North Carolina Outer Banks Sea Kayaking

Questions? Call 1 (888) 75 NCOBS for more infomation.

Course Description

The Outer Banks is a 200-mile stretch of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Steeped in legend and history, this environment sets the stage for adventure. Partcipants will travel by kayak along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, learn to read tide charts, see amazing wildlife and challenge themselves to something new with an Outer Banks Sea Kayaking Course. 

While on course participants should be ready to tackle the physical challenges of sea kayaking in varied weather, and the mental challenges of living and traveling in a group. Through these experiences they will discover their true potential, build trust, physical fitness, confidence, leadership skills, initiative and compassion. No prior experience is necessary. 

Hard skills you will learn on course:

• Marine expedition risk assessment and management
• Marine route planning and navigation
• Paddle strokes and techniques for kayak propulsion and steering
• Kayak-based assisted rescues and self-rescues
• Sea kayak expedition equipment use, care and maintenance
• Marine and barrier island-based ecology
• Local history and lore

Soft skills you will learn on course:

• Trust
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Initiative
• And more…

Sample Itinerary

Participants can expect to spend a good deal of time each day in kayaks (using both single and tandem kayaks) and experience aSolo or individual reflection period. They will also sleep in tents or personal bug tents on a beach. North Carolina Outward Bound School practices service-related ethics in all it's courses. On a course that is 14 days or longer, the ethics of service will be practiced in greater depth and often includes a service-related project. Projects range from campsite restoration, to counting endangered species.

Considerations

• Our sea kayaks typically accommodate participants who are up to 6 feet tall, 275 lbs. and size 12 men’s shoe; if you exceed these measurements, our sea kayaks may not accommodate you. If you have questions, please call 1-888-756-2627.
• Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $125 Application Fee and $125 In-Course Transportation Fee in addition to the listed tuition prices of each course. Please see the Enrollment Policies and Procedures before enrolling. 
• North Carolina Outward Bound School provides the technical gear required for course participation (i.e. backpacks, sleeping bags, tents or tarps, cooking utensils and supplies, food, rock climbing gear and whitewater canoeing gear). Tuition covers the usage of these items. We provide each applicant with a clothing list which describes the items that participants are responsible for supplying.

Additional Information 

• Solo
• NC Outer Banks Course Area
• Clothing and gear list
• Safety
• Food
• Physical fitness
• Financial aid