What to Know Before You Start Learning Kiteboarding in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is an ideal spot for learning and perfecting kiteboarding. The area offers steady winds and protected waters, making the region an optimal location to learn this intense sport. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique vacation that includes some adrenaline-pumping excitement, look no further than the Outer Banks.

Before you begin kiteboarding in the Outer Banks, there are a few things you’ll want to know. First and foremost is safety—kiteboarding can be dangerous if not done correctly. You should always check with local authorities for any restrictions or regulations that may be in effect.

a. Types of Equipment & Gear Needed

If you’re brand new to kitesurfing you won’t need much in the way of equipment. Depending on the season you might want a wetsuit. I prefer front-zip wetsuits from Patagonia, but you can pick up alternatives more economically.

• Sunglasses with a strap that goes behind your head or cheap glasses you don’t mind immediately losing.
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A rash guard if you’re not wearing a wetsuit (which you likely wont want may-September).
• Booties: these are heavier-duty than regular water shoes so if you don’t have them feel free to drop into any water-sports store on OBX to pick some up. Many places along the coast have sharp reeds and/or oyster shells so you don’t want to shred your feet in the first minute of your kiting session.

b. Safety Tips and Rules of the Sport

When you become an intermediate kiteboarder there are some more specific rules and tips, but as a beginner, there are some safety essentials you should keep in mind.

• In an area where people are launching and landing kites you want to stay upwind of everyone (meaning if your back is to the wind you are facing the kites they aren’t behind you).
• There are specific areas where people kite and those that are restricted. This is a sport that essentially requires some lessons. If you are new take a lesson, if you are new to an area talk to the people on the beach and ask about the area and hazards.
• Like almost any sport, refrain from touching other peoples’ gear without permission.

Where to Find the Best Conditions for Kiteboarding in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks of North Carolina offers some of the best kiteboarding conditions for learning and perfecting your skills. The area has steady winds, shallow waters, and large open beaches which make it an ideal spot to practice. The areas around Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo on Hatteras Island tend to be the most popular spots for kiteboarding. There are also several kite schools in these towns so you’re always close to a great location.

The best season to learn kiteboarding in the Outer Banks is May-September when the southwest wind starts blowing (SW). The wind conditions are warm and steady, not gusty, which makes learning as easy as it can be. Plus, the sound side of the Outer Banks is very shallow so when you fall you just stand up which is a lot easier than swimming in deep water.

As a self-admitted terrible swimmer, I can’t overstate how great it is to learn kiteboarding in shallow water without large waves or a shore break. If you’re struggling or want to head back to the beach you just walk in, if you’re having a great time but want to rest you can stand.

Find a School – How to choose a kiteboarding school with the right instructor for you

Kiteboarding can be a very technical sport and it can take some time to learn the basics. That’s why finding the right kiteboarding school is so important. When choosing a kiteboarding school, make sure to look for one that offers certified instructors who have experience teaching all levels of students.

Your kiteboarding lessons should be 1 on 1 instruction. This is an amazing sport that can be incredibly safe when you learn to use the equipment properly. In wakeboarding you have a boat pulling you, for kitesurfing, your kite is that power generator. You want to learn to stop the boat before pushing the gas right??

Finally, don’t forget to ask other kiteboarders in the area which school they recommend. This is a great way to get firsthand information from people who have taken lessons and know what to look for.

With the right school, instructor, and location you can be sure of a safe and enjoyable experience learning how to kiteboard.

On Hatteras Island I really like:

• Hatteras Island Surf and Sail
• Real Watersports

The Benefits of Taking Professional Kiteboarding Lessons

Kiteboarding is a thrilling and exhilarating sport but it’s important to remember that this can also be a dangerous activity if not done properly. Taking professional lessons from experienced instructors is one of the best ways to ensure your safety as well as learn the latest skills and techniques. Professional lessons will teach you how to correctly use the kite, how to read the wind and weather conditions, and how to handle emergency situations.

Professional lessons also provide you with a level of comfort knowing that your instructor will be there watching over you and helping you take the necessary steps if something goes wrong. Taking lessons from a professional kiteboarding school can save you time and money in the long run as you will be able to make the most of your time on the water.

Kiteboarding is an amazing sport and taking professional lessons can help you master it safely and quickly. With the right instructor, you’ll be ready to take on every gust and tackle any wind condition in no time!

How to Pack Smartly for a Kiteboard Adventure

Packing for a kiteboarding adventure can be overwhelming and intimidating. To make sure you have the essentials, here is a checklist of must-have items:

• Wetsuit (might need this)
• Sunscreen
• Rash guard
• Protective eyewear
• Snacks and water
• Camera (to capture the best moments!)

When packing for a kiteboarding trip, make sure to keep your gear organized. This will save time when you arrive at your destination

Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe While Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is an adrenaline-filled activity which can be both fun and dangerous if you don’t practice safety precautions. Follow these tips to stay safe while kiteboarding:

• Always wear a life jacket (impact vest is the real term, it’s like a life vest but sounds and looks way cooler).
• Learn the correct way to launch and land your kite, and don’t be afraid to ask for a launch.
• Stay away from power lines, buildings, and large rocks, and don’t launch in a parking lot. If you’re at all concerned and have the benefit of shallow water in the Outer Banks, stand in the water to launch not the beach.
• Know how to release/eject your kite before you head out. If you don’t have the equipment and are renting just ask about the de-power and self-release on the control bar. They’re all a little different so no need to be concerned about asking.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Kiteboarding After You’ve Learned the Basics

Once you have mastered the basics of kiteboarding, it’s time to use all that knowledge and start having some fun! There are so many creative ways to enjoy this sport – here are a few ideas:

• Race against a friend: Pick up the pace and race your fellow kiters!
• Explore new places: Look for new spots to explore on your kiteboard adventures.
• Learn some tricks: Take your kiteboarding to the next level by learning how to do spins, flips, jumps and more.

Prepare Your Body – Tips on physical training that will help you succeed in kiteboarding

I was surprised to learn you actually don’t need to be in great shape to learn to kiteboard, lucky me! However, you do use a fair amount of your core (usually adjusting yourself in the water), and you have to hold onto the control bar when you’re flying the kite. You’re going to need enough flexibility to sit in the water and pull both knees to your chest.

On my first lesson out I saw a man in his 70s doing flips and riping around. It was inspiring and intimidating!

Understand the Wind Conditions – Learn what weather patterns are best for learning kiteboarding in the Outer Banks

The general rule: you are only kiteboarding when the wind is blowing some kind of direction TOWARDS the shore. If you fall in the water you don’t want to blow out to sea right?

Any other kind of conditions require boat or jetski support and in that case, I’m guessing your instructor has strong preferences about the local conditions.

The Outer Banks is famous for the SW southwest wind. If you plan your trip for the warmer months you’re very likely to get those conditions that are the easiest and most cooperative on the island.

Conclusion

Kiteboarding is a thrilling, adrenaline-filled experience. If you are just starting out, it is important to make sure you have the right gear and follow safety precautions. After mastering the basics, there are many creative ways to enjoy kiteboarding such as racing with friends or learning tricks. Additionally, understanding the wind conditions and preparing your body is essential for a successful kiteboarding experience. Once you advance beyond beginner there’s a world of options like different types of boards, riding in waves, flips, hydro foiling, etc.

With the right knowledge and preparation, your next kiteboard trip in the Outer Banks will surely be an unforgettable adventure!

If you’re looking for a place to stay during your kiteboarding trip check out our super cool geodesic dome located in Salvo, NC (feet from world-class kiteboarding launches).