MASTER THE ATLANTIC
Professional PASA-certified kitesurfing instruction on North Carolina's premier coastline. From your first flight to advanced air.
Instruction Programs
Structured progression designed to get you riding safely and confidently in the shortest time possible.
The Discovery
2-hour introduction covering kite theory, safety systems, and beach-based flight control.
Water Start
Focusing on power strokes, board positioning, and your first downwind rides in the sound.
Independent
Advanced techniques: riding upwind, transitions, and basic jumping maneuvers.
Our Training Grounds
We choose our locations daily based on wind direction to ensure the safest and most productive learning environment. From the flat waters of the sound to the rolling surf of the Atlantic.
- Wrightsville Beach, South End
- The Basin, Fort Fisher Boat Ramp
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
- Carolina Beach -- Tennessee Avenue
- Kure Beach — Off-season sessions
PASA Certified
Level 3 Senior
True Waterman. Real Coaching.
Cape Fear Surf Kite was founded by Drew Rathgeber, a true lifelong waterman. From the beaches of California as a competitive surfer to the East Coast in 2010. He competed in numerous Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) competitions, qualifying for the coveted "Easterns" in Outerbanks, NC. Nationally ranked "Masters" swimmer. Also completed 10-mile swims competitively in Ocean City, MD, in the "Ocean Games." So in 2022, he became a certified PASA kite surf instructor via Kitty Hawk Kites.
With his lifelong addiction to ocean watersports, you won't find a more experienced, capable instructor getting the job done, and you kite surfing safely.
Questions, Answered
When is the best season to learn?+
April through October offers our most consistent wind. Spring brings strong SW thermals; fall delivers clean NE breezes and warm water into November.
Do I need any experience?+
No. Most of our students start at zero. If you can swim 100 yards and feel comfortable in open water, you're ready for The Discovery lesson.
How long until I can ride independently?+
Most students achieve their first independent water starts within 6–9 hours of instruction. Riding upwind comfortably typically takes 10–15 hours.
What if the wind doesn't cooperate?+
We monitor forecasts 72 hours out and reschedule at no cost. You only ever pay for actual on-water time.
Ready to Fly?
Drop us a note with your dates and experience level.
Live Report
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WEATHER90° WSW @ 10 → 15mph -
LOW / HIGH TIDE5:48pm 11:35pm
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BUOY 411102.3 ft @ 3sec
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WATER TEMP82° Trunks/Bikini
