REAL Watersports
Founded in 2001, REAL has become the number one kiteboarding and surfing shop, lesson center and destination in the world. We ship gear worldwide from our amazing home in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and are committed to providing the highest possible level of customer service.
The Founders
Trip Forman and Matt Nuzzo have been named among the “Top 10 Most Influential People in the History of Kiteboarding” by Kiteboarding Magazine. Outside Magazine compared REAL and its founders to the early days of Burton Snowboards.
The REAL Pros
Our team of REAL Pros includes our sales team, marketing team, coaches and support staff. Whether you are adding another surfboard to your quiver, learning to kiteboard or just ordering a pair of sunglasses, our REAL Pros are here to help.
Contact a REAL Pro
Jobs at REAL
We are always looking for new talent. Join our team and live in one of the best locations for wind and surf in the world. If you excel in a team environment, like to learn something new every day and love taking sessions, then working for REAL is for you.
REAL Jobs
REAL Flagship Store
One of a kind 18,000 square foot "aquaplex" with specific areas for retail, lessons, rentals, restaurant, and luxury accommodations.
Open every day and located in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Shop the Store
REAL Lesson Center
The most knowledgeable and friendly coaches in the world. Instant access to perfect conditions for kiteboarding and surfing.
The Lesson Center is located on-site at REAL Watersports.
Lesson Center
REAL Rental Shop
REAL offers the only Rental Shop in the United States where you can rent the latest Kite, Surf, Wing and Foil gear.
The Rental Shop is located on-site at REAL Watersports.
Rental Shop
Live Music
REAL and Carolina Brewery bring you the Sky Blue Summer Concert Series, a series of waterfront live music performances.
All music events are located on-site at REAL Watersports.
Music & Events
Watermen's Retreat
Watermen's Retreat is a waterfront resort located in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina featuring a range of luxury options with incredible views.
Watermen's Retreat is located on-site at REAL Watersports.
Watermen's Retreat
Watermen's Bar & Grill
Watermen's Bar & Grill serves delicious, freshly prepared food, plus the best coffee, beers and mixed drinks on the Outer Banks.
Watermen's Bar & Grill is located on-site at REAL Watersports.
Watermen's Bar & Grill
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Epic winds. World-class waves. Unlimited beaches. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, both over the water. Not many destinations in the world can match this.
Cape Hatteras
REAL Travel
REAL Pros travel the globe following wind, waves, and good times. These carefully chosen destinations are our top picks for your next kite or surf adventure.
REAL Travel
The REAL Experience
Designed and built to maximize your experience in Cape Hatteras whether you are coming to kiteboard, surf, standup paddleboard or just enjoy the beach.
Plan Your VisitREAL Team Riders
We are proud to have an extraordinary group of pro riders that represent REAL all around the world. Our team riders are not only outstanding riders they are also superb ambassadors for REAL and the sports they love.
Jason Slezak
Jason was our first team rider, is the co-founder of the Triple-S Invitational and a talented kitesurfer.
Brandon Scheid
Brandon is continually pushing the limits of what’s possible on the water. As a multiple Triple-s champion, Brandon also started out as a REAL kite coach helping hundreds of new riders get out on the water!
Eric Rienstra
Eric’s signature style sets him apart on the water and his love the sport is infectious.
Brett Barley
Brett is our resident Surf Pro, if he's not getting the best waves on the OBX he is travelling the world chasing perfect surf.
Josh Mulcoy
Josh travels the world in search of perfect waves but loves nothing more than jumping on a plane to come and get barreled with us in the Outer Banks! Josh is one of a growing number of professional surfers to really embrace kitesurfing as a second sport.
Matt Keenan
Matt Keenan is an East Coast surfing legend who has also recently taken up kitesurfing! Matt is hands-down the most stoked person on earth!
James Jenkins
James spends much of the year guiding for Surfari Charters in Nicaragua, the other portion is balanced between school and OBX strike missions.
Kai Wescoat
Kai Wescoat is a Cape Hatteras grom who's surf skills are far beyond his years, keep an eye on this up and coming phenom!
Jessie Kilgour
Jessie splits her time between flat water and wave kiting, while traveling the globe representing REAL. When she’s not competing, Jessie is also the Head Coach at REAL, as well as an experienced first responder on land and in the water.
Camden Hoover
Camden Hoover is a REAL team rider who has loved playing in the ocean for as long as she can remember. She competes in shortboard and longboard surfing. She’s also passionate about singing and training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Austin Tovey
Austin is always looking to pair the right discipline to whatever the conditions have to offer. When there’s waves he will surf foil, when there’s wind he will ride freestyle/park and waves with the kite. On the 30mph+ days you will catch him on the wing but kite foiling is his go to when the wind is light
Esben Boxer
Esben is a North Carolina native, and between kite-surfing, foiling, & surfing you can always find him with salt in his hair. A member of the local Chicamicomico Banks Fire Department, he splits his time between serving his community and spreading stoke.
Nick Baines
Whether on Cape Hatteras, or Cape Town, Nick is always charging. Mega Loops, surfing, park riding, he does it all.