And they even provide spotting scopes and binoculars on these free, 90-minute excursions. With the ocean flanking one side of the barrier islands and sound on the other, the Outer Banks often are best enjoyed by water. Windsurfers bring their bright quivers of sails to both shores, enjoying long rides across the smooth sound or great challenges skipping waves in the ever-changing ocean. Canadian Hole, in Avon, is the most popular place. Less strenuous than sailboarding, and certainly slower paced, kayaking is an outdoor adventure almost everyone can enjoy.
Basic instruction takes about five minutes.
Kayak tours are available around every area of the Outer Banks. Fishing, whether in rubber wading boots from the shore, perched on the end of a pier or chartering a big boat to take you offshore, is outstanding in fall. Small species congregate along the shorelines and around bridge pilings. Rockfish rally in the brackish sounds. Hang gliders unfurl their gliders' fabric wings atop Jockey's Ridge State Park, running into the wind to take off from the sand.