2025 Nags Head Equipment Rentals Guide

One of the original surf shops on the Outer Banks, if not in the state of North Carolina, the quaint and friendly Cavalier has been at the same Beach Road location for more than 50 years. It’s been owned and operated by the same local family for close to 30 years, so you know this is the real deal.  Not only does the shop have a lot of customers who come back every year, now they’re seeing children of the repeat customers coming back every season.  At 1,300 square feet, the shop is a simple square building built right at ground level across from the beach. It’s had some close calls, but somehow it has survived numerous hurricanes and nor’easters. A photograph taken after the infamous Ash Wednesday Storm in 1962 shows the devastation on the oceanfront, and there’s the Cavalier sitting intact in the midst of the mayhem. Despite its compact size, the shop is stuffed top to bottom with all a surfer would want: top brand surf clothing and footwear; surf gear and accessories; boards, beach chairs and umbrellas for sale or rent. Surfing lessons are also available, and loyal customers and lovers of Outer Banks heritage can pick up Cavalier T-shirts.  

From Corolla to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, visitors can find ample room and time to relax with a connection with Farmdog Beach Services. This beach cabana and chair set-up service provider serves the central Outer Banks and beyond, and provides a time-saving way for beach-goers to just relax and enjoy their stretch of sand throughout their OBX vacation.

A branch of Kitty Hawk Kites, here’s a place where you can catch a boat to go watch dolphins, learn how to do various watersports, or just rent the equipment to go  have some fun in the water. The big dog of outdoor recreation on the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk Kites knows how to help people make the most of the beautiful Outer Banks environment. Located right on the edge of Roanoke Sound off the Nags Head-Manteo causeway, this outlet offers kayak tours from sunrise to sunset in Manteo and Bodie Island, including a bioluminescence tour where you can paddle through green glowing water at night.  Experienced tour guides provide tips on proper paddling techniques for the easy-to-operate boats, and share fascinating details about wildlife, history and natural resources in the area. Make sure you slather on the sunblock, and bring a hat, water and snacks! The location also offers kiteboarding, wake boarding and surfing lessons. Kayaks, jet skis and standup paddleboards are available to rent,  and the shop sells Outer Banks souvenirs, pirate-themed items and stunt and family kites. The two-hour dolphin tours are held on a real research vessel and conducted by a dolphin scientist. 

This unusual shop combines computer expertise with a range of musical services and equipment. Serving the Outer Banks for more than 20 years, the store opened in 2005 at the current location.  There are not too many businesses where you can bring your laptop in for service, and look at some guitars, mandolins or drums while you’re waiting. A whole range of PC computer services are offered, including virus and spyware removal, repairs, upgrades,  and flat panel and laptop screen repairs. Used systems are also available, and custom systems can be designed for restaurants, hospitality businesses and property management companies. On the music end,  a variety of new and used instruments and music accessories are for sale at the shop, with many displayed on the walls. Also, the store buys vintage and used instruments. This is a great source for wedding and club DJs, bands and musicians. Instruments and PA equipment are also available for rent. 

Locally owned and operated, Rock-A-Bye Baby boasts that it is the only full service kids store on the Outer Banks. This store may look small from the outside, but don’t let appearances fool you. It is stuffed to the gills with charming, irresistible baby, toddler’s and young children’s brand-name clothing, toys and gear, from birth to size 7. Owner Cindy Floyd, who has been in children’s retail for more than 31 years, clearly knows her product lines. From merchandise for pregnant women and fun gifts for baby showers, to christening and baptism gifts and preemie and newborn items --- bedding, diaper bags, rattles --- to bowls, silverware, furniture, baby jewelry, baby slings, and of course, kiddie OBX T-shirts --- you can find it all here, both new and like-new. Need a pop-up beach cabana to keep Elmo out of the sun?  It’s here! There’s also a great selection of first birthday party items, and furniture and gear are available to rent.   

One of the oldest authentic surf shops on the Outer Banks, Secret Spot has been surfer-owned at the same location since the early 1980s.  Store founder Steve Hess started board shaping in 1971, and his world-renowned boards have been ridden by many of the Outer Banks’ best surfers, and by many others from Hawaii to California to Australia. With its ceiling covered with surfboards, the shop offers custom made Secret Spot Surf Boards and used boards, body boards, skim boards, as well as skate gear.  Board rentals and surf lessons are also available. A wide range of designer surfwear can be found here, including Rip Curl, Sanuk, Roxy, Rainbow, Lost, Oakley, Electric and O’Neill.  Bathing suits, hats, shoes, shorts, sunglasses, watches and T-shirts are available in a variety of sizes and styles for the entire family.  There’s even cool infant and baby clothes, and tropical gifts and surf art in stock.