OBX Sea Kayaking for VeTerans

This seven-day kayaking course is specifically designed for veterans. It explores the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known as the Outer Banks.

From tales of the Lost Colony and the Wright Brothers to Blackbeard the pirate, the Outer Banks are steeped in legends and history, setting the stage for an impactful and memorable Outward Bound adventure. Participants travel along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, learn to read tide charts, paddle past lighthouses and wild ponies and camp on sandy beaches each evening. Besides learning valuable hard skills, participants also have the opportunity to take a break from busy lives, to challenge themselves in new ways, to develop skills that will assist them in re-adjusting to life at home, and to discuss shared obstacles. Most important of all, participants enjoy a unique and inspiring adventure surrounded by fellow veterans and service members in the beautiful country in which they served.

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Veterans Courses

Outward Bound Veterans expeditions build on camaraderie and the challenge of the natural world as a pathway to healing. These expeditions encourage participants to connect with existing strengths and bond with fellow veterans in a safe, positive, mission-driven environment. As they harness the power of wartime experiences like carrying heavy packs, moving fatigued muscles and sleeping outside, these courses help build the self-confidence and sense of purpose veterans need to continue serving as leaders in their families, communities and the nation.

• Build core skills: Veterans receive hands-on training on expedition and personal skills. As part of an inclusive, supportive crew, they gain communication skills, establish trust and validate experiences among other veterans.
• Practice Outward Bound values: Instructors focus on Outward Bound core values like compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion and diversity to help veterans reflect, share insights and live in the present moment.
• Process and Reflect: Journaling, one-on-one and group discussions help veterans understand how Outward Bound experiences might translate to coping skills back home.
• What participants learn: Veterans return home inspired, ready to tap into rediscovered strengths and eager to find new ways to contribute to society.

Sea Kayaking

Participants can expect to spend a good deal of time each day in kayaks, both single and tandem vessels. Depending on the wind and weather, the level of difficulty varies from day to day. Participants practice marine expedition risk assessment and management, route planning, navigation, paddle stroke techniques, kayak-based rescues, and equipment use and its care. 

Participants will learn to:

• Practice safety precautions for sea kayaking travel
• Find and set-up campsites
• Navigate with charts
• Work with ropes and tie knots

Course Area

Outer Banks, NC

Dotted with lighthouses, the Outer Banks are a 200-mile-long string of narrow barrier islands beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach and going down the North Carolina coastline. The Core and Pamlico Sounds, which are along the Cape Lookout National Seashore, are where most of the sea kayaking courses take place. This wilderness area remains minimally developed and offers the largest expanse of primal barrier island ecology available on the east coast. There are no residents on this 56-mile long section, which runs from Ocracoke Inlet in the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. > Read more about this course area.