KHK blogger Brian Tress is ready to surf for speed!
Credit: Jeff Huff (l), Erin Porter (r)
Steph Lacerte from Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding School in Rodanthe called about my e-surfing lesson scheduled for the next day. “Just wondering if you could come a bit earlier,” she said. “Around noon? We’re expecting wind later in the afternoon.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t — I had corralled a few friends to join me, which would’ve taken major reorganization. Steph was gracious. “That’s fine,” she said.
But I couldn’t help wondering: why would wind matter if I’d be lifted above the waves — floating weightlessly above the surface? Only later, when we arrived at KHK, did I realize my mistake: I had confused e-foiling, which involves being raised above the water by a hydrofoil, with e-surfing on an electric surfboard or jetboard.
Unlike an e-foil, an electric surfboard delivers a fast, high-adrenaline ride where you feel every wave and chop. A battery-powered jet drive propels the board forward, while riders control speed and thrust with a wireless handheld remote.
Looking out at the Pamlico Sound, the northerly winds — already 16 miles per hour — had churned the water into a light chop. Now Steph’s suggestion to start earlier made perfect sense.
After signing the waiver, we headed downstairs to meet our instructor, Spencer Talley. On a blue beginner’s surfboard set on the grass, he demonstrated how to get up on a jetboard.
“Unlike regular surfing, there’s no rush,” he explained. “You can take as long as you want to stand up — some people just zoom around on their stomachs the whole time.”
Then, demonstrating on the practice board, he showed us the stance: from your knees, the trick is to plant your dominant foot behind you and your other foot in front, wide enough to distribute your weight. Keep the back foot turned sideways, the front foot pointing forward, and make sure you’re moving at a good clip as you rise.
“It’s like riding a bicycle,” he said. “When you go too slow, it becomes wobbly. Going faster makes you more stable.”
Instructor Spencer Talley demonstrates how to stand up on a board.
Credit: Brian Tress
By the time we got into the water, the wind had picked up. Stepping carefully to avoid stray oyster shells near the pier, we waded out into the sound, waist-deep and pleasantly warm. Spencer stopped about 50 yards from shore, phone ready to record, and called out, “You keep going — I’ll be watching and giving you tips.”
I eased onto my board, pulled the trigger on the handheld remote strapped to my wrist, and shot forward. The chop smacked against the nose of the board, spraying water into my eyes. Propping myself up on my elbows to see better, I decided to go full throttle. It felt like lying on the floor of a speedboat with no hull around me — exhilarating, fast, and jarringly bumpy.
Kneeling was next. Then came standing. Or at least, trying to stand. I toppled off the front, the back, the sides — over and over, in every possible direction. Keeping the speed steady while balancing felt nearly impossible.
Then came a shriek. One of my friends zipped past, upright and grinning, laughing wildly as she carved a foamy wake at top speed.
Spencer decided it was time for a tip. “More space between your front and back foot,” he shouted. “And look straight ahead when you get up, not down.”
I had a short conversation with my board — the gist: we had to work together — and got back on. Spencer’s advice gave me confidence. I gradually increased speed, got on my knees, and popped up faster than usual, separating my legs and facing straight ahead. Suddenly, I was upright and balanced. A few thrilling seconds later, I pulled the trigger to go faster — and promptly fell off.
Ultimately, the entire group – including me (c) – was able to stand up and surf for speed!
Credit: Spencer Talley
Back on shore, we learned our other friend had also managed to stand. A celebration was in order. The Good Winds Restaurant, on the second floor of Rodanthe Kitty Hawk Kites, seemed perfect. We toasted our victories with pineapple chili margaritas — which we unanimously declared one of the best margaritas on the Outer Banks — and gazed contentedly at the sound through the windows behind the bar.
The perfect way to celebrate the joy of e-surfing — a pineapple chili margarita at Good Winds Restaurant.
Credit: Brian Tress
Written and crafted by Brian Tress
E-Surfing lessons hosted by Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding School, Rodanthe NC.
🌊 Interested in trying an e-surfing session or booking for a loved one? Check out available times here!
