About Kitty Hawk Kites
Kitty Hawk Kites has been the Outer Banks' most iconic adventure outfitter for over fifty years, growing from a single hang gliding school at Jockey's Ridge in 1974 into a sprawling operation with more than a dozen locations stretching from Corolla to Ocracoke. Their Nags Head flagship sits at the base of the largest sand dune on the East Coast — the same dunes where the Wright Brothers first experimented with flight — and serves as a launching point for hang gliding lessons, the signature 1902 Wright Glider Experience, and a staggering variety of watersport rentals and guided adventures.
The rental and activity menu at Kitty Hawk Kites is one of the most extensive on the Eastern Seaboard. Watersport enthusiasts can choose from surfboard, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and kiteboarding gear rentals, while guided experiences range from parasailing flights and jet ski tours to dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and kayak eco-tours through maritime forests. On land, they offer electric bike and beach cruiser rentals, wild horse tours in Corolla, and even horseback riding along the shoreline — ensuring that every member of a vacationing family can find something to match their pace and interests.
Beyond the adventure side, Kitty Hawk Kites operates a full retail empire with apparel, kites, wind art, and a dedicated kiteboarding pro shop carrying premium brands. Their IKO-certified kiteboarding school and wing foiling lessons draw riders from around the globe to the flat, shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound, and an online reservations platform makes it easy to lock in activities before arriving. Whether you are a first-time visitor looking for a family-friendly float or a seasoned rider chasing Cape Hatteras wind, Kitty Hawk Kites remains the definitive starting point for outdoor adventure on the Outer Banks.
