Kitty Hawk Kites

Ralph Buxton and John Harris started Kitty Hawk Kites in 1974, to offer hang-gliding lessons, equipment and more to visitors and locals of the Outer Banks.

Windsurfing became increasingly popular in the 1980s, so Ralph and John decided to open Kitty Hawk Sports, which was a store geared more towards the water sport aspect of the Outer Banks. By 1990, the partners split their business between them. Buxton hung onto Kitty Hawk Sports, and Harris hung onto Kitty Hawk Kites.

Buxton has considered selling Kitty Hawk Sports for a while, and recently he offered to sell his operation to his old partner.  Harris jumped at the opportunity to reunite the business operations, and the deal is official as of last week.

John is now the owner of Kitty Hawk Sports and Kitty Hawk Kites.  For the first time in about 20 years, both names will be under the same roof.

The purchase of Kitty Hawk Sports helps further Harris’ plan to expand. Kitty Hawk Kites has eight stores on the Outer Banks and two in Florida, plus a Whalebone Water sports rental outlet and two Life Is Good shops selling that brand’s clothing and outdoor gear. Kitty Hawk Kites has about 50 year-round employees and added four from Kitty Hawk Sports. So when you are on the Outer Banks, be sure to check out the stores for all your beach equipment needs.

Kitty Hawk Kites Nags Head Store