Surfing

North Carolina’s Outer Banks is the place on the East Coast to catch a big swell. The uninhibited nature of the barrier islands makes it the perfect locale for surfers. The area’s distinct geology and meteorology, largely responsible for the unique shape of the islands play a crucial role in the amazing surfing. Waves come in from many different directions and are able to maintain their energy. This creates large waves that often have the appearance of glass. Combined with offshore wind and double overhead conditions and you’ll likely see some of the most perfect waves on Earth. Surfers flock from across the country to local area hotspots, such as Cape Hatteras and the “S-Turns” on Highway 12 near Rodanthe. Almost anywhere you go, you can bring aboard and be guaranteed wonderful surfing.

Kayaking

One of the best ways to explore the Outer Banks is by kayak. Tour the area in the shallow sound waters that are ideal for kayaks and canoes. Discover the beautiful sights and sounds that you would miss on land, such as paddling out past the breakers to ride along dolphins. As an experienced kayaker, make it an adventure and ride the surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Or for a more peaceful and quiet ride, glide seamlessly through the salt marshes. Explore unknown islands throughout the area or travel around Roanoke Island for a historical glance at our area. You’ll find many different shops offering rentals, guided ecological tours as well as instructions. Take the entire family for a fun-filled trip along the glorious waters of the Atlantic and Sound.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, has become one of the most sought-after water sports to learn on the Outer Banks. While an exciting ride, almost everyone can learn. Through the powerful combination of wind and water, participants experience the thrilling rush of what it would be like to fly. There are many area instructional courses taught by certified experts. In “good” conditions, an advanced individual can catch the air and fly, launch anywhere from 20 feet to 40 feet above the water, and soar for up to seven seconds. You can just fly, or incorporate tricks into your jump such as flips and spins. For those looking to step into the shallow end of the kiteboarding pool, you don’t have to have huge launches to enjoy yourself. Simply carving through the water is elating.

Windsurfing

Well known as the “windsurfing capital of the East Coast”, the Outer Banks is a centralized mecca for wind sports. The consistent winds and waves, moderate weather, and shallow waters of the sand each combine to provide great windsurfing opportunities throughout the year. Most outfitters offer lessons for beginners and advanced surfers, equipment rentals, and clinics. During our endless Summer, the warm, friendly, shallow water of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds offer world-class learning conditions for building windsurfing skills. Spring and Fall bring front-driven high wind sailing conditions on the ocean and sounds. High wind conditions may last for days, and be interspersed by sunny low-wind interludes for relaxation, recovery, or teaching kids and novices.

Beachcombing

The Outer Banks While the Outer Banks are better beaches are perfect for shelling and beachcombing. The best times to look for shells are after high tide and after a storm, especially in the morning before people begin gathering on the beach, and during the winter months. Check with the NC Aquarium about programs on shell collecting and educational field trips.

Swimming

Most sections of the seashore do not have lifeguards, restrooms, or other services available. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are usually posted at Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras Beach near the old lighthouse site, and the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. Red warning flags are posted at beaches with lifeguards when swimming conditions are hazardous. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore,(seven miles from Oregon Inlet) offers good bird watching and beaches for swimming and fishing

Fishing

Some of the best fishing on the East Coast is found here on the Outer Banks. and for those who enjoy pier fishing, there are eight located between Kitty Hawk and Hatteras. If you don’t have your own equipment, many baits and tackle shops offer rentals. Headboat fishing is a great family activity. There are inshore, half-day charters for cobia, amberjack, and king mackerel, among others, and for the more adventurous, there are offshore, full-day charters to the gulf stream where anglers can catch marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin.

Bike Riding

Bicycling here is like nowhere else. With the surf, sun, sand, and space you’ll find it is some of the most amazing biking around. The Outer Banks is a “mile wide and a hundred miles long.” The beach is all public and open to everyone, with public change rooms at several regional beach access areas in the northern section. The Outer Banks should be on every bicyclist’s list of east coast rides. You can ride 120 miles from Corolla and Duck at the north end to Hatteras and Ocracoke at the south end, with a relaxing 40-minute free ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke to rest the legs.

Skateboarding

known for water sports and recreation, there are numerous opportunities for skateboarders around the area. The mild temperatures of North Carolina provide excellent conditions for year-round skating at the five top-notch skateparks (located along the stretch from Corolla to Buxton). Many of these parks have a wide  variety of terrain, such as wooden ramps, concrete and combination bowls, even flow areas, and a street plaza. While some parks are free, others require payment before skating. As an alternative to the beach, these parks provide a great day for the family. Some even have outdoor grill areas perfect for a summer barbeque.

Horseback Riding

There’s nothing that quite compares to horseback riding on the beach or exploring coastal hideaways. You will enjoy horseback riding courtesy of local stables that welcome the public. Ride out past the sand dunes to the gorgeous beauty of the beach. Some trails go by.