Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School

Kayak Program FAQs

Where are you located?

We are located on the By Pass (aka: The Big Road or Route 168) heading towards Currituck as if you were leaving the Outer Banks. We are on the south side of the highway in a blue building with a Kitty Hawk Kayaks sign next to Islander Flags. We are just east of the Ford Dealership. Don’t go too far past us or you will end up on the Wright Memorial Bridge heading towards Virginia!!! Our address is

Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School
6150 North Croatan Highway
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-1045
1 (866) 702-5061
info@khkss.com">info@khkss.com
www.khkss.com

How do I sign up for a tour or a lesson?

Reservations can be made via the Internet, e-mail, by phone or in person. All participants must sign a waiver and submit payment before the lesson or tour.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended at least two weeks in advance for all kayak tours and surf lessons. Tours and lessons can fill up so its best to book when you know you want to go.

What is a typical kayak tour like?

All of our kayak tours begin with paddling instruction, boat steering techniques, safety protocols and a description of the tour area and route. Then we hop in the boats and practice our strokes, turning, breaking and paddling backwards. Now we are ready to venture off onto the tour and observe the natural beauty of the Outer Banks and coastal North Carolina. The guide will talk about local flora and fauna, coastal ecology, local history and offer kayaking tips throughout the tour. We will do all we can to make sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time.

What if I have never paddled a kayak before?

You do not need previous kayaking experience to enjoy a kayak tour. It is easier than you think and with some basic paddling information, a little practice and the help of an experienced guide you can navigate the boat all by yourself and enjoy the breathtaking perspective on the water that only a kayak can offer.

What if the weather is bad?

All of our tours & activities are held in an outdoor setting, which is subject to sun, wind, rain, insects, etc. Except for extreme conditions, these activities will be held rain or shine. Please come prepared and dressed for the weather; we do run tours in the rain. You will be notified by our staff if a tour will be cancelled for any reason, usually thunderstorms, high winds or dangerous surf, and we will reschedule the tour. If your vacation schedule cannot accommodate a rescheduling due to severe weather, we will refund the tour.

What should I bring for a kayak tour?

You should bring lots of water (1qt min), sunscreen, clothes you don’t mind getting wet and or dirty, shoes you won’t mind getting wet (sandals are great, flip flops are not), hat, sunglasses with strap, insect repellent and snacks. A towel is good to have to dry off with after the tour, and a change of clothes is nice too. If rain is in the forecast a raincoat or waterproof jacket will come in handy as well.

What are your safety protocols for kayak tours?

All kayak tours are given by a CPR and First Aid trained kayak guide with years of kayaking and paddling experience. We have also just received certification from the American Canoe/Kayak Association to give instruction. (http://www.americancanoe.org/) Kayak tours will never occur in dangerous water conditions, very high seas or thunderstorms. Rain does not constitute dangerous seas; you are going to be in the water so why does it matter if it rains? And besides, sometimes the best kayak tours occur during a cool summer shower which can bring out the wildlife.

Why should I choose the Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School for a kayak tour?

Kitty Hawk Kayaks, our namesake, is the oldest and most respected kayak tour operator on the Outer Banks. We also train all our staff according to the American Canoe/Kayak Association to give instruction. (http://www.americancanoe.org/) They have also received extensive training on local flora and fauna from the National Park Service, The Coastal Land Trust and other environmental experts to make every tour and enriching, educational experience. We have thoroughly scouted out all our tour areas and are very familiar with the natural environments, wildlife and weather conditions typical of those sites. Lastly, we practice what we preach as a member of the 1% For the Planet campaign donating 1% of our profits to environmental causes locally, nationally and internationally.

What is the 24-hour cancellation policy?

The Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School requires 24-hour notice for canceling tours for whatever reason to receive a refund. Cancellations under the 24-hour period will not receive a refund. When you book a tour, we are reserving your space and we expect you can adherer to the schedule of your reservation. Rescheduling and refunds due to foul weather are done on a case-by-case basis due to thunderstorms, high winds or dangerous surf. Rain, clouds or less than ideal conditions do not constitute foul weather or a refund.

What is your refund or cancellation policy?

Our guides and surf instructors are the ones who cancel a tour due to unsafe weather conditions. Although the weather in the Outer Banks is beautiful, we CANNOT guarantee perfect weather for every tour and lesson. Our staff is constantly checking local and national radar, as well as NOAO and other weather and marine forecasting websites. Our tours and lessons go out rain or shine. Rescheduling and refunds due to foul weather are done on a case-by-case basis, usually for thunderstorms, high winds or dangerous surf. Rain, clouds or less than ideal conditions does not constitute foul weather or a refund.

What do your kayak tours cost?

Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve Maritime Forest Tour: $35.00 per person

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Tour: $44.00 per person
Pea Island National Wildlife Tour: $39.00 per person
Full Moon Tour: $44.00 per person
Sunset Tour: $49.00 per person
Corolla Salt Marsh Tour: $39.00 per person
Roanoke Island Tour: $39.00 per person
American Canoe Association Quick Start Class: $100.00 per person
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Hike & Paddle: $39.00 per person
Surf Lesson and Kayak Tour Package: $80.00 per person
Overnight Trips: $200.00 per person
Purple Martin Roost Tour: $49.00 per person
Children under 12 years old paddling in a double kayak: $25.00 per child

Are there any Group Discounts?
We offer a group discount of 10% off the regular tour price for groups of 6 or more.

Are there discounts for Boy Scouts, YMCA or church youth groups?

We offer a large group discount of 30% for 10 or more participants for youth organizations, religious groups and non-profits.

What is the Maritime Forest Kayak tour like?

One of our most popular tours, the Maritime Forest tour is excellent for first time and younger paddlers. The tour leaves from our store in Kitty Hawk and explores the Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve, one of the few intact maritime forest environments on the Outer Banks. We generally see many reptiles such as snakes and turtles, as well as many birds. This is also an excellent locale on windy days because of the shelter provided by Live Oaks and Loblolly Pine trees insuring smooth waters, even during Nor’easters!!! This is a two-hour tour.

Kitty Hawk Coastal Preserve Maritime Forest Tour: $35.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

What is the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Tour like?

This tour explores the salt marshes sound-side in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. We frequently spot ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles just to name a few. During the winter months this location is particularly abundant with migrating ducks, swans, geese and other water foul. We will tour the salt marshes of the Pamlico Sound and visit the old bridge joining Hatteras Island to the Northern Outer Banks across the now closed New Inlet. This is a two-hour tour.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Salt Marsh Tour $39.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

What is the Alligator River National Wildlife tour like?

They don’t call it Alligator River for nothing; gator sightings are frequent on this tour. But don’t fear, despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, gators are shy and elusive creatures and are not aggressive. This is one of our most exciting and beautiful tours; it is also our longest tour at 3 hours. Explore Milltail Creek, home to an old logging and whiskey distilling community during Prohibition amidst the spectacular natural beauty of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Black bear, snowy egrets, great blue herons, and the once endangered red wolf all call this area home, so come out and paddle the refuge with us.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Tour: $44.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

What is a Full Moon Tour like?

Our full moon tours are an exciting night paddle guided by moonlight!!! This two-hour excursion is a great way to enjoy the coastal environments, observe bioluminescence (glowing fluorescent bacteria in the water!!!!) and howl at the moon on a summer evening. The water is usually calmer, the mood mellower, and the groups rowdier so come with us on a full moon. Obviously due to Mother Nature’s lunar cycles this tour is only offered during a full moon. Call us or check your lunar calendars for availability.

Full Moon Tour: $44.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

What is the Surf Lesson and Kayak Tour Package?

Get the most out of the Outer Banks coastal environments with our Surf and Kayak Tour Package. Save 15% the regular price by booking both. Enjoy a morning Surf Lesson with an afternoon kayak tour. Lunch will be on your own midday and after this exciting day you will be worn out, but grinning from ear to ear having learned how to surf and kayak all in one day!!!
Surf Lesson and Kayak Tour Package costs $75.00 a person.

What is an American Canoe Association (ACA) Quick Start Class like?

This is a more thorough paddling, safety, kayak care and navigation course. Rescues, towing, gear, trip planning and kayak touring specific problems are also discussed. This is a four hour tour made by appointment only for someone who is more serious about paddling in the future, and who would like to do some of their own touring safely and well-prepared. This course follows the curriculum of the American Canoe Association and is given by an ACA certified instructor.

American Canoe Association Quick Start Class: $100.00 per person

What is the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Hike and Salt Marsh Paddle?

This is the crown jewel in our kayaking program for those who want to hike and paddle on a kayak tour. With a partnership with the Nature Conservancy and the Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School we are now offering a hike and paddle in Nags Head Woods. Visit the Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods and hike a ½ mile to the launch site. Then paddle the Roanoke Sound through protected salt marshes and visit Run Hill State Preservation Area. A portion of the proceeds of this tour supports the Nature Conservancy.

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Hike & Paddle: $39.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

Sunset Tour

What better way to beat the summer heat than to paddle at dusk and watch the sunset across the Sound? These tours are offered throughout the summer right before sunset to insure the best colors of the fading summer sun. Tours leave out of Corolla and Roanoke Island. These fill up so be sure to make a reservation early.

Corolla & Pea Island Sunset Tour: $49.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult

Full Moon Tour

What is the minimum age requirement for kayak tours?

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult in double kayak.

Overnight Kayak Trips FAQs

What are your overnight trips like?

Our overnight trips are an incredible experience for those who love to paddle and are interested in a wilderness experience in Coastal North Carolina. We can camp in the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge and the newly formed Palmetto-Peartree Preserve. Observe bald eagles, owls, white-tailed deer, black bear and the serenity of coastal North Carolina. You can choose from several tasty menu options to suite all appetites; you never knew camping out could taste this good!!! Check our schedules for trip dates, availability and location to find a trip that will quench your thirst for a kayak wilderness setting or e-mail us to discuss your own personal trip itinerary.
Overnight Trip: $200.00 per person

Where do your overnight trips go?

We offer overnight expeditions in several areas along the Roanoke, Cashie, Chowan Rivers and their tributaries, and the Albemarle Sound on platforms only accessible by kayak!!!! This area traverses great natural preserves of the Palmeto-Peartree Preserve and the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge and other great watershed areas of the Albemarle Sound.

What do I need to bring for an overnight camping trip?

All you need is a sleeping bag and pad, and your clothing. As for food, our staff will do the pre-trip shopping according to your menu selections as a group to make the trip as painless for you as possible. For a detailed list of all the clothes and personal gear for an overnight trip, click the link for a printable PDF of our suggested pack list. We provide all of the camping gear, stoves, pots and pans, tents, PFDs, kayaks, food, permits, kayaks, topographical maps, dry bags, water bladders, bilge pumps, tow ropes, compasses, radios, first aid kits and guides.

Are there any Group Discounts for overnight tours?

We offer a group discount of 10% off the regular tour price for groups of 6 or more.

Are there discounts for Boy Scouts, YMCA or church youth groups for overnight trips?

We offer a 30% discount to all youth, educational and religious groups of 10 or more participants.

What are your safety protocols for kayak tours?

All our overnight kayak tours are given by 2 CPR and First Aid trained kayak guides with years of kayaking and paddling experience. We have also just received certification from the American Canoe/Kayak Association to give instruction. (http://www.americancanoe.org/) Kayak tours will never occur in dangerous water conditions, very high seas or thunderstorms. Rain does not constitute dangerous seas; you are going to be in the water so why does it matter if it rains? And besides, sometimes the best kayak tours occur during a cool summer shower, which can bring out the wildlife.

Why should I choose the Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School for a kayak tour?

What should I bring for an overnight kayak tour?

Overnight Kayak Tour Participant Gear List
Late spring through early fall
This is a suggested list of appropriate gear to bring on an overnight kayak trip on the Outer Banks during the summer. If there are items on the list that you know you will not need you do not need to bring them. If there is something that you know you will need that is not on this list (i.e. paddling gloves if you tend to get blisters on your hands), feel free to bring it. Please keep in mind that there is very limited space to pack gear in a kayak so pack only the essentials.
Upper Body
_ Cotton or Polypropylene T-shirt
_ Lightweight polypropylene long sleeve shirt
_ Rain jacket
_ Long sleeve cotton T-shirt or rash guard
Lower Body
_ 2 Nylon shorts/ swimsuit
_ Nylon wind pants
_ Water shoes or old shoes (NO OPEN TOED SHOES!)
_ Lightweight polypropylene pants
Head/ Eyewear
_ Hat w/ brim
_ Sunglasses w/ strap
Sleeping Gear
_ Foam or inflatable sleeping pad
_ Sleeping bag (preferably synthetic insulation) rated to 50 degrees or below
Miscellaneous
_ Headlamp or flashlight
_ Extra batteries
_ Sun block
_ Insect repellent
_ Lip balm
_ Plastic bowl
_ Spoon
_ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste) _ Any medications needed 2- 1 liter water bottles
Overnight Kayak Tour Participant Gear List

Early spring and late fall

This is a suggested list of appropriate gear to bring on an overnight kayak trip on the Outer Banks during the early spring and late fall. If there are items on the list that you know you will not need you do not need to bring them. If there is something that you know you will need that is not on this list (i.e. paddling gloves if you tend to get blisters on your hands), feel free to bring it. Please keep in mind that there is very limited space to pack gear in a kayak so pack only the essentials.
Upper Body
_ Lightweight polypropylene long sleeve shirt
_ Mid-weight or expedition weight long sleeve polypropylene shirt
_ Wool or fleece jacket
_ Wool or Fleece vest
_ Rain jacket
_ NO COTTON!
Lower Body
_ Nylon shorts or pants for paddling
_ Nylon wind or rain pants for in camp
__ Water shoes or old tennis shoes to get wet (NO OPEN TOED SHOES!)
_ Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy waterproof shoes for in camp
_ Wool or fleece socks (2 pairs)
_ Liner socks (1 pair)
_ Lightweight polypropylene pants
_ Mid-weight or expedition weight pants
Head/ Eyewear
_ Hat w/ brim
_ Sunglasses w/ strap
_ Wool or fleece hat
Sleeping Gear
_ Foam or inflatable sleeping pad
_ Sleeping bag (preferably synthetic insulation) rated to 30 degrees or below
Miscellaneous
_ Headlamp or flashlight
_ Extra batteries
_ Sun block
_ Lip balm
_ Plastic bowl
_ Spoon
_ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste)
_ Any medications needed (notify Kitty Hawk Kayaks prior to tour please) 2 1-liter water bottles

Field Trip Programs for Environmental, Earth, Coastal Science and PE Classes FAQs

What are your field trips like for school groups and marine science education?
The Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School offers guided kayak tours in local estuarine environments perfect for incorporating into the curriculums of Earth Science, Biology, Physical Science, Physics, Environmental Science, History and Physical Education classrooms. We are capable of handling large groups up to 50 students at a time for Elementary, Middle and High School students with staff well versed in the aforementioned topics. Educators can coordinate with us beforehand to plan out the perfect field trip for your students or you can leave it up to us. We have partnered with the University of North Carolina’s Coastal Studies Institute and College of the Albemarle professors to provide grade A, hands science lessons on kayaks.

$12 per student, educators go for free. (Over 65% off our regular price.)

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve and Maritime Forest Tour

One of our most popular tours, the Maritime Forest tour is excellent for first time and younger paddlers. The tour leaves from our store in Kitty Hawk and explores the Kitty Hawk Coastal Preserve, one of the few intact maritime forest environments on the Outer Banks. We generally see many reptiles such as snakes and turtles, as well as many birds. This is also an excellent locale on windy days because of the shelter provided by Live Oaks and Loblolly Pine trees insuring smooth waters, even during Nor’easters!!! This location is also ideal for water quality experiments, salt marsh