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Watersports Events - 2026 Schedule

 Watersports Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of February 16, 2026 - February 22, 2026
Saturday, February 21st - Sunday, February 22nd
Beaufort

If you’ve ever wanted to test your mettle when it comes to construction, while enjoying an activity that will result in something special, then you’ll want to sign up for the Introduction to Wooden Boat Building Course. This unique event that is held in the heart of Beaufort is an intricate course of how to build a boat from the ground up, and best of all, will result with a newfound intricate knowledge of how to craft a boat or two of your own.

Week of March 23, 2026 - March 29, 2026
Tuesday, March 24th - Thursday, March 26th
  • Tuesday, May 12th - Thursday, May 14th

Waves

Water lovers who want to pick up all the skills required to master a new watersport while enjoying the cool waters of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will want to sign up for this amazing camp that’s designed just for them. The Kids Zero to Hero Kiteboarding Camp takes beginning boarders from the absolute basics to self-sufficient kiteboarders in just a couple days of intense but undeniably fun lessons.

Week of April 20, 2026 - April 26, 2026
Friday, April 24th - Sunday, April 26th
Nags Head

Head to the beach to catch an incredible live show that’s unlike any other on the Outer Banks with the ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championship. Known as a qualifier for the big USA Surfing’s Prime events and USA Surfing Championships that are held in California in June, this event attracts talented surfers from all across the region and well beyond to the heart of the Outer Banks for a truly spectacular competition.

Week of April 27, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Saturday, May 2nd
Beaufort

The annual Wooden Boat Show is a tradition in the town of Beaufort, and its 50th celebration in 2026 promises to be bigger and more engaging than ever before. With a long roster of activities that are slated for the weekend-long event, visitors will be treated to a wealth of activities, displays, exhibits, and interactive ways to join in the fun.

Saturday, May 2nd
Beaufort

Come and marvel as a fleet of wooden boats are constructed from start to finish before your eyes at this competition that pits boat-builders against each other in one of the most anticipated events of the Annual Wooden Boat Show. The BoatBuilding Challenge is an event that's been going strong for more than 15 years as of 2026, and the competition features 18 teams who will battle it out to craft the best wooden boat in just four hours’ time.

Week of May 11, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Tuesday, May 12th - Thursday, May 14th
  • Tuesday, March 24th - Thursday, March 26th

Waves

Water lovers who want to pick up all the skills required to master a new watersport while enjoying the cool waters of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will want to sign up for this amazing camp that’s designed just for them. The Kids Zero to Hero Kiteboarding Camp takes beginning boarders from the absolute basics to self-sufficient kiteboarders in just a couple days of intense but undeniably fun lessons.

Week of May 25, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Friday, May 29th - Sunday, May 31st
Rodanthe

Every year, a wave of new equipment arrives on the scene that takes the sport of kiteboarding to the next level, and watersports fans who want to see everything that’s cool and brand new can get a sneak peek via the Kiteboarding Kickoff Weekend. Held at the Kiteboarding Resort in Rodanthe, this unique event gives boarders an opportunity to try out the newest brands, styles and gear on the global kiteboarding scene, as well as enter competitions and enjoy specialty clinics to hone their skills.

Saturday, May 30th 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pine Knoll Shores

Quickly becoming one of the Crystal Coast’s favorite local competitions, the annual Kayak for the Warriors Kayak / Paddle Board Race is a chance for visitors and residents alike to explore the local waters of the southern Outer Banks while supporting a beloved cause that does a world of good. Launching from the coastal town of Pine Knoll Shores, this fundraising event for injured and fallen service men and women is a great way to support the local and national community while enjoying everything that this watersports haven has to offer.

Week of June 1, 2026 - June 7, 2026
Saturday, June 6th
Manteo

Enjoy one of the most scenic corners of the Outer Banks while joining in the fun of one of the longest-running festivals in Manteo by attending the annual Dare Day Festival. This full-day event is held along the downtown waterfront, and features a wide array of activities and attractions that shine a spotlight on the local Manteo culture. Throughout the day, there will also be a number of events designed for water and OBX lovers of all ages, including the now famous Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, the locally beloved “Anything that Floats but a Boat” Race, the Raingutter Regatta, a Kids Zone, and the annual competition for the best cake and pie in Dare County with a coveted blue ribbon prize.

Week of June 8, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th
  • Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 15, 2026 - June 21, 2026
Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th
  • Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 22, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd
  • Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of June 29, 2026 - July 5, 2026
Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 3rd
  • Monday, June 8th - Friday, June 19th

Beaufort

Young residents and visitors who have always dreamed of charting their own course on their water can learn all about the basics of sailing and beyond at the summertime Junior Sailing Program. This day camp that is open to all children ages 8 and over will cover everything that young mariners need to know about two classes of sailboats, and is an immersive and fun way to discover a new skill while enjoying the open waters of Beaufort, N.C.

Week of July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Saturday, July 25th
Manteo

The town of Manteo has a rich history that’s connected to sailing and life on the water, and competitive sailors and spectators alike can celebrate this heritage with the Annual One-Design Regatta.

Week of August 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Wednesday, August 26th - Sunday, August 30th
Nags Head

Spectators are welcome to hit the sand and watch some of the top surfers in the region and the world compete in this late summer competition that promises to be one of the best live shows on the beach.

Week of September 14, 2026 - September 20, 2026
Sunday, September 20th - Saturday, September 26th
Nags Head

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.

Week of September 21, 2026 - September 27, 2026
Sunday, September 20th - Saturday, September 26th
Nags Head

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the best surfers on the East Coast go head to head at this “grand finale” event that is renowned as one of the best surfing competitions on the Eastern Seaboard.