Lesson Center FAQs

"We Make New Riders Every Day". This has been our mission statement since 2001. Since then, over 50,000 students have completed our kiteboarding and surfing instructional programs. Outside Magazine ranks REAL's Camp programs among their "Top 10 Adventure Camps in the World".

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Kite Lesson FAQs

Booking your lesson

How do I book a lesson?

Contact a REAL Pro by calling 252-987-6000, emailing REALPRO@REALWatersports.com or filling out the form here.

Do I need lessons?

Absolutely yes! Kiteboarding is a technical sport and kites have a lot of power. With lessons, you will learn how to control the kite so that you can enjoy the fun of kiteboarding safely. You wouldn’t try scuba diving or paragliding without lessons and you shouldn’t try kiteboarding without lessons either. Lessons will also drastically speed up your progression.

If you are already riding, lessons will push your progression to the next level. Whether you want to learn how to transition, boost, ride the ocean for the first time, or foilboard, our coaches can break down the skill sets into small, concrete steps and then provide instant feedback to help you shred even harder.

Do I need to be in great shape to kiteboard?

Kiteboarding is more finesse than strength. You are hooked in with a harness to control the power of the wind so it takes very little upper body strength. Being in better shape may help you learn a little faster, but we have taught people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

You should be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

What can I do to prepare for my lessons?

Kiteboarding uses large muscle groups so working your legs, core and back will help you stay fresh for your time with a REAL Coach. Yoga and anything you can do to improve your flexibility is also recommended.

How long does it take to learn to kiteboard?

In general, we suggest planning for at least 3 days to get you to where you can practice on your own safely. Practicing flying kites and wakeboarding will increase your learning curve. The more time you have on the water with a REAL Coach the farther up the learning curve you will get.

Generally speaking, with the REAL coaching program it take 3 days to become a self-sufficient kiteboarder, 10 days to stay up wind and 20 days to jump. If you come with strong kite and board skills you will learn faster.

What can I do to prepare for my first lesson?

Watching the Zero 2 Hero and Evolution instructional videos before your lesson will give you a preview to the concepts covered in your first lesson.

You should also get the REAL Trainer Kite so you can learn the basics of kite control before your lesson which will expedite your learning curve.

Should I take a Private Lessons or sign-up for the Zero to Hero Kite Camp?

Many of our customers appreciate the private attention of Private and Semi-Private Lessons. The Privates will allow you to learn at your own pace and customize your curriculum. Also Privates and Semi-Privates will allow you to book your lessons starting any day of the week in Full and Half Day increments. We can cover the Zero to Hero, Evolution, Joyride Kite Camp curriculum and also foilboarding, park riding and kite surfing with a Private Coach.

The Zero to Hero Camp is a two to one student to instructor kite camp that runs on three consecutive days. It is schedule for Tuesday-Thursday every week in March through November. There is at least one Zero to Hero Camp scheduled Friday-Sunday every month.

The Zero to Hero follows a set curriculum to take you from having no experience to being self-sufficient so you can practice on your own. Included in the set curriculum is flying a trainer kite, reviewing rigging and safety, flying an inflatable kite, body dragging downwind and upwind, practicing board skills behind a jet ski, working on water starts, gear tech (selection, maintenance, and repair) and working on water starts. Zero to Hero is a great way to get a comprehensive, immersive beginner experience.

To find out what options will be best for you, please contact a REAL Pro at 252-987-6000, realpro@realwatersports.com, or this contact form.

Who can join me for a Semi-Private Lesson?

During a Semi-Private lesson, you and your friend or family member will take turns using the kite so should be similar weight (within 50 pounds) and ability level. Semi-Privates are a great way to make the lesson extra fun by sharing it with someone else. It is also really helpful to your learning process to be able to watch someone working on similar skills while talking with the coach; it helps you get a better understanding of how everything works together and often provides great breakthroughs.

Before and During Your Lesson

What should I bring?

Students are required to have their own water wear. This includes a pair or watershoes/booties, sunscreen, a standard bathing suit, and/or wetsuits ranging in thickness depending on the season. If you do not have any of this, do not worry; the REAL Flagship Store is always stocked with the finest water wear and accessories so you can be comfortable on and off the water.

What is included with the lesson?

Our lessons include all of the rental kiteboarding gear needed for the lesson, a REAL Coach, and a jet ski for "On The Fly" coaching for kite lessons. During your lesson, you will have access to our Rental Shop which is stocked with the latest gear to make sure we have the right set-up for you to learn in all conditions. We have kites as small as 3 meters and as big as 19 meters. This is also a great time to try the gear you might be interested in buying.

What time should I arrive?

Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled lesson time (9:30-9:45 am for your 10 am lesson or 1:30 - 1:45pm for your 2 pm lesson). This will give you time to sign a waiver, get booties if you need them, meet your coach, and make a game plan for your lesson.

What can I do with my stuff during the lesson?

We have lockers on the back deck that you can rent to hold any valuables or you can leave your things in your car.

Is there a place for family and friends to watch?

For kite lessons, you can observe some of the lesson from our Watchtower which overlooks the sound or from Watermen's Bar and Grill's deck which overlooks our backyard and the Pamlico Sound. We do use a large teaching area in the water (thanks to using jet skis with all of our lessons) so you may not be able to watch the whole lesson.

What if there is no wind?

If there is no wind at the time of your lesson, we request that you come to the Lesson Center to meet your coach and make a plan for the day. Your coach will work with you to reschedule your lesson to the next available time slot.  Often times while waiting for the wind, you can keep progressing and having fun with a Board Ride session, Wake Foiling, E-Foiling, or Surfing.  The great thing about Cape Hatteras is that the wind is never far away, and it is often much better than what is forecasted .

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my lesson?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your lessons or camp you can do so up to 14 days before the scheduled lesson or camp time with no reschedule fees. A rescheduling fee of $200.00 will be applied to any lessons or camps canceled or rescheduled within 14 days of the scheduled lesson or camp start time, and the remaining balance will be placed on your store account. If your lesson or camp is canceled by REAL, you will receive a raincheck equivalent to the value of the lesson or camp booked. No rainchecks will be issued for cancellations or no shows within 48 hours of a lesson or camp.

What are the next steps after my lessons?

Your coach will help make a customized plan for you at the end of your lesson based on your progress during the lesson. They can help you get the right kiteboarding gear so you can keep practicing.


Surf Lesson FAQs

Booking your lesson

How do I book a lesson?

Contact a REAL Pro by calling 252-987-6000, emailing REALPRO@REALWatersports.com or filling out the form here.

Do I need lessons?

Absolutely yes! Surfing is a technical sport and the ocean is a dynamic place. With lessons, you will learn how to understand and read the waves and enjoy surfing safely. Lessons will also drastically speed up your progression.

If you are already surfing, lessons will push your progression to the next level. Whether you want to learn how to ride down the line or search for your first barrel, our coaches can break down the skill sets into small, concrete steps and then provide instant feedback to help you shred even harder.

Do I need to be in great shape to surf?

Surfing is a combination of balance, flow and strength. We will assist you with reading the waves and technique, you will just have to pop up (That’s the fun part!). Being in better shape may help you learn a little faster, but we have taught people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

You should be comfortable in the water and be able to swim.

What can I do to prepare for my lessons?

Surfing uses large muscle groups so working your legs, core and back will help you stay fresh for your time with a REAL Coach. Yoga and anything you can do to improve your flexibility is also recommended

How long does it take to learn to surf?

In general, we will get you up and riding on your first lesson. After your first lesson you can practice on your own safely, but we suggest planning for at least 3 days. Snowboarding & skateboarding will increase your learning curve. The more time you have on the water with a REAL Coach the farther up the learning curve you will get.

Generally speaking, with the REAL coaching program it takes 3 days to become a self-sufficient surfer, 10 days to be able to go down the line and turn. If you come with strong water and board skills, you will learn faster.

What can I do to prepare for my first lesson?

Hydrate the day before your lesson and eat a big meal, surfing uses up a lot of energy. Practicing pop ups beforehand will get you a strong head start. This is done by marking two spots on the floor about 2 to 3 feet apart and trying to successfully “pop up” to stand on them from a laying down position.

Should I take Private Lessons or sign-up for a REAL Surf Camp?

Many of our customers appreciate the private attention of Private and Semi-Private Lessons. The Privates will allow you to learn at your own pace and customize your curriculum. Also, Privates and Semi-Privates will allow you to book your lessons starting any day of the week. We can cover the Zero to Hero curriculum taught in our REAL Surf Camps with a Private Coach.

REAL Surf Camps are for beginner surfers ages 5-17 only. They are three to one student to instructor surf camps that run on three consecutive days. They are scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday in May through September. Friday is a reserve day based on conditions.

Our REAL Surf Camps follow our Zero to Hero curriculum and takes kids from having no experience to able wave rider so they can practice on their own. Included in the set curriculum is beach and ocean safety, wave dynamics, the pop up, paddling, selecting, and catching waves, surf etiquette and techniques including riding down the line, turning and body positioning and, gear tech (selection, maintenance, and repair). REAL Surf Camps are a great way to get a comprehensive, immersive beginner experience.

To find out what options will be best for you, please contact a REAL Pro at 252-987-6000, realpro@realwatersports.com, or this contact form.

Who can join me for a Semi-Private Lesson?

During a Semi-Private lesson, you and your friend or family members will be using boards specifically picked for your ability level and weight. Semi-Private lessons have a max 3 to 1 student ratio. Semi-Privates are a great way to make the lesson extra fun by sharing it with someone else. It is also really helpful to your learning process to be able to watch someone working on similar skills while talking with the coach; it helps you get a better understanding of how everything works and often provides great breakthroughs.

Before and During Your Lesson

What should I bring?

Students are required to have their own water wear. This includes sunscreen, a standard bathing suit, and/or wetsuits ranging in thickness depending on the season. If you do not have any of this, do not worry; the REAL Flagship Store is always stocked with the finest water wear and accessories so you can be comfortable on and off the water. Always remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

What is included with the lesson?

Our lessons include all the surfing gear needed for the lesson and a REAL Coach. Transportation to and from the lesson location is available for private and semi-private lessons. If you are doing an intermediate or advanced lesson, we have a wide variety of premium quiver boards that you may demo. This is also a great time to try the gear you might be interested in buying.

What is included with a REAL Surf Camp?

Our REAL Surf Camps include all the surfing gear needed and a REAL Coach or Coaches. Snacks are provided but if you have specific dietary needs, we suggest packing your own snacks.

What time should I arrive?

For Private or Semi-private lesson, plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson time (9:00 am for your 9:15 am lesson or 1:45pm for your 2 pm lesson). This will give you time to sign a waiver, get any accessories you need, meet your coach, and make a game plan for your lesson. For a REAL Surf Camp, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled camp start time (9am Daily.) Our REAL Surf Camps typically take place at the Rodanthe Public Beach access located at 23731 NC-12. Parking, showers, and bathrooms are available on-site. Please be prepared upon arrival with water wear, applied sunscreen and a full water bottle.

What can I do with my stuff during the lesson?

We have lockers on the back deck available to you to hold any valuables or you can leave your things in your car or truck. Also, you can leave belongings under the REAL lesson umbrella on the beach. For the REAL Surf Camp, we’ll have a tent where items can be stored.

Is there a place for family and friends to watch?

Families and friends are always encouraged to watch from the beach. They can follow the lesson to the beach and watch.

What if there is no surf or too much surf

We ask that you always come to the lesson center to meet your coach to make a plan for the day. There is going to be a teachable wave 95% of the time in Cape Hatteras. Our coaches know where to go even in the smallest or largest of conditions. The great thing about Cape Hatteras is that the waves are never far away, we will almost always find a wave to ride.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my lesson?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your lessons or camp you can do so up to 14 days before the scheduled lesson or camp time with no reschedule fees. A rescheduling fee of $200.00 will be applied to any lessons or camps canceled or rescheduled within 14 days of the scheduled lesson or camp start time, and the remaining balance will be placed on your store account. If your lesson or camp is canceled by REAL, you will receive a raincheck equivalent to the value of the lesson or camp booked. No rainchecks will be issued for cancellations or no shows within 48 hours of a lesson or camp.

What are the next steps after my lessons?

Your coach will help make a customized plan for you at the end of your lesson based on your progress during the lesson. They can help you get on the right surfboard so you can keep practicing and keeping the STOKE alive.