn about weather conditions, kite theory, safety systems, and kite control. Lesson 2’s goal: stand up! You’ll practice launching the kite, kite control in the water, and performing safety methods. Finally, in Lesson 3, you learn to ride. By the end of this lesson, you are ready to ride upwind.
Kite Club Hatteras provides all of the kitesurfing gear needed, including boat and jetski support. Wet suits are also available if needed. Water shoes are required for lessons and are not included, so make sure to bring those with you. You can also purchase kitesurfing gear here if you’re ready for your own after your lesson.
CAPE HATTERAS KITEBOARDING
Address: 52904 North Carolina Hwy 12, Frisco, NC
Website: capehatteraskiteboarding.com
Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding is located on Hatteras Island in the village of Frisco. This local kiteboarding school offers a wide variety of lessons for every type of kiter.
For beginners, Cape Hatteras offers three different options. If you’re pressed for time, you can choose Kiteboarding Kite Basics, a 2-hour beginner's course that teaches you all of the fundamentals of kitesurfing. This course is $225. For longer lessons, Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding offers a three-hour course for $375 and a three-day course for $850.
If you’re an experienced kiter looking to take your skills to the next level, sign up for a private hourly lesson and practice as long as you want!
Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding teaches from a 25’ Carolina Skiff to ensure you have a safe and comfortable environment with boat support. All necessary equipment is provided except for water shoes.
REAL WATERSPORTS
Address: 25706 North Carolina Hwy 12, Waves, NC
REAL Watersports is located north of Hatteras Island in Waves, right between Rodanthe and the Salvo Day Use Area Park and Beach.
REAL is the ultimate surfing and kiteboarding complex, featuring a lesson center, gear rental shop, full-service restaurant, and a retail store with everything you could ever need for kitesurfing.
They are passionate about “making new riders every day” and offer a mix of kiteboarding camps, private lessons, and semi-private lessons. The semi-private lesson is their most popular option, allowing you and a friend to try out kitesurfing together. Choose between a 3-hour or 6-hour day full of hands-on training.
Kitty Hawk Kites
Address: 24502 NC Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC (Kitty Hawks Kiteboarding School)
Website: kittyhawk.com
If you’re looking for a company that offers all kinds of action sports, Kitty Hawk Kites is your spot. Kitty Hawk Kites operates from multiple locations, including Hatteras, Avon, Nags Head, and Rodanthe.
Kiteboarding lessons take place at their Cabrinha-certified kite school in Rodanthe. They offer a range of lesson options, including private lessons, 5-hour group sessions, and 3 to 5 day packages for a comprehensive lesson. They offer single 2-hour private lessons and Ultimate Way to Fly packages for multiple lessons.
Kitty Hawk Kites offers a range of watersport options, including kayak tours, jet ski rentals, paddleboarding, fishing expeditions, and more. If you want to stick with the kite theme, you can go hang gliding or parasailing. No matter what adventure you choose, Kitty Hawk Kites has you covered.
Enjoy Your Epic Kitesurfing Adventure
Here at Edgecamp Sporting Club, we are all about helping you make the most of the Outer Banks adventures that await you. Kitesurfing is no exception.
As you can see, Hatteras Island is the ultimate desfornlearning to learn how to kitesurf. Between its ideal wind conditions, Pamlico Sound waters, and endless lesson opportunities, there’s nothing stopping you from a successful kitesurfing experience.
Be sure to check out our Wellness Center after your kitesurfing adventures. From massages to yoga classes to hydration therapy, our concierge team offers everything you need for the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on your Hatteras Island getaway.
