Apply Now for Summer 2026
We are now hiring seasonal staff for summer 2026! This is a full-time, forty-hour position. The employment period runs from early May through late August. Staff are expected to be on Ocracoke and available to work consistently throughout this period. Employee housing is available in our “Team House” which is located in the Oyster Creek area of the village. We’re looking for team members who are customer-service driven, hardworking, organized, and knowledgeable of the surf apparel industry.
Job Description
At Ride The Wind, every team member works as both retail and rental associates. Success in these roles requires great customer service, strong product knowledge, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
Retail Sales Associate
The surf shop is the heart of our business and where you’ll spend most of your workweek. As a Retail Sales Associate, you’ll be responsible for merchandising and maintaining the shop’s appearance. You’ll also help customers and operate the register. Ride The Wind is looking for hardworking individuals who are organized, polite, responsible, and able to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
Rental Sales Associate
As a Rental Sales Associate, you’ll handle gear rentals, take reservations for tours and lessons, and help maintain our rental fleet. You’ll also be responsible for making pickups and deliveries to homes around the island. This role requires someone who is engaging, hardworking, and organized to ensure every customer has a positive, memorable experience.
Additional Work Opportunities
Surf Instructor
Ride The Wind Surf Instructors must have strong technical surfing knowledge, proven surfing experience, and a genuine passion for teaching the sport. This is a physically demanding role, requiring the ability to swim in the ocean unassisted for extended periods of time and remain comfortable in less-than-ideal conditions.
New Ride The Wind kayak guides will be trained by one of our experienced team members. You’ll learn the structure of the tour, essential safety information, stories and history unique to Ocracoke, and details about local wildlife. Kayak guides should be friendly, personable, talkative, and athletic. Your goal is to provide every guest with a unique and memorable experience.
Kayak Guide
Employment Period
Our summer season runs from early May through late August, and we ask that staff be available to work consistently throughout this period. Preference will be given to applicants who can start earlier and/or stay later.
Employee Housing
Finding affordable housing on Ocracoke during the summer can be difficult, and the Ride The Wind Team House provides a reliable solution. Located in Oyster Creek and fully owned and maintained by Ride The Wind, the Team House offers employees a free place to stay throughout the season. Our goal is for staff to work hard while still having plenty of time to enjoy the island. With housing provided and a competitive income, employees don’t need a second job and have both the time off and spending money to make the most of their summer on Ocracoke. If you have any questions about employee housing, feel free to call or email us.
Team House Photos
Thank you for your interest in joining the Ride the Wind Summer 2026 staff! Please complete and submit your application by March 1st. We expect to finalize hiring decisions by the end of March. We truly appreciate your interest and effort in applying.
