Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No experience is necessary; Ride the Wind provides brief instructions and easy-to-handle kayaks perfect for beginners.

Can children kayak alone?

Children 12 and younger must ride tandem with an adult for safety.

Are paddles and life jackets included?

Yes, all rentals include paddles and PFDs at no extra charge.

What happens if the weather changes suddenly?

If safety concerns arise, Ride the Wind may cancel or reschedule rentals; refunds or credit options are available.

Can I kayak to Springer's Point?

Yes, the one-hour rental allows you to venture into Pamlico Sound and visit Springer's Point depending on paddling pace.

Is parking available at the launch site?

Yes, Ride the Wind’s dock on Silver Lake has convenient parking for renters.

Kayaking Silver Lake Adventures with Ride the Wind | Kayak | Water Activities

Located in the heart of Ocracoke, North Carolina, Ride the Wind offers one-hour kayak rentals that provide both newcomers and seasoned paddlers an intimate encounter with Silver Lake’s calm harbor waters and nearby expanses of the Pamlico Sound. This stretch of the Outer Banks delivers a unique blend of maritime history, wildlife, and scenic tranquility rarely matched along the East Coast.

At the starting point on Silver Lake, kayak adventurers glide quietly past weathered historic homes that speak to Ocracoke’s storied past, while pelicans hover close overhead, scouting for fish below. For those willing to push beyond the harbor, the kayaks open access to Springer's Point, a hotspot of natural activity where birdlife and fish swirl in vibrant display against the backdrop of sprawling tidal marshes and waterways. This access to varied ecological zones makes the Ride the Wind experience both a low-impact adventure and a wildlife observation opportunity.

Ride the Wind stands out in this coastal community by equipping paddlers with well-designed single and tandem sit-in kayaks featuring adjustable footrests, padded seats, and dry storage compartments. These features heighten comfort and safety, allowing riders of all ages—children accompanied by adults included—to focus on the water’s pulse without distraction.

Ocracoke Island itself is a beacon for outdoor recreation, linked closely to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With easy launch options, Ride the Wind fits seamlessly within the island’s broader outdoor adventurescape, permitting visitors a short but rewarding paddle suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you come for the peaceful glide along the harbor or an excursion to the Sound, these hour-long rentals provide an accessible yet immersive way to connect with North Carolina’s coastal environment.

About Ride the Wind

Ride the Wind operates in Ocracoke, North Carolina, offering kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and bicycle rentals tailored to visitors of Ocracoke Village and the surrounding Pamlico Sound. The company provides short rentals (one-hour and two-hour), daily and weekly options, plus guided mid-morning and evening kayak eco-tours that paddle to Springer's Point Nature Preserve and explore Silver Lake and nearby marshes. Rentals include life jackets (PFDs), paddles, and equipment; weekly board rentals include free delivery when specified.

Trip choices include single and tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks with storage, stable 11-foot standup paddleboards for ages 14 and up, lightweight Priority Bicycles for adults and young riders, and special experiences such as Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga led by instructor Savana. Guided eco-tours are presented by an expert guide and highlight local wildlife like dolphins and herons, plus Ocracoke history and scenic marshes. Evening tours finish near sunset for added photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Ride the Wind focuses on straightforward rental options and guided experiences for a range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Equipment is described as comfortable and well-equipped, supporting safe and enjoyable outings on Silver Lake and Pamlico Sound. Visitors can select flexible durations—hourly, two-hour, daily, or weekly—to match vacation plans and explore Ocracoke at their own pace.

PFDs and paddles are included with weekly kayak rentals, and stand-up paddleboard rentals provide all necessary gear for safe outings. Rental staff can advise on routes such as Silver Lake harbor, Pamlico Sound shorelines, and Springer's Point to help visitors plan trips.