2025 Nags Head Surf Shops 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.  

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. 

An independent family-owned surf shop in Nags Head, the Outer Banks Boarding Company is a friendly place that local and out-of-town surfers depend on for inside tips on the best local surf spots and conditions.  The store’s knowledgeable team boasts several world-class professional surfers and bodyboarders, including Noah Syder, Jesse Hines and Chris McDonald, as well as amateur men and women surfers, skimmers, skaters and snowboarders.

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.

Grab all the gear you’ll need for a sunny Outer Banks vacation at this apparel and gift shop that has an inherent coastal vibe. The Vitamin Sea Beach Shop is stocked with a wealth of goodies that can be enjoyed on the coast and at home, making it a great destination to pick up souvenirs as well as all of the equipment required to enjoy the Outer Banks shoreline.

Owners Jim and April Vaughn operate a surfer’s surf shop, with a great selection of wetsuits, sportswear, swimwear and accessories for men, women and youth from all major surf brands. Upstairs, there’s an exceptional range of surfboards to choose from. Whalebone Surf Shop specializes in bringing in the best board shapers from around the world. The shop also offers surfboard rentals and surfing lessons in the summer months.