KITTY HAWK SUP FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest — a 1.5‑hour SUP lesson through salt marsh and coastal woods
A 90-minute, guided stand-up paddleboard tour from Kitty Hawk that teaches the basics on calm, sheltered waters while exploring the North Carolina coastal reserve.
Paddling the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest — a 1.5‑hour SUP lesson through salt marsh and coastal woods.
The Kitty Hawk Stand Up Paddle Tour threads calm bays and sheltered waterways along the Outer Banks, guiding novices and intermediate paddlers through one of the few intact maritime-forest environments in North Carolina and the salt-marsh channels between Martin’s Point and Southern Shores.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Maritime forest and salt marsh waterways
Paddle amid the North Carolina Coastal Reserve’s maritime forest and navigate the sheltered salt-marsh channels that characterize this stretch of the Outer Banks.
Quality beginner and intermediate boards
The tour uses purpose-built beginner and intermediate stand-up paddleboards, making this an ideal, low-stress place to learn technique and confidence on flat water.
Spring through fall availability
This guided SUP experience is offered across the spring, summer and fall seasons, providing consistent access to calm, protected paddling conditions.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Over 90 minutes you’ll receive a concise paddling lesson and safety briefing, get fitted into your board and life jacket, then launch into calm OBX waters for an easy, educational paddle through salt marsh and coastal forest.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Offered across the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Boards and life jackets are part of the program; expect staff to fit and adjust life jackets before launch.
The outing lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and departs from the operator’s shop in Kitty Hawk.
Recommended for beginner and intermediate paddlers; minimum participant age is 13 years.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the SUP tour?
The guided stand-up paddle tour runs 1 hour 30 minutes.
What skill level is required?
The outing is suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes — participants must be at least 13 years old.
Where does the tour depart from and what do we see?
The tour departs from the Kitty Hawk shop and explores the North Carolina Coastal Reserve’s maritime forest and nearby salt-marsh waterways.
Will there be instruction and safety briefing?
Yes — the trip begins with a brief paddling lesson and safety talk, and staff assist with fitting life jackets.
When is the tour available during the year?
The SUP tour is offered in spring, summer and fall.