Strong, consistent winds drove the Wright Brothers to Kitty Hawk to make the first powered flight ever. But it’s those strong and wispy winds that, combined with the rhythms of the Atlantic, have made Kitty Hawk a must-surf destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Experienced surfers will find a litany of exciting breaks, especially when off-shore storms turn waves into barrels. However, softer summer breaks create a clean canvas for newcomers to make their way and catch their first wave.
Read on to uncover the best surf spots, the effects of the changing seasons, and how you can experience the best of Kitty Hawk surfing when you stay at a First Flight vacation rental.
Where to Surf in Kitty Hawk
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Kitty Hawk offers surfers some of the best breaks in the Outer Banks. Let’s take a look at some of our (and soon to be your) favorites.
Kitty Hawk Pier
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At the end of Eckner Street, Kitty Hawk Pier extends into the Atlantic. Through the winter, the north and south pier breaks receive some of the biggest swells in the region. However, the best consistency arrives in the heat of summer.
Southeast swells and western winds create beautiful, clean waves. They’re a bliss to ride, especially when other spots get a bit crazy with conditions and crowds. To avoid the paddle out, join the locals and dive off the pier’s end.
Old Station (Laundromats)
The waves at Old Station barrel in from the Atlantic Ocean, crashing into shallow waters in Kitty Hawk. As they do, they create a washing machine sensation for any surfers caught in the wrong spot. Hence the name ‘Laundromats’.
The risk of being tossed around is one worth taking for most intermediate and surfers. The waves break at all tides and swell directions consistently through the warmer months. Beginner surfers should steer clear due to Old Station’s rip tides and large crowds.
Corolla and Carova Beach
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Corolla and Carova beaches are two great spots for summertime breaks. Corolla Beach is small and secluded, with lower crowds even in high season. This makes it an excellent spot for beginner surfers, who can enjoy calmer breaks and more room to maneuver.
Slightly to the north lies Carova Beach. Travelers seeking a little more stoke can chase the off-shore breaks.
Duck Pier
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For years, Duck Pier has been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. You’ll always find good numbers here. However, the lengthy beach helps to spread out the crowd.
The reason for the numbers is trust. Folks can depend on Duck Pier to create some sweet waves 12 months of the year.
Avalon Pier
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In Kill Devil Hills, Avalon Pier splits the ocean current, driving waves toward the coast. The well-exposed beach has consistent swells, but surfers will find more success during northwest groundswells.
Because of this, Avalon Pier has become one of the best places to brave the cooler winter water and have the perfect break. This is particularly true during a classic Outer Beach winter nor’easter storm.
Best Time of Year to Surf in Kitty Hawk
Now you know where to go, let’s look at the best times to surf in the OBX.
Summer
Summer in Kitty Hawk brings blue skies, good waves – and therefore plenty of eager visitors. You may struggle to find some large barrels of hurricane season or winter, but conditions are beginner and intermediate-friendly. Offshore tropical storms can create some of the best surf conditions of summer.
Fall
Fall may be the best time to surf in Kitty Hawk. Temperatures remain high, crowds have dissipated, and long, even breaks of 5’7’ feet are typical at our favorite surf spots.
Westward winds create the best conditions, and soon, the effects of the hurricane season create memorable breaks.
Winter
Wintry Nor-easters have developed a reputation for providing fantastic surfing through the colder months. These conditions may begin as early as September and last until May. However, the best of these storms fall in the heart of winter.
So put on your wetsuit, brave the chilly seas (37 to 40 Fahrenheit), and enjoy swells between 8’ and 10’ and as high as 15 feet.
Spring
The Labrador Current and Gulf Stream combine to create some of the best surfing conditions of any season here in the OBX. Consistent waves, calmer winds, and shifting sandbars help to create delightful chest-high breaks. Overall, Spring is a season for all abilities.
Where to Rent Surfboards in Kitty Hawk
If you only brought your checked bag with you, then you’ll need a ride. Here are our top surfboard rental shops in Kitty Hawk.
Kitty Hawk Watersports
- Website: kittyhawkwatersports.com
- Address: 6920 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
With free delivery from Duck to Nags Head, Kitty Hawk Watersports is a go-to hub for surfboard rentals. The delivery service includes a variety of lengths and styles while also providing more time to enjoy the breaks.
Ocean Atlantic Rentals
- Website: oceanatlanticrentals.com
- Address: 2001 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
For 45 years, Ocean Atlantic has been serving North Carolina’s barrier islands. It has multiple locations, and along with surfboards, you can get your hands on skimboards and bodyboards.
Kitty Hawk Surf Company
- Website: kittyhawk.com
- Address: 3933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
With daily, 3-day, and weekly rentals, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. is the perfect shop for those staying longer than a weekend. They also provide delivery and have performance boards that will have experienced surfers hanging ten in no time.
Surfing Lessons in Kitty Hawk
Are you new to the sport, or want to take your skills up a notch? Here are some of the best places in Kitty Hawk to enjoy a surf lesson.
Kitty Hawk Surf Company
- Website: kittyhawk.com
- Address: 3933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC
Another notch for this great outfitter. Not only are they great for rentals, by Kitty Hawk Surf Co offers some of the best surf lesson programs in the region. Learn close by or as far as Rodanthe in private or group settings. Those traveling with kids can even sign the little critters up for surf camps.
Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School
Learn to start shredding the surf with Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School. Year-round 1.5-hour lessons for adults and kids 6 and up are a great way to complete your ‘shreducation’. The 1:4 instructor/student ratio allows for a more personal experience, even within a group lesson.
Outer Banks Surf School
- Website: obxsurfschool.com
- Address: 118 E Becker St, Nags Head, NC
Another fantastic option for those looking to learn to surf is the Outer Banks Surf School. Helping all of OBX, the school offers 1-on-1 lessons, small group experiences, and kid’s camps. You could even switch it up and learn the art of stand-up paddleboarding.
Stay Close to the Waves in Kitty Hawk
Life in Kitty Hawk is all about the water. With year-round conditions, whether fun summer waves or gnarly winter breaks, it’s easy to see why surfing is a major part of local culture.
Throughout your time here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience some memorable breaks. Year-round surf conditions allow newbies to get among the fun just as much as experienced surfers.
Catch your next epic wave in Kitty Hawk while staying at First Flight Rentals!