Kiteboarding

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Here in the Pamlico Sound on Hatteras Island, the combination of warm waist deep water, steady wind and sandy shorelines makes this one of the best places in the world to learn and progress your kiteboarding skills.


ARE YOU READY TO KITEBOARD?

In the early 2000s, Kiteboarding took the wind world by storm.  Kiting became established in the industry, and bodies of water that were once dominated by windsurfers became breeding grounds for this new adventurous sport.

With a leading edge inflatable kite, control bar, harness and board, kiting allows you to harness the wind and be as creative as you wish on the water.  Jump high, drop into waves, or simply cruise through lakes, rivers and the ocean. Kiting is versatile enough to suit the style of any rider.  Find photos and videos of the freedom that kiting can bring you here.

KITEBOARDING OR KITESURFING?

Both! Kiteboarding is commonly referred to as kitesurfing, which has evolved into a multi-faceted sport.  You will discover a wide range of styles and boards to ride, from twin tips to surfboards and hydrofoils.  Here in the Pamlico Sound, the combination of warm waist deep water, steady wind and a sandy ocean floor makes Hatteras Island one of the best places in the world to learn and progress your kiting skills.  Depending on the wind direction, you can even take your gear across the street and ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Once we noticed kiting gain traction in the OBX, we opened a Cabrinha certified kite school in Rodanthe, NC.  Soon after, we launched an online kiteboarding store dedicated to the best gear in the industry.  We offer top-notch kitesurfing gear from some of the most trusted brands in kiteboarding.  Shop our ever expanding selection of kiteboarding gear online or visit us at our Kiteboarding Resort for an epic stay at our pristine kite launch.

Learning to kite is truly a life changing experience.  We have watched kiteboarding become a lifelong passion for so many people, ourselves included.  Join our ever growing community of kiteboarders here at Kitty Hawk Kites and see why year after year, the wind keeps people coming back for more.

What is Kiteboarding?

Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, is an exhilarating water sport where riders use a large, inflatable kite to harness the wind’s energy to propel themselves across the water on a board. Whether you’re jumping high, cruising across lakes and rivers, or riding the waves of the ocean, kiteboarding is a versatile sport that lets you express your unique style on the water.


Where is the Best Place to Learn to Kiteboard?

The Pamlico Sound in Hatteras, NC, offers some of the best conditions in the world for learning kiteboarding. With warm, waist-deep water, steady winds, and sandy ocean floors, it’s the ideal environment for both beginners and experienced riders. Depending on wind direction, you can even take your gear to the Atlantic Ocean for wave riding.


What Lesson Options Are Available?

  • Fly & Ride Course (Full Day)
    • Cost: $550 (1 person), $525 (2 people), $500 (3 people)
    • Duration: 3–5 hours (depends on number of participants)
    • Description: This introductory course is split into two parts:
      • Learn to Fly: Learn kite control, safety, rigging, launching, and how to relaunch the kite.
      • Begin to Board: After learning kite control, you’ll combine it with board balance and water starts.
    • This course is designed for beginners and is taught in small groups (max 3 students per instructor).
  • Private Lessons (2–3 hours)
    • Cost: $390 (2 hours), $585 (3 hours)
    • Description: One-on-one coaching for rapid progression. Perfect for students looking to fine-tune specific skills or get additional practice. A first-time student should book the 3-hour session for optimal learning.
  • Semi-Private Lesson (2 hours)
    • Cost: $250 per person
    • Description: For pairs of students (must be within 30 lbs of each other and similar skill levels). You’ll share a kite and take turns practicing.
  • Ultimate Way to Fly Package (4–5 days)
    • Cost: $1650
    • Description: A comprehensive package over several days, perfect for those who want to make quick progress. Includes a combination of group and private lessons, plus rental time to practice solo. Ideal for those with flexible schedules and consistent wind conditions.

What Should I Expect in a Kiteboarding Lesson?

In your Fly & Ride course, you’ll start with the Learn to Fly portion where you’ll learn how to control the kite, understand wind patterns, and practice safety procedures. The second part, Begin to Board, will focus on getting you onto the water, practicing water starts, and improving board control while riding the kite.

In Private Lessons, you’ll work one-on-one with an instructor to address specific areas you want to improve, whether it’s mastering water starts, learning how to jump, or improving kite control.


What Gear is Required?

  • Water Shoes/Booties: Required for all lessons (neoprene or form-fitting). Available for purchase at the kiteboarding school or other retailers ($20–$70).
  • Swimwear: Swimsuit or rash guard (there are facilities to change on-site).
  • Wetsuit: Required for lessons from March–May and September–November. Available to rent or purchase.
  • Towel & Sunscreen: Recommended for sun protection and comfort.
  • Water: Bring a bottle to stay hydrated.

What Are the Booking Requirements?

  • Minimum Weight: 90 lbs
  • Maximum Weight: 300 lbs
  • Swimming Ability: Must be able to swim.
  • Waivers: Required for all participants. If under 18, a waiver must be filled out by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Wind Conditions: Ideal winds are between 15-25 mph. Lessons are wind-dependent, so scheduling early in the week allows for rescheduling if necessary.

Are waivers required?

Yes, waivers are required for all participants.

  • Participants under 18 years of age will need a parent or legal guardian to sign the waiver.

What Should I Know About Wind and Weather Conditions?

  • Wind Conditions: Kiteboarding lessons generally require winds between 15-25 mph. Lessons will not take place in lighter winds, and insurance restrictions prevent us from operating in higher winds.
  • Weather-Dependent: It’s best to book lessons early in the week to allow flexibility for rescheduling due to weather or wind conditions.

Can I Book Multiple Lessons in One Day?

Yes, if you’re booking for one person, you can take a 2-hour lesson in the morning and a 3-hour lesson in the afternoon. We recommend working with your instructor to plan your lesson schedule.It’s important to allow for rest between sessions, as kiteboarding is a physically demanding sport.


What Happens if the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate?

We monitor the weather closely, and lessons are scheduled based on wind conditions. If the wind is not suitable for kiteboarding, we will work with you to reschedule your lesson. We recommend booking lessons early in the week to allow for flexibility.


Are There Any Special Requirements for Semi-Private Lessons?

For Semi-Private Lessons, both students must weigh within 30 lbs of each other and have a similar skill level. These lessons are tailored to the student who needs the most help, so it’s important to communicate with the kiteboarding school in advance about the students’ abilities.

LET’S GET STARTED

You’re ready to hit the ground running, but where do you start?

With our dedicated kiteboarding school here at Waves Village, we’ve created the perfect learning ground for newcomers and skilled boarders alike. Starting with our Fly & Ride Course, learning the ropes, or kite, has never been easier.

Step 1: Fly & Ride Course

This introductory group course is an all day course taught in two portions.

10 am – Noon: Learn to Fly
1 pm – 4 pm: Begin to Board

STEP 2: BOOK A PRIVATE

Our 2 and 3 hour privates are the quickest way to secure your proficiency in kiteboarding. Work 1:1 with our trained instructors to perfect and enhance your skills.

STEP 3: GET YOUR OWN GEAR

Equip yourself with our state of the art gear with a variety of kites, boards, and harnesses. Ask our trained staff about their staff picks. Gear up like a pro and launch for free from our launch site!

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