The Outer Banks feature some of the best downwinders in North America, and arguably, in the entire world. Riding through the marsh channels along the island is something all kiteboarders need to experience. For those that are unaware, a downwinder is when you drive to a spot where you kite downwind from one destination to … Continued
We know that our customers have a lot of choices when it comes to online shopping. Some businesses seem to have taken over the market and grown into behemoths. But businesses that size lack a more personal touch. At Kitty Hawk Kites, our customers are more like family. That’s why we take the extra step … Continued
There are so many different kinds of kites in the world that we couldn’t possibly list them all. However, there are certain constants among all of them. We’ve compiled a beginner’s guide to these kites to help folks browsing through a well-stocked kite store like Kitty Hawk Kites. Let’s break it down to the basics. … Continued
Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, honored John Harris as a recipient of its 2020 Winners Circle Award for his contributions to tourism in the State. The Winners Circle Award originated in 2004 in an effort to recognize communities, organizations, events, and people in the tourism industry. Particularly those that … Continued
Now that September has arrived, we are looking forward to the fall. The kids are back in school, whatever that looks like for your kids. And there might even be a little nip in the air where you live. Fall, it seems, is just around the corner. So to celebrate the oncoming autumnal onslaught, we’ve … Continued
Laughter and joy lifts into the air for a parasailing adventure over the Outer Banks. There are a lot of ways to see the Outer Banks from the air. For example, a tandem hang gliding lesson to 2000’ or a mile is wonderful. An Aero Tour also creates multiple ways to see the area. But … Continued
Teaching a kid to fly a kite is one of the most entertaining and fun things that you can do as a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or relative. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up when they are able to get their kite of choice dancing around in the sky, swaying back … Continued
Kitty Hawk Kites offers a number of kayak tours. This gives paddlers a chance to explore parts of the Outer Banks and surrounding areas in a different way. In ways that very few people have a chance to see. The Alligator River Kayak Tour is a great example of that. Across the Roanoke Sound from … Continued
As much as we love the sunshine, sometimes we have to play inside. Don’t get bored with the same old toys and games, though. Add some new indoor toys to your collection and have some fun! We’ve put together this list of our favorite new indoor toys for you to find some inspiration on rainy … Continued
These barrier islands that we are lucky to call home offer some of the most scenic waterways. All along the Outer Banks, there are calm sound waters, exciting ocean waves, and challenging river channels for everyone to enjoy. One of the most popular ways to experience these sights and sounds is kayaking. The Outer Banks … Continued
Very simply, I love teaching hang gliding because I love watching someone’s life change right in front of me. We have all sorts of students; there are those who are confident it will be easy, those who’re just along for the ride, those who are scared, and those who truly believe that they simply can’t … Continued
With everything that’s going on in the world today, we want to make sure we do our part to give back. That’s why we’ve partnered with brands that strive to make a difference in the world. The companies below are doing amazing work to foster real change in their respective communities. Find out more about … Continued
I haven’t always been a “wind enthusiast.” In fact, I only began flying kites a few years ago. I visited the Outer Banks with family on vacation. My then soon-to-be-mother-in-law mentioned she was heading to Kitty Hawk Kites to purchase a t-shirt and some toys for the kids in our group. I had only seen … Continued
My name is Sean and I started working for Kitty Hawk Kites in May as a marketing intern. I decided to try kiteboarding because I was excited to receive the opportunity to work in the Outer Banks. I am originally from Northern New Jersey and mostly spent summers at numerous beaches along the Jersey Shore. Before … Continued
On this day 46 years ago, July 13, 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites founder John Harris became the first person to hang glide at Grandfather Mountain.
Kayaking is a great, socially distant activity out on the Outer Banks. Jump on a guided kayak tour, or rent one of our kayaks for your own adventure!
Take advantage of everything there is to do with kids on the Outer Banks including hang gliding, surf lessons, kite flying, and more!
Mark your calendars with the best Outer Banks events in 2020. Check out our schedule so you don’t miss out on the fun when you plan your Outer Banks vacation!
Kitty Hawk Kites has celebrated its 45th anniversary this year. Since then, our mission has been teaching the world to fly! But have you ever wondered how it all started? So we asked John Harris, founder and president of Kitty Hawk Kites, to give us in his words how he started this great company.
So, the 39th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular got off the ground today, May 20, 2011. Day 1 was a success! Perfect weather, acceptable winds, and hang gliding talent aplenty. As of the start of the competition, we have 59 participants. We have not gotten a standings list from Bruce Weaver yet, but we’ll make sure … Continued
