Category Archives: Water Sports

03/24/22

Top Outer Banks Beach Vacations

Some of the finest vacation beaches are in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and Ocracoke and Buxton were ranked as two of the top ten beaches in the USA! Dr. Beaches, aka Dr. Stephen Leatherman, is a coastal research specialist. He’s been compiling this list every year since 1991. He compares more than 650 beaches, and his choices are based on water and sand quality plus 50 other criteria. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach and Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach are consistently in his top ten. We understand why.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is a haven that can only be reached by sea. Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you will find lifeguards present during the season. Whatever time of year you choose to go, you will find beaches that are pristine, wild, uncrowded, and clean.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

The nights are clear and made for stargazing. Obtain a permit from the National Park Service, and you can build a bonfire on the beach. While there, visit Ocracoke’s lighthouse. With five-foot thick walls at its base, it is a sold beauty and the second oldest lighthouse in the nation.

Buxton’s Old Lighthouse Beach on Hatteras Island is another experience. This stretch of beach attracts surfers and other ocean sports aficionados. The same energy that creates superb surf carries seashells to the shore; it is a joy for beachcombers. Rent a boogie board or a surfboard. Go to nearby Kite Point, Canadian Hole, or Cape Point for windsurfing, kiteboarding, or surf fishing. Or, simply spread your towel on the beach, get into your chaise, pull out a good book, and marvel at the power of the ocean.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse towers over beach dunes near Buxton, North Carolina, US

This is the perfect time to plan your beach getaway. The Outer Banks is made for honeymoons, romantic escapes, or a friends and family vacation. The top-rated beaches of Buxton and Ocracoke have unparalleled appeal. Make plans for your dream beach vacation today! 

02/24/16

Top 7 Free Activities on Hatteras Island

While the snow is still melting around the country, we wanted to help get you in the right state of mind. Let’s talk vacation. And not the crazy expensive lavish one. The real one that you can not only afford, but which will create so many meaningful memories. They say the best things in life are free, and we tend to agree here on Hatteras. Without further ado, here are a few recommendations of some things to do that won’t break the bank while you’re staying with us.

1 –  BEACH |  It’s obvious why you chose this beautiful place. And there’s nothing better than just taking it all in with friends and family. With miles of pristine coastline, there’s no shortage of serenity.

  

  2 –  LIGHTHOUSES |  The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the world’s tallest brick lighthouse standing at 208 feet tall. Known for its black and white candy cane stripes, its beam of light spans 20 miles into the ocean, protecting one amazing stretch of land. While there is a fee to actually climb the lighthouse, the grounds, Hatteras Island Visitor Center, museum, book store, shaded picnic area,.75-mile nature trail and beach ramp access to Cape Point are free, making this an attraction offering a little something for everyone. Note: You can also check out Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island Lighthouses on either end of the Seashore as well!


3 –  PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE |  Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, the bird list for Pea Island Refuge consists of more than 365 species; the wildlife list of 25 species of mammals, 24 species of reptiles and five species of amphibians. The Visitor Center is chock full of state-of-the art exhibits and is totally free to check out. With walking trails, wildlife displays, birdwatching, and seasonal guided canoe tours.

4 –  GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC MUSEUM |  The Museum is dedicated to the preservation, advancement and presentation of the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks from the earliest periods of colonization to the present day, which greatly emphasize the 1524-1945 period. If shipwrecks and history are your thing, you will absolutely dig this expedition. While this attraction is free, donations are welcome.

5  –   FERRY RIDE |  The Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry is one of the most popular of the seven coastal ferry routes run and managed by NCDOT. Free, with no reservations required, this island-hopper runs 365 days a year and is a great way to jet on over to Ocracoke Island for the day. You’ll catch a number of folks boarding in cars, trucks, bikes and on foot for a scenic ride offering views of sun, sand, surf, water and wildlife. Dolphins love springing up beside the ferry when the water’s warm, so keep your eyes peeled!

6 –  GET YOUR ART ON |  Let the inner artist in you come out to play. Hatteras is saturated in creativity! Check out local artisan works in these lovely one-of-a-kind island galleries: Kinnakeet Clay Works, Pea Island Art Gallery, Blue Pelican Gallery, SeaWorthy Gallery, Indian Town Gallery, and other hidden gems you’ll surely find along the way with galleries in each village on the island.

7 –  WATERSPORTS + FISHING |  Shallow sound waters and great ocean wave action have made Hatteras Island a prime destination for folks who enjoy kiteboarding, windsurfing, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You’re sure to fulfill some lifelong adventure dreams right here…and for free! Always be on the lookout for clinics and demo days where you can try these out at no cost. If you try it and rock (like we know you will), many of the local establishments offer super affordable classes and even rental equipment that they’ll deliver right to the door of your rental home.

04/20/15

Welcome to the Village of Waves

Located about 30 minutes south of Nags Head and other central Outer Banks attractions, the slower pace of Waves provides a great place for water and nature lovers who enjoy a little peace and quiet. This area has become renowned for water sports enthusiasts, such as kiteboarders, paddleboarders and windsurfers, who enjoy the slick, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound. Surfers and ocean lovers can also enjoy some of the best WAVES on the East Coast. A paved multi-use path runs the length of the village for cyclists, joggers and strollers. Tucked behind windswept Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines, you’ll find neighborhood entrances, restaurants, galleries and shops — just off the beaten path.

Here are a few of the great places you’ll find in Waves:
Find their locations by choosing points of interest on the interactive map on our website

Ocean Gourmet and Gifts — Homemade fudge, Hand-dipped ice cream, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls in the morning

Dairy Queen — Soft-serve ice cream, blizzards and classic burgers and fries from the take out window.

Hatteras Island Sail Shop — Since the 1980s,  one of the best launches on Hatteras, with a hard sandy bottom and great exposure to the southwest winds. Shop offers lessons and rentals and a wide range of kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayak gear.

Atlantic Coast Cafe –  Laid-back cafe serving breakfast and a casual lunch and dinner menu with a seafood flair. Enjoy your meal inside or outside on the deck where pets are welcome.

Hatteras Island Surf Shop — Established in 1971,  the surf shop has every thing for your surfing, skim boarding, and body boarding needs and offers lessons and rentals.

Michael Halminski Gallery –  A resident of Hatteras Island for over 40 years, Michael Halminski sells fine art prints and note cards of his iconic photography.

Charlies Boat Rentals — Rent Pontoon Boats, Motor Boats and Waverunners by the hour or the day.

Top Dog Cafe — Laid-back, Florida Keys-style restaurant for wraps, burgers, surf n turf and fish tacos.

REAL Watersports — Internationally recognized kiteboarding and surfing shop, and lesson center. Four acres of the latest and greatest gear, rentals and lessons.

Watermen’s Bar and Grille — Excellent food, drinks and coffee overlooking the sound with family-friendly with picnic tables on the deck and indoor/outdoor eating options.

Leonardos Pizza — Simply great pizza and subs.

Waves Market and Deli — Boars Head meats and cheeses, specialty beers and wine, groceries and quirky sandwiches, wraps and fries that have developed a cult following.

St. Waves Seafood and Steaks — Fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, take home steamer buckets and fresh homemade desserts (try the key lime pie!)

 

 

 

 

02/19/15

Cape Hatteras Named Travel Channel’s #5 Sand and Surf Hotspot

Sand and Surf Hot Spots

With miles of uncrowded beaches and unrivaled kiteboarding conditions, it’s no surprise that Cape Hatteras was named #5 on the Travel Channel’s countdown of the Top 101 Sand and Surf Hot Spots in the world. The unique shape of the island means there’s almost always a hot spot for watersports – a place where the conditions are just right for surfing, kiteboarding, sailing, boogie boarding or just flying a kite.

The unique geography of the Outer Banks is what drew the Wright Brothers here over 100 years ago to test the flying machines that would become the first airplanes. It’s also what brings kiteboarders from all over the world to Hatteras Island to experience the thrill of riding the wind. With soft sandy beach breaks and miles of coastline the island is known as the best place on the East Coast to learn to surf. Another reason Hatteras Island is a must visit vacation destination.

Each hour-long Travel Channel episode features 20 Hotspots. Travel fans have been eagerly awaiting the top 20- catch it tonight at 5:00 Eastern Time on the Travel Channel or check out the Hatteras Island clip here:

The Travel Channel Video

 

12/10/14

Shop Kitty Hawk Kites – Give the Gift of Flight with a Kite

Shop Hatteras Deal – $5 OFF your $30 order at the Kitty Hawk Kites online store all the way through January 31, 2015 when you use the Coupon Code: SURFORSOUND.

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly for 40 years. With locations in Rodanthe, Avon and Hatteras Village, Hatteras Island vacationers never have far to go to find the perfect kite. With kayak tours, jet ski rentals and kiteboarding lessons offered all summer long, there are even more reasons to visit. Check out these featured kites and wind spinners that someone on your list would love to find under the tree this year!

Kitty Hawk Kites

1 – Disney Frozen Elsa BreezyFliers Kite – This colorful nylon Frozen Elsa Kite is 57″ tall and will look awesome flying through the skies or as room decor. This single line kite is easy to fly for beginners and fun to fly for almost any age or skill level! Assembles in minutes and comes ready to fly with handle and 120′ of line included.

2 – Nutcracker 20″ Whirligig Wind Spinner – The Nutcracker Whirligig will spin its way into your heart with a flurry of color and motion. The Nutcracker 20 Inch spinner is a perfect way to accent your home, garden or business this holiday season!

3 – North American Cardinal Bird 23 Inch Wind Spinner – The Red Cardinal wind spinner will be a cheerful touch to any lawn, garden or patio. The Cardinal bird spinner’s wings rotate in the slightest of breezes while the spinner vanes with the wind.

4 – Prism Nexus Stunt Kite – The Prism Nexus Stunt kite’s dual line sport kite is tough enough for the beginner stunt kite pilot! It includes a compact carrying case, line set and wrist straps (is a great kite for traveling!).

5 – Kitty Hawk Kites Festive Sky Delta Kite Package – The Festive Sky Delta Kite Package comes complete with a stable, high-flying delta kite, a Yo Yo Winder of kite line, a Hypno Twister Tail and 2 Streamer Tails. The Festive Sky Kite Package makes a great gift for any age or skill level.

 

03/17/14

Explore Watermen’s Bar and Grill in Waves

Part casually hip restaurant and rum bar, part gourmet coffee bar, and part waterfront concert venue, Watermen’s Bar and Grill really seems to have something for everyone. With comfortable seating inside or out on the picnic tables on their giant deck, just above the waterfront lawn, there’s plenty of space to enjoy a meal or let the kids run around, and the sunsets over the Pamlico Sound are nothing short of spectacular.

Watermens Bar and Grill

Watermen’s Bar and Grill debuted May 18, 2013 as a full-size restaurant serving freshly prepared, made-from scratch food with a focus on local ingredients and a high level of customer service. Produce is locally sourced, the fresh seafood is local, North Carolina craft beer is always on tap, even the coffee is locally roasted just days before it’s brewed. Morning starters include breakfast burritos, Umpqua oatmeal and fruit smoothies. For lunch try the blackened local tuna sandwich with wasabi cream sauce or the lump crab quesadilla. For dinner, one of the most popular menu items is chef Devon’s Carolina pork BBQ Ribs, or try one of the many local seafood specialties.

The food isn’t the only thing that’s authentic about this place, the reclaimed hardwood used throughout the space spent its last 100 years as the Coney Island Boardwalk before being salvaged and incorporated into the restaurant. Owner Trip Forman tells the story of how past patrons have been delighted to find out that the bench they were sitting on was the made from the very same boards they walked along on their first date years before. Even the lighting has a story, delicate fixtures over the bar are actually antique telephone pole insulators that were drilled and made into custom pendant lights.

Don’t let the good looks of the furnishings fool you though, all of the materials are hard-wearing and were chosen to withstand whatever the day brings. For Watermen’s that could be anything from large family groups who have just made the drive from as far away as Canada to throngs of hungry surfers and kiteboarders in wetsuits stopping in for a quick meal before their next session. For that same reason the tables are movable and can be completely removed to accommodate large crowds for concerts during their world-famous kiteboarding tourmanents.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can catch live music every week on the waterfront deck outside. Stop by tonight for their Saint Patrick’s Day concert with Christian Benedi playing acoustic beach rock and Irish Tavern drinking music starting at 6. Their Family Friendly Sky Blue Summer Concert Series sponsored by Carolina Brewery kicks off in April with most shows offering FREE admission and lasting from 6-10. Watermen’s Bar and Grill is located on the sound in Waves, just behind REAL Watersports.

 

09/9/13

Hatteras Island Has Been Listed As One of the World’s Top Surf Spots by CNN.com

Surfing on Hatteras Island

 

Hatteras is well-known for its world-class surfing beaches. With 70 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, it’s easy to find a spot where the surf’s up. This fact wasn’t lost on the folks at CNN.com who recently recognized our Hatteras Island beaches as one of the “World’s 50 Best Surf Spots“.

Almost any storm or swell that makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean will produce waves and draw surfers from all throughout the United States. Popular surf breaks include: the S-Curves at Mirlo Beach in Rodanthe, Old Road in Avon, the Cape Hatteras Fishing Pier in Frisco, and Buxton’s Lighthouse Beach. Of course, with miles and miles of seashore to explore, it’s not hard to find a break all to yourself.

Surfing season for experienced surfers is typically in the fall and spring when storms and low pressure systems bring large swells. The summer months bring smaller waves and are perfect for beginning surfers. Surf shops abound on Hatteras Island where you can rent a board, take lessons from surfing pros, and purchase gear.

With our pristine beaches, awesome surf, and miles of coastline, it is easy to see why Hatteras Island surfing ranks right up there with some of the best surf spots in the world!

09/28/12

Fan Photo Friday

Watersports abound on Hatteras Island! If you’re interested in getting out on the water while you’re on vacation, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has a small learning curve compared to many other watersports and is so much fun!


Photo courtesy of Kathleen Ganster

Give REAL Watersports a call to set up a lesson…You’ll be standing tall and enjoying life out on the water in no time!

09/17/12

ESA’s 45th Annual Easterns Surfing Championship

On Sunday, September 16th, a group of “The Best of the East,” gathered at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head to compete in the official surfing championship of the East Coast. The top finishers from the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast region competitions were invited to compete in The Easterns, which have been held each September for the past 45 years. This year’s competition will run through Saturday, September 22nd. Check out the heat here.

The ESA (Eastern Surfing Association) is the largest amateur surfing association in the world, with over 7,000 current members. The ESA was founded in 1967 by East Coast surfers to promote, preserve, and protect the sport of surfing on the East Coast.