Outer Banks Things To Do

In a primo location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras Island watersports adventures happen since 1987. That’s right, locals and visitors of all ages and experience levels have trusted this iconic north Avon business for family-oriented outdoor fun for more than 30 years! Ocean Air rents kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUP), Jet skis and Hobie Cats and offers lessons and rentals in windsurfing and kiteboarding. They also offer kayak and SUP eco tours, guided Jet ski or kayak fishing trips and weekly SUP yoga classes. Windsurfing enthusiasts have been flocking to Hatteras Island for decades, and Ocean Air Sports is their first stop for gear, rentals and the latest island and industry scoop. Whether you’re playing on the water or watching the action from the soundfront deck, Ocean Air is the perfect place to spend the day. The shop sells all the goods and gear for the outdoor experience, from boards, kites, sails and paddles to wetsuits, sunglasses, t-shirts, sunscreen and a whole lot more.

For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks and museum tours with a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge, stories and history. The museum also offers a mid-week Kids Kraft program for kids. This interactive program is fun and informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.

Outer Banks Sporting Events is an event-planning nonprofit that organizes multiple fitness events throughout the year. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of these events supports two Outer Banks nonprofits – Outer Banks Relief Foundation and Dare Education Foundation – and this is why the slogan of Outer Banks Sporting Events is Run for a Reason. This organization hosts races like Running of the Leprechauns 5 and 10K in March, Flying Pirate Half Marathon in April, Outer Banks Triathlon in September, the Outer Banks Marathon (a Boston qualifier) and Southern Fried Half Marathon in November and more. All the events have after parties, finisher awards and activities for the whole family. Challenge yourself while giving back to the community. Volunteer opportunities are always available. 

Ride the Wind provides a myriad of classes and adventures: guided kayak ecotours and rentals, surf camps, surf lessons and SUP yoga. The guided sunrise, midday, sunset and full moon kayak ecotours accommodate up to 10 people and provide all necessary equipment and training. These tours are very popular, so it's a good idea to make reservations in advance. You can also rent kayaks here for your own adventure. Ride the Wind introduces surfing and ocean safety through their group and private lesson programs. From June to early August, these group lessons are held Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and are designed for all ages. They will also arrange special camps for your group. All instructors are trained in ocean safety, first aid and CPR, and they use softboards to minimize the chance of injury. Ride the Wind also offers personal private lessons to get you started on your surfing journey. SUP Yoga is offered in the summer; no experience is needed, but advance reservations are required.

Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf, kiteboard or kayak right out from their RV or tent site and get discounts on renting the watersports equipment. Right on the sound, it has easy, uncrowded access to the warm, shallow water, which is perfect for the entire family. Rodanthe Watersports offers lessons (no experience necessary!) and affordable rentals of sailboats, kayaks, surfboards and standup paddleboards (SUP), and they also rent beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week, and you can use them on site or have them delivered to your place. Electric and water hookups are available at the campground, and there’s a full bathhouse with hot showers. It’s within walking distance of the ocean, pier, convenience stores and restaurants. Look for them next to the Chicamacomico Water Tower.