Category Archives: General information

2017 Outer Banks Watermelon Festival!

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The stage was set, a long table donning a bright red vinyl cover, the contestants patiently waiting for the start. Fans circled around the table, each supporting their contestant or just watching for the show. As the watermelon eating contest took off, so did the chunky spray of watermelon as participants shoved their faces into the fruit as quickly and ferociously as they could. The eating contest was just one of many opportunities people had to gorge themselves as the food came in many forms: watermelon, ice cream, Mulligan’s fish tacos. But, the fun came in even more forms. There were events running seamlessly throughout the day including the ice cream eating contest, the seed spitting contest, and everyone’s favorite…. the watermelon eating contest. Thanks to the planning of our very own events crew, and a day-of help from many volunteers, there were activities for all to enjoy regardless of their interests. Many ki

 

ds tried their hands at a plethora of lawn games and toys, some even took the opportunity to turn their own hands to wax with the ever popular “Wax Hands” station. However, the favorite of the day seemed to be the Pirate inflatable that offered not only a large bounce house, but a waterslide to cool off afterwards. “Food and Fun” was the motto of the day, but the 11th Annual Outer Banks Watermelon Festival had a lot more to it than that. The entire festival was run to support the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition, a group with a positive mission, “To help facilitate the education and awareness of practical bicycle and pedestrian safety to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and all those who live or visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina in a positive and proactive manner.” Unfortunately, too many people are injured or killed every year on the Outer Banks trying to cross the highways on bicycles or on foot. For Kitty Hawk Kites, this was an issue that everyone could get behind. Following the Watermelon Festival, when all the money was tallied up, there was $4723 raised! But, the awareness raised can’t be

 

measured. Getting people to recognize the issue at hand and respect the rules of the road can have a lasting effect on the community. If everyone does their part to pay attention and respect the safety of others, hopefully the issue can be eaten away as if it were just a piece of watermelon.

Picking out a kite? Let us help!

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There are so many different kinds of kites in the world that we couldn’t possibly list them all. There are certain constants among all them, though, that might help folks who are looking at 200-300 kites in a well-stocked kite store–Kitty Hawk Kites, as an example–and are wondering what to buy.

There are four basic kinds of kites—single line, single line fighter kites, dual line stunt kites and quad line stunt kites. Within each type there is an infinite selection, but those are the basics.

Single line

This is the most basic kite and what almost everyone thinks of when they imagine flying a kite with a child. A single line attaches to the kite, run into the wind and the kite goes into the air.

Three basic frames—diamond, delta and parafoil. The classic diamond is actually the hardest to get into the air; either the parafoil with no frame, or the delta are the easiest to fly.

Rachel's Kite

Two line Stunt Kites

A fun, fun kind of kite to fly. The flight of the kite is controlled by two lines that allows the flyer to maneuver the kite up, down, across the horizon, figure 8s, just about anything imaginable.

Most two line stunt kites are delta shaped—actually look a bit like a miniature hang glider—but there are also dual line parafoils that generate tremendous lift and power.

It generally takes about an hour or so to get comfortable controlling a stunt kite. The time is very well spent.

 

Quad Line Stunt Kites

The Revolution quad line kite.

The Revolution quad line kite.

When Revolution Kites brought out their line of quad line kites back in the 1990s, it was, well . . . revolutionary. But here’s a historic footnote: look at a photograph of the Wright Brothers flying their 1901 kite and they are controlling it with four attachment points.

Nonetheless, quad line kites really got people thinking about new stunts and new ways of doing things. Remarkable in their maneuverability, and surprisingly easy to master.

Revolution is still making their frame kites. Ram air quad lines are great power kites; kiteboarding kites use quad line controls.

Wacky Weather? Welcome to the Outer Banks!

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Beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

The Outer Banks was once considered simply a summer destination for weary vacationers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle that is everyday life and unwind at the highly regarded beaches of the OBX.

During the last half decade or so, travelers have been flocking to the area not only during the sizzling summer months, but also during what is considered the offseason, which is otherwise known as the fall, spring and winter seasons.

With mild winters and a rather pleasant fall and spring, the Outer Banks has been transforming into more of a year-round vacation destination. These barrier islands enjoy around 200 sunny days each year, with a year-round average temperature hovering around 70°.

Wind is an everyday constant on the Outer Banks (the Wright Brothers came here for a reason), and can range from gentle southwest breezes to strong northeast storm winds.

Outer Banks Seasons

Summer

Ah, summer! If you’re staying on the Outer Banks during the summer months, expect average lows from the mid 70°’s to highs near 90°, depending on the time of the summer. During this time of year, average temperatures can climb to 85°, but even on the hottest summer days, you can expect a slight to moderate ocean breeze to help keep you cool even though the temperature is scorching. In the summer, the wind typically blows out of the southwest and picks up speed in the late afternoon.

Fall

Considered by many year-round area locals to be the best time of year on the Outer Banks, vacationers should consider a trip to the area if they’re at all interested in spending the day outdoors enjoying cool ocean breezes and temperatures in the lower 80°’s in September and mid-70°’s in October. Easily the busiest time of year for events on the Outer Banks, consider planning your trip around the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, OBX Brewtag, Mustang Music Festival, Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival, or the Duck Jazz Festival.

Winter

During the winter, temperatures are usually cool, though the wind can make it feel colder. Temperatures during the day usually hover around the lower 50°’s, with nights averaging in the upper 30°’s.

Spring

Typically a very mild season, temperatures during the spring months can be very unpredictable. Average daytime temperatures are normally in the upper 60°’s and lower 70°’s

Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina

Outer Banks Average Temperature, Precipitation & Wind Chart

The weather readings below reflect the average temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit), wind velocity (MPH), and precipitation (inches) from Cape Hatteras, NC. These temperatures have been provided by The National Weather Service Newport Office.

outer-banks-weather-chart

North Carolina’s Outer Banks: A Destination Any Time of Year

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Thank you for the recent feature, Sara Kendall, of the Epicurean! “Spanning over 200 miles in a string of narrow barrier islands, the Outer Banks is an ocean haven anytime of the year. The locals refer to them as OBX, and millions of people make these islands their vacation destination. Looking to book a winter retreat or plan next summer’s getaway? The Outer Banks is a fabulous choice no matter the time of year you decide to venture to the ocean breezes.” http://www.epicureancharlotte.com/travel/

This Article from the Charlotte Epicurean on just a few of the reasons why the OBX is so special hit the nail on the head! We have so much to do here and a ton of great dining options! What are you going to choose to do today?

Kites and Beer … Plenty of Reason to Celebrate in April

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April has finally arrived and there is plenty of reason to celebrate! For those who enjoy tracking bizarre and unique holidays, you may be reveling in the fact that it’s National Humor Month, Lawn and Garden Month and National Poetry Month. But don’t worry … we won’t attempt to tell any bad jokes, educate you on tending to your blooming flower bulbs, or craft a haiku. What we WILL do is launch a kite and raise a pint in honor of National Kite Month and North Carolina Beer Month!

 

NATIONAL KITE MONTH
Every year in April Kite enthusiasts across North America celebrate the history and the future of the world’s favorite pastime by letting their kites fly.  It is a month to celebrate the joy and happiness that comes from letting out the line, letting your kite catch the wind, and letting that kite soar high into the sky.

 

Kitty Hawk Kites - Florida

KHK Fly into Spring Kite Festival /Fort Walton Beach, FL

To kick-off our month-long celebration, Kitty hawk Kites invites you to Florida’s Emerald Coast for the annual Fly into Spring Kite Festival in Fort Walton Beach this weekend (April 2-3). In addition to experiencing the sight of 25-to-100-foot larger-than-life show kites of all sizes and shapes, this FREE two-day, high-flying event features professional stunt kite flying, demonstrations and lessons, and a family fun fly that is perfect for kite enthusiasts of all ages. The public is invited to experience and learn from several professional kite fliers both days, courtesy of Kitty Hawk Kites and the Emerald Coast Kitefliers Club. Also, be sure to try out the Revolution Kites Simulator before testing your skills on a Rev kite. Receive $20 Rev Bucks to be used at Kitty Hawk Kites just for trying!

 

KHK Instagram Kite Promotion
Between April 1-17, Kitty Hawk Kites is giving away an amazing limited edition series of SuperSize Star Wars kites from Wind n Sun (48” R2D2, 50″ Millenium Falcon, 52” X-wing Fighter) to one lucky winner! To be eligible to win, visit our Instagram page and simply mention three of your Instagram friends in the comment section between now and April 17 at 11:59pm ET and we will select our grand prize winner on Monday, April 18. Good luck … may the force be with you!

 

Kitty Hawk Kites - Instagram Kite Contest

 

Additional National Kite Month Online Resources
AKA National Kite Month Updates
April Kite Events
National Kite Month Online Store

NORTH CAROLINA BEER MONTH

April also happens to be North Carolina Beer Month, and for the fourth year in a row there are an exciting array of activities lined up from the mountains to the coast! It’s a month-long celebration offering plenty of NC beer-inspired events and festivals, tastings and dinners, special discounts, travel deals, giveaways and more. Ready … set … cheers!

As we’re raising our glasses to the finest NC craft brews from across the state, we’d be remiss if we didn’t show some love to our local Outer Banks breweries who provide locals and visitors, alike, with liquid deliciousness on a daily basis … Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, Outer Banks Brewing Station, and Lost Colony Brewery.

 

obx-brewtag-event-kitty-hawk-kites

 

OBX Brewtag: Kegs Will Fly Again on October 22!
We’re also excited to remind everyone that the 2nd Annual OBX Brewtag event will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at The Soundside Event Site in Nags Head, NC. Flying Kegs, Craft Beer Garden, Live Music, Kid Zone, Food Vendors, and much more. You will NOT want to miss it! To get you excited, check out highlights from our inaugural event.