Frequently Asked Questions about Surf Lessons
What is a typical surf lesson?
A typical surf lesson lasts two hours. The lesson begins with the anatomy of a surfboard and its terminology. Next paddling techniques, balance and feet positioning are discussed. Participants then practice popping up onto the surfboard on the beach before getting wet. Safety protocols for the group are then discussed and the remainder on the lesson (usually about an hour and a half) is spent in the water surfing. The instructor is there to help you catch waves and answer any questions you might have about surfing, the ocean, waves, or surf culture. Remember to always respect the ocean and never paddle out in unsafe, stormy or ocean conditions out of your ability. Also remember: ldquo;The Best surfer is the one having the most fun.rdquo; Our surf lessons cost $55.00 a person.
What is a Surf Camp?
The Surf Camp is for beginner surfers who are trying to learn all they can about surfing while at the beach. The camp will last three days and lasts two and a half hours each session. The camp will take you from kook (novice) to shredder (good surfer). Besides learning how to drop in, go down the line, turn, paddle and judge waves we will also enlighten you on the topics of ocean safety, North Carolina coastal geology, lunar cycles, wave formation, surf history, board shape science, surf lingo and all other things surf related. Schoolrsquo;s in session and surfing is the class. Come and join us so you can get surfing today. Our surf camps cost $150.00 a person.
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 20% 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!!! Our surf lesson and kayak tour package costs $80.00 a person.
What are the prices for surf lessons and surf camps?
Our surf lessons cost $55.00 a person.
Our surf camps cost $150.00 a person.
Our surf lesson and kayak tour package costs $80.00 a person.
Are there any discounts for large groups?
We offer a group discount of 10% off the total lesson price for groups of 6 or more.
Where are your surf lessons and surf camps held?
Typically our lessons and camps are held in the beaches of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. Because of the old surfer adage: ldquo;time and tide waits for no manrdquo; our staff will check the surf before each lesson at a couple of different spots to find the best sand bars and surf conditions for beginner surfers. Thus we may be surfing at different beaches each day. This insures the right type of wave for beginners and makes the lesson more enjoyable for our surf students.
What are your safety protocols?
All of our surf instructors are trained according to the National Surf School and Instructors Association protocols. (NSSIA www.nssia.org) They are the largest and most respected surf school organization with excellent safety and instructional guidelines. We also follow all lifeguard postings of beach and ocean closures for rough surf. We also reschedule lessons for later dates if the seas are too dangerous for the grouprsquo;s swimming abilities. This decision is made by the Surf Instructor and is done in the best interests of the clientrsquo;s safety. Surf Lessons will never occur in dangerous surf or thunderstorms. Rain does not constitute dangerous surf; you are going to be in the water so why does it matter if it rains? And besides, sometimes the waves are quite shapely during a summer shower.
What if the weather is bad?
Surf Lessons will never occur in dangerous surf or during thunderstorms. If this prevents us from having the lesson we will reschedule the lesson for a later date, or if that isnrsquo;t feasible we will refund the lesson. Rain does not constitute dangerous surf. You are going to be in water so why would it matter if it rains? And besides, sometimes the waves are quite shapely during a summer shower.
What if there are no waves?
On rare occasions Poseidon does not conjure up any waves for a lesson. We will check several spots to find waves suitable for the lesson. If our search for waves proves fruitless, we will reschedule the lesson for a later date. If your vacation schedule cannot accommodate a later date we will refund the lesson.
We have been teaching people how to surf since the Y2K scare of 1999 and have taught people how to surf in North Carolina, Virginia, Spain and Costa Rica. This is our third year offering surf lessons on the Outer Banks and we focus on having fun, getting some good exercise, and learning about ocean safety all in a safe and friendly atmosphere. In our book, the best surfer is the one having the most fun. 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 should I bring?
Remember to bring a towel, water, and sunscreen to the lesson and arrive 15 minutes before the lesson starts. You do not need to purchase a rash guard for the lesson but they do help protect you from the sun and rashes from skin to wax contact. The Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School is not responsible for items left on the beach during the lesson. Do not bring items to the beach unless you can secure their safety during the lesson.
What can I do for a rash my child got during the lesson?
Stomach and thigh rashes are very common to ALL surfers, even the pros. Think of a rash like blisters on your stomach; the more you surf, the more calluses your body builds up to protect against the blisters and rashes. After you surf wash the area with fresh water and pat dry. Then apply baby powder right after wards over the inflamed area and again before you go to sleep. This helps the rash heal quickly. Also remember no pain, no gain!!!!
All participants must be 8 years old unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all participants must be competent swimmers and comfortable in the water. We are not offering swim lessons, and unfortunately the ability to swim is a pre-requisite to surfing. If a childrsquo;s lack of swimming ability is putting them at risk, they will be removed from the water. Refunds are NOT given because a child is afraid of the water or unable to swim safely.
What is the 24-hour cancellation policy?
The Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School requires 24-hour notice for canceling lessons to receive a refund. When you book a lesson, we are reserving your space on the lesson 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. Rain does not constitute foul weather, nor does it guarantee a refund.
What is your lesson cancellation refund policy for bad weather?
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 lesson. Our staff is constantly checking local and national radar, as well as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and other weather and marine forecasting websites. Our lessons go out rain or shine. Rescheduling and refunds due to foul weather are done on a case-by-case basis. Rain does not constitute foul weather or a refund.
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
6150 North Croatan Highway
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-1045
1 (866) 702-5061
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.
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Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School © Phone: +1 (252) 261 0145 or +1 (866) 702 5061 | Email: info@khkss.com 6150 North Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 |
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