Akin to surfing, ocean kayaking is a thrilling way to ride the waves and requires a more sophisticated knowledge of strokes, as well as a strong upper body. Kayak rentals are available at many locations on the coast. If it is your first time, ask about guided group tours. Sailing and powerboating are the most popular water activities on the coast. There is no water activity more thrilling than sailing out Beaufort Inlet for a day at the Cape Lookout Bight, or guiding your powerboat into a secluded creek for an afternoon of water skiing.
Boat rentals are available in just about every community.
You can charter a sailboat for a weeklong trip or overnight. Or you can rent a ski boat for the day. Just remember that they don't call this section of the world the Graveyard of the Atlantic for nothing. The waters are shallow, and constantly shifting sandbars lie submerged a foot or two below the surface. Be sure you are familiar with the local conditions and charts.