Rentals

Do I need previous kayak, surf, or paddle board experience?

No experience is needed to rent our equipment, but we do ask that participants be comfortable swimmers and of moderate fitness. If you prefer to have a hands-on learning experience we recommend surf camp, surf lessons, or a guided kayak tour. 

How to I sign up for a tour or rent equipment?

Tours and equipment rentals can be reserved by calling 252-928-6311 or by visiting surfocracoke.com

What is included with my rental?

Kayak and paddleboard rentals include a personal floatation device (lifejacket) and a paddle. Surfboard and body board rentals include the board and a leash.

What is the best size surfboard to rent?

The go-to advice is the longer the board the easier to learn on, and easier to catch waves. For inexperienced surfers, soft-top boards are recommended. More experienced surfers can rent longboard for days when the waves are slow and small. Short boards can be rented for days when waves are big and fast.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended for daily and weekly rentals to ensure that your equipment is available to rent. However, for hourly rentals you are more than welcome to call and see what is available or walk into the shop.

What are the age restrictions for rentals?

You must be 18 years old to rent any equipment through Ride the Wind. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must rent the equipment on your behalf. 

All kids 12 and under who wish to kayak must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak, and we do not recommend children under 15 partake in standup paddle boarding (our boards are 10 and 11 feet long). Children under 10 are not allowed to participate in surf lessons and camp. Please ask a Ride the Wind manager to help you determine if your child can operate equipment on their own.

Should I tip my guide/rental manager?

It is the industry standard to tip your guide/rental manager if you feel that they provided an enjoyable experience . A common rate is between 10% and 20% of your total.  

Can we drink alcohol on the tours or during our rentals?

No! Please save your adult beverages for one of our many bars and restaurants on the island.

What if I want to rent a kayak or other material prior to the surf shop opening?

If you would like to rent a kayak or SUP board prior to the opening of the surf shop, let us know the day before and we can accommodate a spot for you on the dock to take out the following morning.

What time do I need to bring my rental back?

All daily and hourly rentals should return to the surf shop by 8:30 at the latest.

Can I leave my personal boat on the dock?

Only Ride the Wind boats can dock at the shop. Please do not tie up dinghies on our dock or we will communicate with the police to have it removed.

Can you deliver my equipment to my rental cottage?

Delivery is only available for daily and weekly rentals and only to locations around the village. We do not deliver to the campground or on properties where the renter is not staying (i.e. someone else’s property). You are more than welcome to pick up your rentals from Ride the Wind and take them where you wish, but please note that we are not liable for any damage to your car. If you have any questions we are more than happy to assist.

Where do we launch from?

Hourly rentals launch from the Ride the Wind Dock on Silver Lake. Daily and Weekly Rentals can be taken to many spots on the island and/or launched from your rental if you have waterfront access. If your car has a beach permit you can also launch them on the beach or on one of the sound side ramps.

Paddleboarding

What is stand up paddleboarding?

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an outdoor water sports activity where a rider stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to move through the water. Although they can be used to ride into waves with, most beginner SUP boarders prefer calm, flat water. 

Do you offer paddleboarding lessons?

No. Paddleboarding is best learned by getting on the water and figuring out what technique works best with you. Prepare to get wet!

What should I bring to paddleboard?

Prior to paddleboarding make sure you apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water, and do not bring anything with you that cannot get wet. If you are paddleboarding on Silver Lake, sandals or shoes that are recommended.  

Kayaking

What is involved in a typical kayak tour?

Along the two hour tour you can expect to see a variety of animals including oyster catchers, great blue herons, dolphins, stingrays, and other local fish species. The group tour departs out of Silver Lake Harbor and head towards Springers Point Nature Preserve. From Springers, your kayak guide will lead you into the wildlife filled marsh where you will explore and then return to Silver Lake Harbor. If you have never kayaked before, no worries, our kayak guides will teach you proper paddling techniques and get you feeling comfortable in the water in no time.

What should I bring to my kayak tour/kayak rental?

Prior to kayaking make sure you apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water, and do not bring anything with you that cannot get wet. We also recommend you bring a bottle of water, bug spray, a hat or sunglasses, and shoes that can be submerged.

What if the weather is bad?

Please be aware that tours are dependent on weather and Ocracoke weather is very unpredictable. A Ride the Wind employee will contact you either the day before or at least 6 hours before and will try to book you for the next available tour. You will be not charged until after you complete a tour.

What tours are offered?

Group tours are offered Monday through Friday during the morning (usually around 9am) and in the evening (beginning about 2 hours prior to sunset). We also offer full moon tours, so please ask when these are available. If you would prefer a private kayak tour please call us and we will try to accommodate.  

Can I take my kayak to the ocean?

Kayaking on the ocean is only recommended for experienced kayakers, and can only be done in sit-on-top kayaks. Please let a Ride the Wind staff member know if you intend to take your rental on the ocean and they can help ensure you have the proper equipment and training.

Surfing

What is surf camp?

Surf camp is set up for people to join in with a group and learn the basics of surfing, no matter what age they are. Surf camp typically takes place Tuesday through Thursday morning from 8am to 10am and includes a snack and a water bottle. Our surf camp instructors are all experienced surfers who live to “spread the gospel” of surfing. In addition to surfing skills our instructors are trained in ocean safety, life guarding, first aid and CPR. During a typical camp day you will do the following:

• Receive a briefing on ocean safety.
• Be shown the different parts of the surfboard and how the board works.
• Receive instruction on the beach in the mechanics of surfing (Paddling, timing, pop up)
• Be taught how to safely paddle a surfboard out into the lineup.
• Receive instruction on paddling for waves and getting to your feet with an instructor in the water with you.
• Discuss surf etiquette and the unwritten rules when you’re in the lineup.

We cover a tremendous amount of material during surf camp. Our goal is to get the participant ready to safely go out and enjoy their surf session. Surfing, like any sport or endeavor worth pursuing, requires lots of time in the water practicing. At least surfing, unlike many activities, is even fun practicing!

What is a surf lesson?

Lessons are scheduled individually for you or your group in one hour blocks.  This lesson is structured for a single “one on one” session with an instructor, and instructors cover the same information one would receive at surf camp with more privacy, including the following:

• Receive a briefing on ocean safety.
• Be shown the different parts of the surfboard and how the board works.
• Receive instruction on the beach in the mechanics of surfing (Paddling, timing, pop up)
• Be taught how to safely paddle a surfboard out into the lineup.
• Receive instruction on paddling for waves and getting to your feet with an instructor in the water with you.
• Discuss surf etiquette and the unwritten rules when you’re in the lineup. 

Should I participate in surf camp or a surf lesson?

We encourage all beginners to take part in surf camp as it is a fun and unique way to be introduced to the sport. However, we understand that some participants may need special assistance or feel more comfortable learning alone. If that is the case, then surf lessons might be a better option. Feel free to ask a Ride the Wind employee for advice and we can help guide you towards the best option for you.

What if I do not need lessons, but would like in the water surfing tips?

If you feel like you have the basic grasp of surfing but would like more tips and tricks, we can help accommodate you with a surf guide. Surf guides will paddle out with you and help you choose which waves to go for and provide other helpful notes to help you become a pro.

What are the age restrictions?

Participants must be 10 years old to partake in surf camp. 

* Please note that we have modified the age restriction as we see fit. If campers have done it at an age younger than 10 in precious years this will not guarantee they will be allowed to again this year. 

What should I bring to my surf lesson/camp?

Prior to surf camp and lessons, you should apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. We recommend you bring a rash guard or some type of shirt to protect your skin when surfing and wear a bathing suit that will not slide off easily. Please bring a towel and water bottle as well.

What if the weather is bad?

Please be aware that surf lessons and camp are dependent on weather and Ocracoke weather is very unpredictable. A Ride the Wind employee will contact you either the day before or at least 6 hours before and will try to book you for the next available tour. You will be not charged until after you complete a rental, camp, or lesson.

What if there are no waves?

We would love if there were waves every day, but unfortunately our wish is not always granted. If there are no waves or if the waves are too big and unsafe, then a member of Ride the Wind will try to coordinate another day during the week to take you out on the ocean.

What can I do to get rid of board rashes?

To prevent board rashes, we recommend wearing a rash guard or a lightweight t-shirt while surfing. Make sure it fits snug! After getting a rash you can apply ointments such as Neosporin, diaper rash cream, A & D Ointment, or cortisone cremes to the area multiple times a day until the rash clears.

Can parents watch surf camp and lessons?

Parents can come and watch their children learn to surf, but should provide their own method of transportation to the beach, and should allow the surf instructor to manage the lesson.

More Questions?

Give us a call at 252-928-6311